March III vs Milton II
Milton II 166 for 9 from 40 overs (G. Newton 45, P. Bone 28, J. Amphlett 22, Bussey 10-1-42-3, Patel 8-0-51-2)
March III 167 for 4 from 32.0 overs (N. Peck 72 not out, A. Brand 34, R. Jervis 4-0-22-2)
March III win by 6 wickets
Milton II slip to their first defeat of the season away to March III.
The Fens in summer are not always a pleasant place to be. The arrival of some swelteringly hot weather, an artificial pitch and the interesting conditions of the school playing field outfield didn’t excuse a poor batting and weak bowling performance from Milton.
It started well enough, Phil and Bob racing to 45 from 10 overs. However some movement in the air and off the seam from Bussey, allowed March to rip through the Milton order. When Gerhard got out for 2 to a sharp catch by Patel, Milton heads went down. Jon and Graham steadied the ship somewhat but as the batsmen tried to accelerate, Jon was stumped. The highlight of Milton’s batting performance was Graham Newton, who with a steady 45 signaled he was coming into good form with the bat. Graham’s innings at least ensured Milton were able to post a respectable total of 166 for 9 at tea.
The March III team had suggested before the game that they were struggling for batsmen. And indeed their response began badly, losing Furnell, Patel and Welland cheaply to some lively bowling by Rob Jervis and Chris Easely. Although encouraged by the wickets, Milton had given lots of runs away and that was a major concern defending a moderate total. Although there was a glimmer of hope for Milton when the wickets were falling, Peck and Brand quickly took the game away from the away side. Some big hitting by Peck (dispatching 2 cricket balls into the Fenland countryside) meant that March II were able to reach the target with 8 overs to spare.