ECC 1st XI vs Findon CC, 2nd XI

The 1st XI welcomed table topping Findon 2nd XI to a wet Eastergate on Saturday afternoon. The skipper lost the toss and we were put into bat on a green and muddy wicket.

Liam opened once again but was partnered with the returning Jack who got called up from the 2s. These 2 put on a 73 run opening partnership which really steadied the innings before Liam was caught for 38. Henry then joined Jack in the middle and made a quick fire 26 before being caught off the young Findon leg spinner. Curt was then welcomed by Jack before getting caught on the boundary for 8. Brad came out to the crease looking to up the run rate and he did just that. Jack was then out caught and bowled for a well earned 45. Joey replaced him in the middle and himself and Brad made an unbeaten 60 run partnership to get the gate to a very respectable score of 203-4 after our 40 overs. Brad finishing on 45* and Joey 28*

With the rain fast approaching the gate wanted to get back out into the pitch as soon as possible to try and have the best possible chance of winning the game. However the Findon batters had other ideas by trying to slow down the game as best as possible. Henry and Josh opened the bowling as usual and both bowled extremely well with Josh taking the wicket of the Findon number 1 caught behind by Joey. Craig and Jamie then replaced the openers to try and speed up the over rate before the rain affected the game. Jamie would then pick up his first wicket caught by Henry and then would get another caught behind after a bit of a juggle by Joey. The players then left the field due to the rain but came back on shortly after. Craig then joined the party by bowling 3 of the Findon boys as well as Jamie picking up his third wicket of the today also being bowled. Rain then affected the game again but we went back out after a little break and continued the momentum. Craig took another to claim his fourth of the day with it being caught by Brad. Then Jamie cleaned up the rest with one being bowled and the other caught by Liam. Findon 100 all out Eastergate win by 103 runs.

Overall great team performance from the boys fielding was exceptional great bowling and top batting as well. This leaves the 1st XI second in the table 16 points behind Bosham.

Special Mentions: Liam 38 & catch, Jack 45, Henry 26, 2.60 economy & catch, Brad 45* & catch, Joey 28* & 2 catches, Josh 1-15 & 3.00 economy, Craig 4-47, Jamie 5-24 and the whole team in the field with the rain and wind.

The boys are away next weekend to bottom of the table Himani.

#UPTHEGATE