Acton CC 2nd XI vs Ealing CC 2nd XI

The day began the day before, with lengthy discussion on the parking situation at Acton.

With google maps showing exactly where those driving would need to enter the ground, you’d think 11 adult males would be able to locate the car park. How wrong you would be.

With a large majority of the XI turning up after the 11:30 on deck start time, and subsequently complaining about the quality of the temporary facilities on offer, the boys got to work getting their prep out the way.

Fairs won the toss and elected to bowl first, suggesting that 10 points would be more easily achieved chasing, given the quality of our batting line up.

Glasper opened up down the hill, and immediately struggled with his front foot (well there’s a surprise!). Henri was economical up the hill and was perhaps a little unfortunate not to grab a scalp, consistently challenging the outside edges of both Acton openers. Although Glas removed one of the first pair, the home side looked very comfortable on, admittedly, a decent batting wicket.

Fell replaced Glasper from the top end and settled immediately into his rhythm, bowling tight areas and restricting the Acton batsmen where possible - he too, unfortunate not to take any wickets.

It was therefore time for spin. And there was immediate assistance for Faraz, who although took a few overs to find a nice bowling rhythm, ended up with 7-66 from 19 overs. Dewhurst adequately supported from the top end, bowling a very economical spell, and again, unlucky not to pick up more than one scalp. Acton batted the full 55, setting the visitors 186 to win.

And what a start it was for the home team. Reducing the E-men to 6-3 and 40-4, it looked as if what should be a comfortable victory was to be much harder than anticipated.

However, Ashok found some form and crunched the Acton spinners to all parts, before settling down and accumulating singles when necessary.

Accompanied by strong performances from Fairbairn and Henri, the boys came home with a few overs to spare and 3 wickets in hand.

A solid 10 points keeps us in the hunt for that long awaited title. We welcome fellow contenders Richmond to Corfton Road next week, in what could be a tasty title decider.