A blustery afternoon with Autumn rubbing his hands together and jumping up and down on the touchline ready to go. No sun cream required especially not for Ian Metcalf having returned from holiday resembling a teak board but moving better. Griff's season over and Noah in California so opportunities for youngsters Jim Gilson and David Atkin to impress. The Neston Captain - the one with the big car - won the toss and elected to bowl first on a new track high up the square.

A decent start from the impressive Dilruk Yahathugoda and George Metcalf but the bowling wasn't particularly accurate or threatening. The pair raced along to 50 inside 8 overs before the change to spin came. George (22) dismissed and then Dil likewise for an excellent 48 going for a maximum and well caught. Ian and Reg tried to steady things before Reg played one too many and was caught behind. Ian and Eddie played carefully. Selecting their shots and defending solidly. Eddie swept 2 enormous sixes before he was joined by Jim. Ian (37) out caught having scored his 500th league run of the season - well played once again Sir. Jim and Eddie moved the score along and then Jake, Joe and Dan tried to get as many as possible. Jim Gilson's fine innings oozed class and patience and yielded 40 unbeaten runs. It's great for the younger players to watch the senior players build their innings and play to their strengths. 208 a decent total if not imposing enough to put fear in to the opposition.

Tea would have benefited from tea bags in the teapot but was otherwise marvellous as ever. Reg Wyatt preparing to don the keeping gloves for his first go behind the stumps. With Griff absent and all other avenues explored, the skipper asked for volunteers to keep wicket. Reg put his hand up and gave it a go. We expected nothing less then a competent performance and that is what he delivered. Great test of character and much appreciated by all - well done Sir.
Atko got things off to a rip-roaring start dismissing Crick bowled with an arrow like yorker then giving Reg his first catch as Toby Brown snicked off. 14 for 2 and Brooks edging one (probably) to Reg but not out. 20 for 2 after 9 was an excellent start but what followed was nothing short of disappointingly average. Poor lines and lengths with an unforgiving outfield get punished and as the Neston batters helped themselves to the buffet bowling, the skipper was left wishing he had hair to pull out. 20 for 2 at ten had become 140 at 22 but crucially both Dan Riley and Joe Maddocks had found their bowling boots (at last) and taken a wicket apiece. Dan's courtesy of an excellent catch by Mr. Bronze himself, Ian Metcalf at mid-off. Joe's via a fine grab from Reg Wyatt standing up to the stumps. Game on again. The pair bowled with control and Dan removed the dangerous Gilly for single figures LBW before Joe struck twice more. The captain for a duck - proving the point made by the skipper - Wild caught at slip by Jim. 168 for 7. With Stewart set, a chance needed making, Dan did the making but the catch went down. Game changer as Stewart saw Neston home in the 47th finishing with an unbeaten half century to boot. Another defeat but much to celebrate. Namely another good opening partnership; 500 runs for Ian Metcalf (so far); Jim returning with runs; Reg Wyatt's wicketkeeping diaplay; the turn around from the bowlers. A close one with chances created to win - on to Grappenhall next week.

MotM - Reg Wyatt for stepping up and doing an excellent job behind the stumps. When, if ever, was the last time that brothers kept in the first and second teams on the same day?
DotD - Robin Fisher despite not being available turned up at 1:15 to net for 2 hours before sitting with a beer watching the rest of the game!