Bright sunshine welcomed the first week of Cherwell league cricket, however, both pitches at Stratfield Brake had suffered from the weeks of rain leading up to the start of the season. The outfield on pitch 2 looked slow and the strip looked very green as getting work done on the square had been presented few opportunities. Both teams eager to bowl and Shipton, winning the toss, elected to put the 3s into bat.

However, the experience of Razwan and Nick Jeacock got Kidlington off to a flying start, getting to 50-0 off the first 10 overs, before Razwan (23) fell to a good catch in the field. Ryan joined Nick to the crease and they batted steadily before Nick fell in the final over before drinks for 32. A few good supporting partnerships from Matthew and Aazam took Ryan to 41 until he fell in the 30th over as Kidlington saw themselves past the 100 mark. A standard middle order collapse, in typical KCC fashion, saw us get to 140-8, going into the last few overs. Kev Crawford came out with a swing, which just clipped the top of the stumps, after orders from the skipper to "just have a whack." But Ran De Silva and Matthew Sketchley batted out the remaining overs with Matthew on 4* and a 1* for Ran.

After an opening spell with a few wides and no balls from Shipton, Will Taylor picked up 4 wickets and a tight middle spell from Neil Fox and Jack Stone reduced Kidlington's run rate, from the initial pace of 5 an-over, to 144-9 at the end of their innings.

Shipton required 145 to win and deciding to lead with experience again, Ryan gave the new ball to Kevin and Ran to get the bowling underway. Kev picked up 3 early wickets and Ran followed on with a wicket as well. This reduced Shipton early and adding to this, Ryan took a further 2 wickets after a few dolly drop catches in the field. Shipton looked as if they were going to chase the runs as Patrick Doe hit a blistering 57, comprising mostly of boundaries down the ground, before the experience of Ran, coming back on for his second spell, got Patrick caught by Kev at point. An impressive 7 overs from James Lal, also picking up 2 wickets at the end, a first senior wicket for Matthew Sketchley and short bowling spell from Ollie Wilmott saw Kidlington over the line in the 36th over.

5 Kidlington senior cricket debutants (Matthew Collett, Matthew Sketchley, James Lal, Ollie Willmot, Shantanu Sinha) helping secure a deserved win was a great sight and gives confidence for the future of the club and a credit to the coaching staff. The 3s look on to Marston next weekend to continue their winning fashion.

UTKCC :)