1st XI caught cold in season opener against Great Bromley

The new look 1st XI got their season off to a (very) cold and stuttering start with a loss to Great Bromley on Saturday afternoon.
Losing the toss and being asked to bat first on the unknown of an early season wicket proved as challenging with some variable bounce that accounted for a couple of top order key wickets. Tom Barlow (42) the only batter to post a score of note as we were shot out by a lively Great Bromley attack for just 86 in 24.4 overs.
The home attack had seen enough in the playing surface to give some hope to the situation, but the visitors started strongly. A contentious 'bat in the air' not out decision went against us after great direct hit from Mason Stacey and their luck continued with another dropped catch as our bowlers (especially the younger members of our attack) found the right line and length to trouble the visitors, as they slowly edged (literally) their way towards the target. William Driver showed the faith we will put in our young players this season will not be misplaced by picking up 2 for 12 of just 2.5 overs before the target was reached. As part of that spell Thomas Bond deserves a special mention for his assist with a fantastic full length diving catch running back from point to take a towering catch that finally saw their openers luck run out for the day.
We will have better weather this season, and better batting performances. But the positivity in the dressing room was everything we could ask of this new look team.