On arrival to Long Ditton Rec there was slight apprehension on first viewing of the pitch, as the day went on it was definitely a kind of pitch that most of the Ashtead, and East Molesey players, had never played on. As we entered game day East Molesey were sitting top of the league having played three and won three and we were third after a good win against Chertsey the week before to make up for the Spencer game. Ashtead took with them a team including four U14 players and a U15 player, it was to be a good test for them. East Molesey had a similar make up as well to their team so a balanced match was in the offing.

At the toss the skipper called correctly and took one second to utter the words "We'll have a bowl!" swiflty followed by "Good luck with that, though we do both have to bat on it!".

The new ball was put in the hands of two of our U14 bowlers, Sam Conlan (3-37) and Kishan Patel (1-13). Kishan found his rhythm very early and Sam struggled a little to find the right length but still picked up a wicket inducing a very loose shot and the catch was taken. At the other end Kishan was bowling well keeping the ball full and letting the pitch do the rest and his patient approach came off with an extremely sharp caught and bowled to remove the other opener. Patience and persistence was going to be key in picking up wickets. Josh Lyon (2-22) replaced Sam early on and with the change of Gyan Vishnoi appearing for the first time this season the screws were tightened and Josh was the benefactor picking up two wickets. Gyan bowled superbly to the situation to only go for 22 runs off his nine overs bowling straight through. Paddy Crossan (2-32) took over from Josh when he had to come off and bowled well. The occasional bad ball was punished but the pressure resulting from the majority of his bowling meant he picked two deserved wickets.

As we headed into the last ten overs great bowling from the returning Sam and Josh kept that pressure on but the spin of Ambar Vishnoi (2-8) changed the innings with him cleaning up the set batsman on 48 who was ready to make the most of the last overs and then quickly picking up the final wicket as East Molesey set us 144.

Ben Gale (17) and Gareth Amer (64) went out to bat knowing the hard work was in front of them. Having told his players not to hit any shots in the air Gareth had an almighty swing at his second ball and somehow carved the ball to third man where the ball fell safely. The next over settled things down with three boundaries but the going was tough as East Molesey bowler Dan Sultan bowled with pace and accuracy. A rap to Ben's gloves was dropped and both openers built on their chances gaining a 50 run opening partnership. Ben ultimately fell to an evil ball that leapt off a full length to take his glove and hit the keeper. The resulting rebound from his shoulder went a full fifteen feet in the air and was poached by first slip.

Josh (8) joined Gareth and the two set about picking off bad balls and being patient. The lack of pace from the bowling did for Josh as a pull went to square leg to bring Kishan (4) out. The same happened with Kishan being done for lack of pace to bring Andrew Scott (13) out. Rev batting up the order did what he does best, batted time and didn't give his wicket away. Trying increase the run rate and get us over the line Gareth tried to give himself space and only ended up giving a bottom edge to first slip who gladly took the offering. A good thirty run partnership between Rev and Tom Wells (12) pulled us within ten runs of victory for three quick wickets to fall for no runs and nerves to kick in on the boundary.

Never in doubt Jonathan Jarvis and Paddy Crossan saw us home with a four hit for victory.

A fantastic team effort with wickets shared, runs saved in the field, catches taken and the run rate maintained to finish with four overs to spare.