Aaron's men rack up first win after grueling May

Tiger Woods once said “Winning solves everything.” The Fifth team needed a result as they entered this key match bottom of the league and without a win.

Aaron De Mello was back at the helm, leading a team packed with experience. Aaron won the toss and elected to field on a drying St Albans Road wicket. As we entered June matches moved to declaration games from the previous limited overs format.

Mike Coxon and Manoj Rajarethinam opened the bowling. It was one of those rare occasions when the fielding side spent more time ‘sledging’ the opening bowler about his love life, than focusing on the batsmen. Mike was inspired by the attention and took early wickets both caught, one by Aaron and the other by Jamie Randall. Manoj was bowling well from the other end and also claimed two wickets one clean bowled and the other catch to keeper Jonny Wickes.

Priory were taking SMCC wickets at really regular intervals, which meant they couldn’t form meaningful partnerships. After 15 overs change bowlers Sam Gregson and Tyler Shoare came into the attack and both bowled well. Tyler bowled a lively spell, claiming one wicket caught by Matt Weekes.

Michael Ramsden and Simon Morris came into the attack to mop up the last 5 wickets. Bowling spin ‘Rambo’ accounted for 3 wickets with two bowled and the third a catch to Brijesh Patel. Simon took one wicket, with SMCC reduced to 142 for 9. The last SMCC pair took a risky second run to Matt Weekes and paid the price with an innings closing run out.

SMCC were all out for 145. It was a fine bowling display supported by excellent fielding, without a catch going down.

Jonny and Brijesh (pictured) opened the batting. SMCC opened the bowling with a medium pacer and an off spinner and both batsmen gave chances to the opposition. To their credit they applied themselves and built a match winning partnership.

Jonny was stumped for an excellent 61 and Brijesh was caught for a very impressive 51. Jamie Randell missed the boat when caught for 1, but left Sam and Aaron to steady the ship. Sam made a quick fire unbeaten 18 and Aaron finished on 2 not out to steer the 5th XI to an important 7 wicket win.

All credit to Aaron and the team for a very good all round team performance. The team leapt three places up the league table and no longer hold the ‘wooden spoon’.

This win might not of solved everything but it was significant and felt good.