The Whitchurch Blues faced Whitchurch Yellows in the league on another roasting and cloudless Sunday morning. Interclub fixtures often have a strange vibe – relaxed in the sense that everyone knows everyone else personally and their cricketing capabilities. Tense in the sense that everyone is keen to show the best of themselves and their team in front of a large group of spectators.

Yellows won the toss and elected to bat. They were under pressure immediately with a ferocious spell of bowling from Oscar I, taking four wickets in his first two overs. He was well backed up by the field including a great catch from Joe. It was looking like a rout, but Jonny batted sensibly, scoring 13 before retiring and when Madeleine came in, the tables turned as she calmly smoked 30 off just 22 balls before retiring. As the sun beat down some of the bowling became less accurate and the yellows stuck to their task, scoring slowly, but accumulating extras. Isla and Ruby both took wickets and there was an easy stumping for James on the last ball, leaving a target of 105, which had seemed impossible an hour earlier. 46 extras.

After the innings break, Oscar I and James stepped out and set about their task with zeal. James scored 30 before retiring, but when Oscar I was out for 11 after some sharp bowling off Jonny, the partnership was broken. Wilf gave three catching chances which were not taken, before edging to Ethan off Jacob’s bowling, scoring 12. Ruby contributed with a brisky 14 before being caught by Dillon off Jake. Joe and Isla saw things home in 13 overs to a convincing win for the Blues. 34 extras.

On another day, the result could have been different, with Yellows missing two of their most experienced players, but sometimes when the catches don’t stick, it’s just not your day. Well played everyone!

Special mentions for Wilf, who walked when knicking the ball off a glove, showing great honesty. Also for Jonny & Dillon who kindly and helpfully volunteered to play for the opposition. Never an easy thing to do, but something very much appreciated by the coaches.

Back to normal now, with Blues taking on Oakley on Tuesday.