Kidlington 2s arrived at Eynsham, looking to add to their winning streak, knowing that a win would secure promotion back to Tier 6 next season, regardless of other results.

Eynsham's captain, L Bowles, won the toss and elected to field. The wicket looked hard and flat with a green top, cloud cover overhead and a humid afternoon, bowling looked the stronger option. Kidlington's opening pair, I Younis and R Hambridge (C), took to the crease. In familiar fashion, I Younis played the anchoring role, seeing off some good bowling from S Cooper and Hambridge looked to attack early, maintaining a run rate of 5 an over from the get go. a 50-run opening partnership to start the day, before Hambridge fell for 43 (31). Younis was then joined by Jacob Lal, and the pair continued to pile on the runs. Younis beginning to bat more aggressively whilst Jacob got himself settled. Both batters bringing up half centuries before the second wicket partnership broken just shy of 100 runs. Immy finishing on 61 (101), a sublime opening knock. A slight middle order collapse from Kidlington as N Talmaki, A Behal and M Tippett all fell for single figures. Jacob finally departed on 68 (80), a top score on the day.

As Kidlington had brought up 200 runs, the captains instructions for the final two batters was to put on as many as possible with the final few overs remaining. Jack Launchbury and Chris Graham executing this perfectly. Jack finishing on 33 (27) and Chris with a brilliant 24 (9) ensuring Kidlington finished over the 250 run mark with style. 266 from 45 overs was the target set.

After enjoying a brilliant tea, Kidlington took to the field and Hambridge opted for the mix of youth and experience to open the bowling, T Launchbury and A Bharti with the new ball. Both bowled well, Arnav the pick of the bowlers on the day, but both finished their spells without picking up a wicket. Hambridge then came on and dismissed Eynsham's opener R Peach in the 9th over, a smart catch at square leg from J Lal. Jeremy Launchbury trapped Eynsham's other opener LBW just shy of his 50 and Tipper, doing what he does best, dismantling their middle order finishing on 40/4 after his 9 overs. Jeremy also picked up 3 wickets.

A stern team talk from the skipper at drinks as the job wasn't done yet and Kidlington had started to become lackadaisical in the field. Eynsham were still in reach of the runs if Kidlington didn't pull themselves together and focus. Chris Graham then came on to bowl an excellent spell and massively reduced the run rate, picking himself up the final wicket. Some excellent fielding from Jack Launchbury on the boundary and N Talmaki behind the stumps, picking up a stumping as well. Kidlington got the final wicket in the 43rd over, as Eynsham were all out for 203.

The win secured and promotion secured on the day. A few points from the remaining 2 games will see Kidlington win the league.

Mon the 2s !!!