Dorking too strong for Addiscombe's young guns

Poor availability across the club meant that only 2 players (the captain and Michael J) were available from the 4th XI that beat Beddington the week before. I was very grateful that so many colts could step in with no U15 fixture this week and with half term looming for those affected by GCSEs. We handed debuts to James Duffy who increased the ginger-ratio in the team (always a good thing) and also to Callum Wilson, Yash Vora and to the Mighty 'Stace-Brace' of Aaron and Colts Manager Dad, Ritchie.

It was an inexperienced team but we had good team spirit and we were up for it!

We lost the toss and Dorking put us into bat. Father-son duo of Jon and Tom Kuhrt opened the batting with Tom looking solid and guiding 3 fours through third man to get to 15. Disaster struck when Jon called a tight single and Tom hesitated - the fielder picked up quick and with a sharp throw ran out Tom by 2 yards. It was a shocker - and we were 27-1 with a traumatised dad left batting.

Aaron Stace at number 3 looked very good with his correct technique and some classy shots. Jon was getting bogged down and on 15 missed a straight one and James Duffy came out to bat with his mate Aaron. They looked good and increased the scoring rate before James was also run out for 11. Aaron was bowled for 15 which brought Yash in, who hit some cracking drives before chipping one up to be caught and bowled for 14. Ritchie and Michael stuck around for a bit but wickets fell and Dorking's accurate bowling and tight fielding meant we slipped from 67-2 to 96 all out.

All our bowlers struggled on the good batting pitch and straight from the off, Dorking smashed us around. Generally we bowled too short but our fielding was keen and committed. James Duffy fielded particularly well, diving around the outfield and Ritchie was sharp in the gully. Michael Jones came on and bowled 3 excellent overs with his passionate medium-pace. He bowled the best length of everyone and showed some great Addiscombe spirit, even though we were struggling. He fully deserved his first league wicket when the Dorking batsman hit a big hit out to deep mid-wicket, where James Duffy took a superb catch. Even in a tough match, you can still have these great moments. It was hugs and high 5s all around and Mike had the biggest smile in Surrey!

So we ended up losing by 8 wickets but we got a lot of positive comments from the oppo about the way we played. Big thanks to Ritchie for doing so much umpiring and to Danny K for scoring and for everyone for chipping in and making sure we fulfilled the fixture. When you can't win, its good to lose well.