Over at Tong, the 5th XI batted first and unfortunately struggled with the bat. A number of batters showed their determination facing a high number of deliveries, but coming up against a good bowling side, it was hard to get going. David Barnes (11 from 31) and Joseph Owen (13 from 16) top scored as they were bowled out for 68.

It’s always a challenge defending a low score, but it can also be as much of a challenge to the batters - do they attack or take their time and protect their average? On this occasion, they attacked. For the bowling team, change bowlers can work as the batters can’t settle, but on this occasion the opposition were too good as they chased down the total to win by 10 wickets in nine overs. The 5th XI plays Rodley again this week, but at Richmond House, so expect this match to potentially be a different contest on a wicket that has been used just once this season.

While the results haven’t gone in favour of Chads so far this season, there have been a number of impressive performances, and there’s still plenty to be excited about. The women’s team play their first match this Sunday, so keep an eye out for that. All five senior league teams are also playing this coming weekend, so there’s plenty of opportunities to get some positive results on the board as we head towards the middle of May.