In the week when the new KP era began with the abandoning of the customary huddle, the two sides united for a prayer before the game.  Not to put too fine a spiritual point on things, only one side appeared to see God’s favour and it was not Wanderers!  We were given a comprehensive hiding by the visitors and, despite a number of ‘what ifs’, there really was no excuse for what was a pretty poor performance all round.

Choosing to bat on a wicket covered from overnight rain, and giving bowlers a little assistance by way of good bounce, Wanderers started steadily and a decent score was looking a reasonable prospect.  34 runs from the first 13 overs was a solid start, but the loss of Graham to a slow motion played on, brought Sam to the crease.  The run rate increased and at 77-1 the scene was set for the foot to go on the accelerator: with Sam and David at the crease, a score of 180 was not unrealistic.  The loss of 3 quick wickets for just 11 runs, however, put a different complex on things and a combination of getting bogged down and getting out to atrocious shots saw us at 113-6.  It was only thanks to a swashbuckling cameo of 14 from Jamie, which included 2 mighty 6’s, that we managed to somewhat limp to 139 all out.

A word for Josiah, who got off to a scoring start with the Wanderers, which was more than Jugs, Monty and Josh could manage.  Three ducks at that stage of proceedings was not what was wanted at all.

Wanderers took to the field with hopes of early wickets, but Molesey gradually built a solid opening partnership.  They punished the bad ball with ease and were at 82-0 with half the overs still left to play.  It is fair to say that we never got the rub of the green in the early overs, the gully and 3rd slip areas being a veritable bomb alley, with the ball never going to hand.  The introduction of spin brought a wicket for Monty; he and David Groves slowed the rate up and, had a difficult chance been held instead of dropping short of the fielder, then Wanderers may still have been in with a sniff.  However, Molesey eased to their target with 5 overs to spare.

It was a thoroughly deserved win for the visitors and we only really had ourselves to blame.  We were 40-50 runs shy of a decent score and it was a struggle to defend what we had. 

A couple of mentions though.  Josh tore up the coaching manual with his slide tackle to stop a hard hit shot with his shin!  Mark Rose debuted with bat and ball and can be pleased with his performance.  He was tight for his 4 overs and proved very steady for his 16 runs.  Jamie had no luck with the ball whatsoever and Laurie, dressed in grunge attire, presented an eye catching image to the world of umpiring.