3RD XI struggle to fend off Old Dons in tame losing draw

Old Wimbledon - 9 for 223 off 45 overs (Ashan - 3 for, Jimmy C - 3 for)

HWRCC - 9 for 141 (Ashan - 30, Selves 30)

The first proper practice match for the 3rd XI took place on Saturday May 1st. Thankfully, an opposition showed up too. This lively bunch of South Africans came to King's Field and caused the 3s no end of trouble throughout a pretty drab encounter.

Bowling first, new boy Ashan (Kam's mate), whom i hope will be signed up by the club as an overseas player (depending league rules), was terrific. Bowling up the hill he caused problems for the Old Dons' batting line up from the opening ball. The King's Field pitch in early May is looking about as predictable as this week's parliamentary elections. Perhaps he'll be the club's "Nick Clegg" with the amount of surprises he pulled out with the ball. Alongside him, David Bently continued to impress from down the hill. Although now in need of a rest for a few weeks with a strained quad, he looked all the goods to be given new ball responsibilities in future.

At the half way mark, Old Dons had reached 80 odd for 4 and the Wick looked to continue that pressure in the next 25. Sadly, some horrifically wayward bowling and a few dropped catches later allowed them to reach a strong 223 at the finish. Fielding will no doubt be a massive issue this week as the skipper chats to the boys ahead of the first league match.

Chasing a strong total, the 3rd XI got off to an ordinary start. 2 down for 10 inside a few overs didn't exactly set the world on fire. Risso and Dick were out cheaply, while Lloydy got a short one which popped up to be caught out. Ashan - the new "Nick Clegg" for Hampton Wick came in a belted a quick fire 30 runs with some 20/20 style hitting, however, the wickets kept falling around him and the 224 total needed to win became insurmountable.

Adam Selves took the opportunity to come out and bat the side through the early May darkness and was not out on 30+ at the end of the game. It was an innings of great resolve and showed great potential for the rest of the season. It was a fighting end by the side before being left at 9 for 141.

While a disappointing match, there were still a number of positives to come out of the game. David Bendall is showing some real promise with the new ball and Ashan looks to be a quality bowler and batsman.

This weekend brings the first league match of 2010 and an opportunity for the 3s to start in the best way - with a win at home to Kempton. Wick skipper Jimmy C will be addressing the squad before the match to talk about plans for the season and matchday strategy, so he's told this reporter that all players should get to the ground at midday to get ready. The squad looks really promising this year, but players will need to perform each week to ensure selection.

This is REAL change you can beileve in.

Wickman Junior