1st XI v Oundle

Result: Match drawn

Review: Felsted were inserted for the first game on the front of 2012, which was taking place on May 12th. The wicket was in good nick considering the weather, but the outfield was still soggy and not giving batsmen value for runs. Felsted started positively with Hebron and Wells running well to keep the score ticking over and at 36-0 from 7 overs the home side were in a comfortable position. Felsted were rocked by 3 wickets with Wells, Hebron And Hunter-Jordan all falling with the score on 36. The rebuild saw Griggs and Hassan bat well and it was unfortunate that both fell before lunch with the score on 133-5 from 31 overs. Hassan had just passed his 50 when he fell LBW. After lunch the boys had identified that the 30 mins proceeding the interval would be crucial and so it was disappointing that 3 soft wickets fell in that period and at 142 -8 were in danger of collapsing to a very ordinary bowling attack. However, the depth of the team came through and Stevens batting at 10 (42*) supported by Price and Burns took the score to 207 before Burns succumbed. This was no more than a score that gave us a chance, but with a batting line up including several talented players it was a disappointing display, albeit with some bright moments and positive intent.

In reply Oundle showed a surprisingly negative approach and at tea, after some fine seam bowling from Price (5-3-10-0) and Burns (5-2-6-0), they were 24-0 from 14 overs. Sadly 2 easy chances were put down and to win the game these were crucial. After tea the bowlers all bowled with discipline and despite having wickets in hand Oundle were digging themselves a hole. At 55-2 from 25 the top order were giving the middle order an impossible task and when 3 wickets fell quickly and they found themselves on 88-5 from 35 overs, the last 19 overs were purely left for Felsted to try and buy a couple of wickets and entice some attacking shots. Although Oundle lost a couple more wickets on the way to 169-7, Felsted ran out of time.

Felsted certainly looked and played the better cricket on the day, but didn't quite do enough to clinch victory. However, both sides had a game of cricket which was looking unlikely on the Thursday after yet more rain.