The match was a 35 overs per side affair and the Wanderers won the toss and batted first in blazing sunshine. Despite two early wickets, and the ghastly American shrieks of a lacrosse summer camp going on next door, the innings started with a rather bullish air of confidence. Will K-P (72 runs) continued his renaissance as an opening batsman and was joined by Tom Doe (66 runs), one of three new faces in the side, and together they put together an excellent century partnership. Having potentially timed the innings rather well, when it came for the big push off the final 10 overs the Downside engine spluttered somewhat, with the tail perhaps a little put off by the unaccustomed top order success. We fell short of our targeted 230 but just about made par helped by some customary lusty blows from Hugo Monro. 201 seemed defendable if we performed with the ball.

Dom Walker bowled a smart opening spell matched by Toby Hanscomb, another of the new recruits, who swung the ball beautifully. Luke Hickey the third of the new players also performed well, keeping wicket very neatly throughout the innings. After the opening spell Worth started to take the game away punishing some loose bowling. In such times of crisis what is often required is a seasoned campaigner and one duly materialised in the form of the club president.

Ponti, in a stunning spell immediately applied the brakes to the innings and proceeded to take a cool 'five for' (5-28). No one was able to deal with his variations including the umpire who was so confused he appeared to forget the lbw rule. The president was assisted by Rob (of Gibraltar) Heelas who bowled a great spell taking 2 key wickets. The momentum had turned and Worth were suddenly nine wickets down with 30 odd runs still to get.

Unfortunately the final wicket proved elusive and Worth somehow crept over the line with a few balls to spare. It was a really fun day and most importantly it was fantastic to see good new cricketers coming through the ranks, shown the way, of course, by our President.