To start with the newest part of the club: today saw the first time our new Under 11 Girls played a competitive match when we visited Sunbury. This hardy team of players gave a great account of themselves, and although we lost to a well-drilled Sunbury team it was a top performance for our side on their first time in the middle for real. Congratulations to everyone who played, and thanks to Prince, who has coached them so well.

This followed on from a great Girls Fun Night at the club on Friday, where we had a great turnout. Thanks to everyone involved – especially Helen Gilmour, who gets a mention ahead of her boys this week – including those who stepped up to help cope with the larger than expected numbers.

In the senior sides, after 4 wins out of five the last two weeks, we managed 3½ this week, as the draw entered the fray. The 1s got a good win, making 170 (Orlando Ames-Lewis 42) and bowled out SKLPC for 137 (Vansh Malik 4-24). The 2s got a winning draw (just) after a great recovery with the bat. From a dicey-looking 114-6, the two Marshes rescued us, Tom Marsh making 50 and James Marsh registering his maiden league ton with a brilliant 103*, which lifted us to 254. We never got close to bowling Enfield out, but we kept them below the winning draw target, finishing on 221-6.

The 3s continued a great run of form, chasing down SKLPC’s target with 6 wickets and 12 overs to spare. Anthony Millest led with the ball, taking 5-58 and our chase of 193 saw Glayson Baptiste hit 55 with his balsa-wood bat, and Michael Whyard ease us home with 54*.

The 4s beat Actonians comfortably, with runs and wickets shared around, to go 4th in the table. A depleted 5s lost to Actonians by a distance, Jim Sehmi top-scoring with 48.

On Sunday the away side got a draw. Chiswick posted 191-9 declared (Hamza Najib 61, Sam Sud 53*) and had Mayfield 130-7 (Karthik 5-28).

We had a tough run of junior games this week, the U10s, U11s and U13s all losing to strong opposition. I am proud of how they stood up, particularly playing against one opposing side who are skilled but lack the grace to go with it that makes a real cricketer. Well done to our lads.

Next weekend we have the usual league games on Saturday plus the first week of the MDL – Middlesex Development League – as well as a friendly. Please get your availabilities in: it is particularly helpful if some 1s and 2s players can do the MDL, to help give the side some backbone. Please get your availabilities for all games into Pitchero before Tuesday 6pm to be considered for selection.

Have a good week everyone.
Bernard