After promotion last season, the first team embarked on their 1st Division campaign with a trip to a very windy Newton, who many foresee as title contenders this summer.
1st team skipper Adderley called incorrectly at the toss and Newton captain Weston had no hesitation in sticking OG into bat on a green but firm April wicket.
Acomb and the returning Demidh strode out to the middle to begin the OG innings. After some nice shots, a bit of luck and a big appeal not given for caught behind we raced into the twenties. However, when the watchful Demidh (2) fell with the score on 24, an all to familiar Old Glossop collapse began. With Acomb (17), and new boys Lythgoe (1) and Arshad (2) all falling in quick succession.
With the score now at 39-4, Sagar and Whitehouse had to steady the ship and try to rebuild. Runs continued to flow though, with Whitehouse playing some lovely shots. The pair managed to see off the Newton opening bowlers; Cummings (1-21) & B. Downend (3-24). The bowling change however, brought instant success as R. Downend accounted for Sagar (7) with his second delivery.
Things didn’t improve from there as Whitehouse (19) & Littlewood (1) were run out. Allen (0) was LBW to skipper Weston (1-9), and Allsopp (2) & Adderley (10) fell to R. Downend (3-21). A very disappointing batting display from OG on their return to division 1, finishing 91 all out.
At half way the writing looked like it was on the wall for a heavy opening day defeat. However, what we do know is bowling is our strength and cricket is often a funny game..
The second innings got off to a perfect start!! Adderley with the strong wind at his back remove the dangerous pair of Weston (9) and R. Downend (0) in the same over.
Opener Bennent (9) fell shortly after and quickly followed by Cragg (2), both also off the bowling of Adderley (4-32).
With the score now very similar to ours in the first innings at 40-4, we was certainly in the game! Littlewood replaced the out of sorts Walsh (0-26), and instantly removed Ankers (4).
Curtis (32) and Mercer (26) were both put down early in their innings. Which proved to be critical as they took full advantage of their reprieve to take Newton to within 6 of the target. Eventually both fell in quick succession to Littlewood (2-22) & Allsopp (1-12) respectively. Allcock & Baker knocked the remaining runs off to seal the victory for Newton at 93-7.
A great effort and fight from the bowlers to make a game of it in the second innings. Plenty of areas for us to improve on over the coming weeks especially in the batting and fielding department. We will go again next week when we play Hayfield at home in the Bissenden Cup.
