The captain lost the toss and Bartestree were inserted on a deceptively awful pitch. This soon proved as the better Backhouse was pinned in front for 4. Saminda joined George, enthused by his move to 3. The following partnership ensured Bartestree a strong foothold in the game. The team watched Fernando’s aggressive drives with bated breath.

At 85-1, BLCC were flying. .. at 85-3 less so. Last weeks centurion, George was beaten for slow for a fluent 40 and Saminda (29) added to his stumped tally. This brought the skipper and Lerego to the crease. Max on the back of 2 half centuries and Ethan of 2 ducks. The themes continued as Lerego lazily prodded the trundler to slip via the keeper’s gloves. Tommy the tank soon followed carving the dobber to cover. Fantastic spin caused Ben to fall for 7 and Rogers next ball, as the Bartestree steam engine was grinding to a halt at 118-7. A knock of true grit from Dawsy (18*) allowed Captain Cool to reach another fantastic 50 in tough conditions. Their superb 58 run partnership took Bartestree to 176-8. Finishing on a fairly competitive 177 the 1st XI had been given something to bowl at. Middle bowlers Odell and Harris with 3 a piece, despite that Harris can’t be proud of his medium paced pies.

The attack was led by Bartestree’s show pony and part time steam engine Tom O’Connor, who got enough plays and misses to make a grown man cry. Bartlett Jr opened up from the other end and got the ball to shape nicely. Tommy the Tank and the better Ethan pried without much luck and Bewdley were soon passed 50. Chrissy brown toiled away in the difficult middle overs. Until, Maxy Trats came on and struck to the relief of his watching twin. Soon after the skipper removed the dangerous Hallam for 57. At 100-2, Backhouse turned to the unorthodox Lerego who kept an end quiet with tidy filth. Their prancing pony (2-34) returned to the dressage arena picking up 2 more including an incisive clean bowled. Rax Backell (3-51) returned for another wicket to complete a great individual performance. The remainder of the game was punctuated by Ryan trying to scrap with half of Bewdley. The opposition reached their target 5 down in the 40th over.

The 1st XI were far from their clinical best today with poor shot selection, some loose bowling and misfields. Yet weren’t too far away from a team likely to be promoted. A couple of questionable umpire calls and some luck in the field who knows.

Onto Himley next week and hopefully 24 points.

Ethan Lerego