Chesterfords 252-5 beat Ashdon 211 A/O by 43 runs

The first Saturday match of the season usually requires players to search for a second jumper to stave off the cold, however, this season has been ushered in with almost August-like conditions. Chesterfords travelled to Ashdon for a friendly match with a healthy combination of colts and regular Saturday and Sunday players, looking to make the most of Ashdon’s traditionally good batting track and the sun on their backs.

Chesterfords won the toss and elected to bat. After Paul Philips fell cheaply, David Lightning and James Pullen looked to make the most of some wayward bowling. Ashdon countered with the nagging line and length of Salt and Ford, with Lighting (44) losing both his patience and off stump to Salt soon after. David Perring joined Pullen at the crease and together the two played intelligent and aggressive cricket for a pleasing partnership of 128. Pullen, particularly harsh on any ball short of a length, made the most of one outrageous dropped catch off Ford’s bowling to reach his century with a combination of well placed singles and classy drives on both sides of the wicket, eventually holing out for 102.

Perring followed soon after for a well played 55, caught off the bowling of Millerchip (2-27).  With only a few overs remaining, Tom Dowrick (11 no) and Liam Woodcock (4 no) saw Chesterfords over the 250 run mark, with Woodcock’s audacious reverse sweep possibly the shot of the day.

Ashdon opened with Millerchip and Ford, who tucked into typically rusty early-season bowling by Adam Miles and Richard Taylor, although Miles soon found his customary line and length with a hint of swing to cause both batsman problems. With the introduction of Walter Jackson (1-45), Chesterfords hoped that the lack of pace on the ball would increase pressure on Millerchip and Ford, although Chesterfords generally poor fielding did not support the bowlers and allowed the two batsmen to build up a speedy and healthy partnership. Only the bowling of Perring (4-32) seemed to worry the opening pair, finally causing Ford to be bowled for 41. After a few quick wickets, Ashdon needed to up their run-rate, and Perring finally got Millerchip to edge behind for a controlled 85. Chesterfords polished off the tail with the two colts, Taylor (2-22) and Woodcock (1-13) bowling with great maturity to give Chesterfords an encouraging start to the season.

Scorecard