Wanderer's season began with a defeat at Arundel in a hastily arranged fixture that will hopefully be the first of many, played in an excellent spirit at a lovely venue.  So many thanks to Phil for setting up the game and
getting a side together.

Despite defeat, there were many good points to savour from the performance, notably Mark Rose's fine innings of 40.  His innings steadied the ship after two early losses, with Sam and Graham falling cheaply.  With Jamie and Phil also failing to stay around long, it was time for Laurie to put together a solid partnership with Rosie, and his 19 runs will give him a boost after last season's lean spell with the bat.  When Mark departed it did look bleak for Wanderers, but Ducky Clarke was next to enter the fray and his promise of late last season was proved to be the springboard for this one.  After a nervy start Ian soon found the momentum to reach a personal best for Arun of 24.  Next in was Monty who, quite simply, achieved his own personal best.  He faced 9 deliveries, slogged each one and never made contact with any.  Thank goodness he has an optician's appointment in the week!  Of the others only Patch was able to chip in with runs and we ended with 129 on the board.

Always short by 30+ runs, it was never going to be easy to defend, but again the bowlers stuck to their task.  Jamie's pace was on the spot from ball one and he ended with 3-19 going at just over 2 an over.  Mark took 2 wickets from his 4 overs at a cost of only 12 runs, and it completed a Man of the Match performance by him.  Monty restored pride after his abysmal batting by bringing his net form to the mark, with 6 overs that secured a wicket for only 16 runs: his new approach of around the wicket showed positive signs.  Arundel passed our score for the loss of 6 wickets, and were worthy winners.  Cricket was the true winner on the day, a fixture that I would love to see repeated.

A few other areas to note:  Phil proved a dead-eye at darts in post match recreation.  One Arundel player works next door to Monty and has given him grief all Monday!  Rosie is paying for his effort with a bad back, and Slug has promised Monty the eleventh batting slot.