Soaked at Swanmore

With only 7 players present at 1800, Swanmore's captain, Stuart McCraken, kindly allowed us to bat first. With spikes removed for the artificial wicket traditional opener Lorne joined local boy Tom Gilpin to get things underway. The Swanmore attack with brisk and tight, and meant runs were hard to come by. The pressure led to a mix-up of calls causing Lorne to be runout at the non-strikers end. Newly appointed ST4 Vik strode out and got underway with a double on his first ball. The bouncy track meant that balls on a length rose up enough to be played on the back foot. The Swanmore bowlers also found decent movement. Vik was out caught at mid off with one that got up more than expected, allowing skipper Davies to join Tom in the middle.

They steadied the ship but could only nurdle singles as the fielders all seemed to have a decent arm! In this 18 over match, RHCH barely ticked over at 4 an over. Tom was out to a beautiful slower ball which brought Sheps into bat. He was the pick of the batsmen, facing a good number of quality balls and struck two fours. Davies was stumpted for 13 after charging down the track in an effort to up the run rate. Axum was caught for 4 meaning Sheps closed out the match with Steve Kidd.

Rather comically, Sheps was bowled out for 24 off the last ball of the innings - the seventh ball of the over after a previous no ball. No red ink...

By now the drizzle had picked up in intensity and by the time Swanmore started their reply, there was decent rainfall. We soldiered on for 5 more minutes but it only got worse and the outfield was very slippery for us in trainers.

Blue skies were in the distance but safety was a factor and we agreed to shake hands and head to the pub.

Thanks to all those who travelled, particularly those who didn't bat or bowl, it is much appreciated. Thanks to Andy C and Vik for umpiring and Lorne for doing the book.

Cricket again on Thursday at North Walls, see you then.