Topcroft 'A' v Drayton 10th May 2008

Topcroft 'A' 230-4 Drayton 194 The blistering hot weather, and an even covering of grass on the pitch meant that the toss would be crucial for the first team's visit to Topcroft. Unfortunately Phil Soanes for the second week proved to be a useless tosser and Drayton were consigned to a boiling afternoon in the field. Topcroft's innings was given a furious start thanks to some lusty hitting from J. Vincent and some enterprising stroke play from A. Adcock - albeit given a helping hand by some indifferent Drayton bowling and, in particular, fielding. The home side were sitting pretty at 98-0 in the 19th over and looking at a score in the high 200's. Gary Foreman, in his first spell of the season, dimissed both openers before they had reached 50 to reduce Topcroft to 109-2. B. Davey and D. Reeder set about rebuilding their innings and sensibly compiled a 50 partnership, before Michael Mario-Ghae trapped Reeder in front of his stumps, before incuding a thick outside edge from A. James. This, however, proved to be the last breakthrough for Drayton as Davey and Burroughs saw Topcroft through to 230-4 when their innings closed. Drayton were hampered by injuries to Lee Cornfield and Phil Soanes, however they will need to improve on their bowling and fielding in the coming weeks and months. Credit to Michael Mario-Ghae who maintained his line and length impressively to return figures of 11-2-31-2.

In reply, Drayton faced a strong Topcroft seam bowling attack, however attack was very much the best form of defence. Andy Hawes latched onto anything loose, especially anything short, striking 8 fours in his 41. Having looked well set at 64-1 in the 18th over, Drayton then lost four wickets in the next seven overs - Paul Eggett looking in fine touch for his 19 before being brilliantly run out by Elden. The Drayton middle order set about maintaining the challenge for victory and for the second consecutive week, Lee Cornfield and Phil Soanes compiled a fine 8th wicket partnership - this time 46 in just 28 balls. Soanes eventually bowled by Elden for 26 having earlier hit him for three fours in four balls. Cornfield continued to hit out in the company of Mike Ridout, however he went to the well once to often and was bowled by Elden for 35 - Drayton eventually falling 36 runs short of their target.