The Old Bedfordians kicked their 2017 Cricketer Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a thumping seven-wicket win over the Downside Wanderers on Sunday 11th June.
The toss proved important and we were always looking to bowl first. By the time Jack Goldberg (09-11) and Mark Gibbs (93-98) had completed their first couple of overs it was clear we had the opportunity to restrict Downside Wanderers to a small total. Jack bowled very well and ended with four wickets for diddly-squat from his 10 overs. Gibbsy bowled tightly and it was clear the batsmen very much wanted to be facing him ahead of the rather more intimidating axis of Jack, Harry Aitkenhead (06-12) and Seb Wren (02-12).
In the Cricketer Cup experience has shown us that unusual deliveries take wickets, so it was no surprise that Wren Jnr’s leg stump half volley and wide long hop proved deadly. Harry bowled well and nipped out another three and by the time Gibbs was brought back, presumably to bore out the tail, it was just a farcical run-out between us and snaring all 10 wickets for 86.
Sowerby and Bedford, who had earlier taken two fine catches, started solidly and with cameo contributions with the bat from Tim Graham, Will Aitkenhead and Goldberg victory was not long in coming. All in all a comfortable win by 7 wickets and a launchpad to have an excellent campaign this year. Our next game, in the last 16, is at the School on 25th June which will see us facing the Felsted Robins.