Having risen to third in the league following their win over Matching Green, Chesterfords made the short trip down the motorway to Birchanger. Winning the toss on what appeared to be a good flat track, captain Wazz Mughal elected to bat first.

The track was however not what it seemed. Due to the heavy rain that had occurred in the week, it turned out to be a very bowler friendly wicket, with limited bounce and carry. Chesterfords were in trouble in the 3^rd over of the game loosing the wickets of first Paul Phillips then James Pullen with neither of them scoring. David Perring joined David Lightning at the crease, and the pair of them dug in during a 10 over partnership producing 25 runs. Lighting was eventually caught behind for 7. The opening bowlers, Rob Tyler and particularly Sheldon Selliers made the most of the bowler friendly conditions. Luke Claydon joined Perring at the crease and another 10 over partnership was born. By this time Perring was starting to look more comfortable with the conditions and exerted his authority on the situation. Claydon supported well until he was cleaned bowled for 10. With the score only 61 off 25 overs, the situation was looking grim. Perring was joined by Wazz Mughal and the pair of them dug their heels in to the task. Perring the senior batsman and Mughal the captain played with maturity and skill as they doubled the score inside 10 overs. Perring eventually was caught for a splendid 54, and Mughal followed soon after for a gutsy 32. Lower order resistance from Greg Watson allowed Chesterford to post 149 – 9 off their 45 overs.

Despite the sun drying the track, the bowler friendly conditions continued into Birchanger’s innings. Tom Thake (8 overs 1 for 19) bowled economically and with menace, but it was the bowling of Alan Stokley that shaped the game. Stokley playing in his first game this season bowled as if the winter break had never happened, producing swing and seam to confuse the opposition in one of the best bowling performances by a Chesterfords player. His figures of 6 for 23 off 10 overs put Chesterfords firmly in the driving seat with Birchanger at 47 for 7 things looked wrapped up, however some low order patience by E and S Sellier started to get Birchanger back in the game. With one ball to spare in the penultimate over and the score at 147 – 9, it was Chesterfords hero with the bat, David Perring who came through to save the day clean bowling the last Birchanger batsman to allow Chesterfords to win by 2 runs.

Scorecard