Ripley vs Frimley Green Cricket Club - Sunday 23rd July 2017, 14:00

FGCC were well-beaten in this 35-over game against new opposition in the shape of Ripley. Electing to field first after Nick won the toss (Jim was running late after getting half-way to the ground and suddenly remembering he'd left his whites in the tumble dryer), the FGCC opening bowlers produced economical spells on a sopping-wet outfield. In fact given the forecast it was a surprise that there were no interruptions during the day's proceedings, but thoughts of a pending torrent of rain did nothing to deter El Prez Nick, who once again delivered a spell of both great economy and accuracy, bowling both openers including T Clover who looked well-set on 24 before his stumps were rearranged. With Rus playing his first game in a while and bowling well, and with support bowlers Sashi and Jim each taking 3 wickets Ripley's total of 149 all out looked to be about par, especially with the outfield starting to dry out. In reply former captain Gordon Marsh - playing his first game in 6 years for the club - was resolute in defense until he was bowled. In fact the talented (Mr) Ripley bowling attack meant that runs were extremely hard to come by, and it was only Mark with 29 (the highest score for any batsman on either side during this game) who offered any real resistance. Ripley were alert in the field and accurate with the ball, and none more so than Josh Thomas whose miserly opening spell with the ball (7-2-9-0) was backed up with a stunning, albeit somewhat nonchalant catch to get rid of Nick. Rus came in for a little cameo at the end, but by then the game was far out of reach, especially after Suresh had run out both Ajay and Mike. Not a great result by any means, but a good-natured game all the same and hopefully a ground FGCC will return to in the future.