The 1st XI made a strong start to the Division 5B season with a commanding eight-wicket win over Marsh Gibbon CC 1st XI.

Marsh Gibbon, having won the toss and electing to bat, struggled to gain momentum as Kidlington’s disciplined bowling attack kept them in check. Opener Julian Chambers was dismissed for a duck in just the second over of the match, caught by Sahil Kalyan off the bowling of Arfan Younis. Arfan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for just 33 runs in his nine overs, dismantling the Marsh Gibbon top order.

Despite a steady 34 from Henry Adams and a late 22 not out from Alfie Cross, Marsh Gibbon were bowled out for a modest 141 in 40.2 overs. 15 year old Joshua Boucher, making his 1st team debut, also made an impact with the ball, taking three wickets for just 13 runs in a tight five-over spell. Jamie Stothard and Edd Willmot chipped in with a wicket each, while Josh Behal bowled economically and picked up one wicket as well.

In response, Kidlington’s top order made light work of the chase. Although Ross Steenberg fell early for a duck, the innings was anchored superbly by Sahil Kalyan, who remained unbeaten on 63 off 86 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six. He was ably supported by Edd Willmot, who struck a fluent 44 before falling just short of the target.

Kidlington reached the target comfortably at 142/2 in just 25.1 overs, sealing victory with more than 19 overs to spare. Extras contributed a hefty 35 runs to the total, underlining Marsh Gibbon’s difficulties with the ball.

The win sees Kidlington CC 1st XI start strongly near the top of the Division 5B table, while Marsh Gibbon will need to regroup quickly to find some form after the first week of the season.