OEs 3s’ winning start came to an abrupt halt with defeat to local rivals Southgate Compton. Having bowled and fielded impressively, the side collapsed to heavy defeat, losing all 10 wickets well short of the victory target.

Having inserted Compton, OEs started excellently. Tight and threatening bowling from Richard Wells and Zac Scott kept the openers very quiet. They were ably supported by a committed fielding display with an array of dives and stops. Breakthroughs kept coming from both ends, including a fantastic run out from Simon Godfrey at cover. Compton were floundering on 50-8, seemingly well short of setting a competitive target.

A late innings partnership then began to form to get Compton back into the game. A partnership between opening bowler and colt combined committed defence with risky attack, frustrating OEs. Zac’s return into the attack took the key wicket with a fantastic, seaming delivery. Compton’s innings would come to a halt on an eminently chasable 103.

The side went to tea confident of putting in a batting performance good enough to earn the 30 points.

Unfortunately that confidence was misplaced; we batted horrendously and were battered.

Written by Tom Spenceley