9 brave and keen Blades, fresh from last week’s brutal victory, took to the hallowed turf of Knightwood in bright summer sun, to face Winchester. The Winch batted first, and their openers, helped by a dry batting wicket, set about the opening attack of Lowe and Farmer, quickly reaching 61 for 0 from the first 7 overs. It was a sign of the strength of their batting that the top three retired before Meering bowled the first Blades victim. This triggered a certain amount of screw-tightening from Meering and a returning Adamson who kept Winchester’s rate down aswell as taking a wicket each. Underwood also joined in by taking two scalps, but the early runfest had taken its toll and Winchester closed their 18 overs on 113 for 4.
Farmer and Olsen opened the Blades chase towards the big target, but it was leather on stump in the first over as Farmer fell with 1 on the board. Highlights were hard to come by as a fast and accurate Winchester side had the Blades in their pockets, and only conceded four boundaries. Olsen carried his bat for a debut innings of 24, whilst Hunter knocked 14 and Underwood was undefeated on 11. Adamson showed some of the panache we have missed these last three years, but only grabbed 9 before being clean bowled chasing a big hit. The rate barely climbing above 4 an over all evening, and Blades closed on 77 for 4.
AB
RESULT: WINCHESTER WIN by 36 runs.
The Blades CC 