On Saturday we started our league season with wins for 5 of our 6 sides – so near to the Green Sweep. But a brilliant start to the competitive season for the club.

The 1s beat South Hampstead at HQ, bowling them out for 127 and chasing it for none. Overseas player Tom Flavell made his debut half-century for us, 79*, and Anurag Zende accompanied him with a solid 43*. The 2s also defeated South Hampstead, bowling them out for 91 (Simon Moss 6-19, early contender for best figures of the year) and got them for 2 in 17 overs.

The 3s had a grudge match against Bessborough and saw them off, making 185-7 (Henry Somper 42*) before bowling them out for 106. The 4s beat Brentham in a game of ebbs and flows. We posted a decent 212-8 in our 45 (Nick Hewetson 67, Emon Noel 48*) and although they were in the hunt till the end, they finished on 174, including a pair of crucial wicket for debutant Haroon Shinwari.

The 5s beat Twickenham on a difficult Chiswick House wicket, bowling them out for 91 and chasing them for 5. The 6s had a tough day at the office against Actonians, who posted 308 and bowled us out for 164.

It was a quiet week for the juniors, but plenty of games coming up this week.

Next week we have the usual list of league fixtures on Saturday, including the 4s v the 5s, always a tasty game. Also men’s and women’s games on Sunday – please get your availabilities in asap.

Annual subs are now very much due, and payable at https://www.chiswickcricketclubdragons.com/payments/senior-membership-2025-earlybird-before-may-31-130990.html. Thanks to those who have already paid. But considering we had 66 players represent the club on Saturday alone, the current list of payers is thin. Please get on it this week.

Can I also please remind you about leaving changing rooms at HQ in a decent condition after games – please clear away your rubbish and not leave it for someone else to have to do. Can I also ask that the bunker is left tidy after weekday practices? I spent 20 minutes on Wednesday morning clearing up, which I didn’t love.

And a final reminder about the Fantasy Cricket game – you’ve missed week one but still time to join. Please go to www.Chiswick.FantasyClubCricket.co.uk to sign up and pick your team, and go to the Pitchero shop to pay your entrance fee.

Have a good week and up the Chis!
Bernard