Two sides due to be playing their first seasons at County 3 level met at Boyes Lane in a friendly on an overcast afternoon.
The wicket was damp initially, but local knowledge that the ground would dry quickly, and the fortunate early cessation of the rain, meant that the game could go ahead.
Both Farley and Colden were missing several of their regular first teamers, giving opportunities to several other players to face the music.

CCOSW lost the toss and were invited to bat first. Jacob Dann was promoted to open with Matt Burrows and was the first to fall when he gloved a rising delivery to the keeper. Zia Nori, fresh from three consecutive ducks, showed his undoubted talent as he and Matt put on 103 for the second wicket. Zia crashed the ball to all parts before an excellent caught and bowled by Laksamba dismissed him for 64. Ant Palmier, much to his credit, "walked" for 0, despite no appeal from the Farley side after the ball knicked his glove and carried to the keeper.
Leigh Stevens and Matt Burrows consolidated with a 63 run partnership before Burrows was stumped for 67. Stevens played well for his 38 not out as quick runs were added by Jamie Watts, Ben Brass and Steve Hodder towards the end of the innings.
Common's total after their allocated 40 overs was a very respectable 208-6. Farleys bowlers were led by Sam Burton who took 3-39, and Laksamba bowled a superb 8 over spell of spin for a return of 2-27.

Farleys innings started poorly against some hostile bowling from Ben Brass and the nagging Rich Kimber. Brass bowled quickly and accurately to take 3 wickets (all bowled) for 2 runs in his first 5 overs. Kimbers five overs saw him take 2-12. Both bowlers were taken out of the attack with Farley struggling at 5-15 after 10 overs. Simon Kelly and Darren Jacobs took over and continued to bowl tight lines and both took a wicket, Darren's five overs cost just 5 runs while Simon conceded 18 from his spell. Steve Hodder and Ant Palmier each took a wicket in their short spells before Brass (6-3-5-4) returned to wrap up the Farley innings at 87.

On paper it was a resounding victory, but the workout the Common batsmen got from Farleys bowlers was well worth getting the game on.
It was an enjoyable afternoons cricket with the game played in the right spirit by both sides, and fortunately the match ran its full course in the dry, despite the constant threat of rain.

Colden Common and Otterbourne SW CC

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