Cavs see off Putney in Arctic encounter

After the debacle of their loss in the first week, (losing 4 wickets for 2 runs to lose by 2 runs against a team of fifth-rate no-hopers) the Cavs got the season up and running with a hard-fought victory against Putney. It was also a victory against the elements and common sense. I mean, it was ridiculously cold out there and there was no way we should have playing cricket. Bitter it was. And the wind! Oh the wind! Stupidly cold.
The Cavs had a strong batting line-up and so, on winning the toss, opted to bat first. They duly racked up a large score against a variable Putney attack. Some good early bowling from them had the Cavs struggling a bit at 48 for 3. But then Adam Sixsmith counter-attacked with a classy 42 and Chris Morgan continued the assault with a quick-fire 48. Ant Ireland and Joel Miller then scored 40 each to propel the Cavs well past what appeared to be par score for the conditions.
Defending 228 in 40 overs on a tacky, paceless pitch, with a slow, pudding of an outfield appeared an easy task. But going out into that remorselessly cold wind was not going to be easy. It was expletive deletedly cold. In a way it was a good thing that Putney did such a good job of chasing, as 40 dull overs in those conditions would have been unbearable.
That Putney nearly got the runs was due to a terrific attacking innings from Alex Ockwell. (Shame he did not block well). He accelerated the innings nicely after tight opening spells from Andy Lewis and debut Cav Brijesh Bharatiya. A third wicket partnership of 105, put the oppo in a strong position and had the Cavs in a cold sweat. (Of course). But they kept cool heads (natch) and it was Brijesh Patel (who earlier had caught a hard-hit drive which sounded like it had snapped all his fingers) who broke the stand. Chris Morgan then showed his all-round skills by sweeping through the middle order for 3 for 37 and the Cavs were able to win and go home for hot baths and cocoa.