While the day dawned fine and the outfield was very fast as a result of the recent drought, rain on the day before the game meant that the wicket was a little slow but true.We lost the toss and were invited to bat first.

While our openers, Jeremy lnnes and Peter Joyce started steadily against the accurate bowling of Paterson and Mulcock, the first change bowler, Andrew Kininmonth, bowled Peter in his first over.

Jeremy and Christian Cunneen put on 91 for the second wicket which fell just prior to lunch when Christian was caught for 34 by that great fullback Robbie Deans from the bowling of “ Honorary Hawk” Andrew Nuttall.

After lunch we quickly lost Jeremy after a well played 77. Some good hitting by Mark Savill, Richard Cowles and Stephen Bateman in particular increased the tempo, enabling us to reach 198 for 6 after 50 overs.

Hawkswood openers P. Kirkland and Robbie Deans, got away to a very aggressive start with the result that our opening bowlers were unable to settle onto a good line and length. At tea the score was 87 without loss.

After the interval Stephen Bateman got his rhythm going and dismissed both openers. Supported by part-timers, Richard Cowles (who started the innings as ‘keeper) and Jeremy lnnes, the bowlers slowed the run rate and wickets fell at regular intervals, helped by two great catches by Mark Savill and Rod lnnes. However, their opening partnership had done the damage and Hawkswood were worthy winners at 199 for 7 after 34 overs.