Thanks to the ground staff for turning out such a great wicket. Being my first time as captain I was eager to start well. As it turned out, I lost the toss and the match and also my dignity.

St Kevin’s elected to bat first in a match reduced to 45 overs. The plan started well with Zak Buist claiming our first wicket on his 3rd ball. At the other end Arsh Singh partnered him well. After this youthful start we brought on our experienced bowlers, Trevor Thornton and Lance Ryan, in a double change. Lance bowled with enticing flight and in his nine overs took 2/24. Harry Murphy batted with maturity to score 75 before falling trying to finish the innings with a boundary. In the field Ben Dormer pulled in three outstanding catches at long on. St Kevin’s finished their overs on 179/5.

In the spirit of cricket we invited our 3rd ball scalp to come and bat for us. This was a master stroke as Mr Valpy scored a well-paced 40. Contributions from Singh and McIntyre gave us hope, however we lost too many wickets regularly to threaten.

Finally, it is worth mentioning visiting coach Craig Smith and the contribution he is making with the first eleven. The team is well-drilled, focused and enjoying their cricket. The St Kevin’s team have come a long way in three years; a testament to the young men, the leadership of Craig and the school for backing them.

We will be back. Probably not fitter, nor stronger. Certainly wiser.