Losing the toss, on a stunningly hot day and with a somewhat depleted side, did not auger well for the Wanderers on Sunday.  And on a strip that the previous day had seen over 500 runs scored, it was no surprise that the visitors amassed a match winning score of 214.  All the bowlers, with the exception of Chris Staight, were fair game for a side that were continuing a rich vein of form, but it has to be said that good fortune did not smile kindly with three chances going dropped and an equal number of good LBW shouts turned down.  Monty stuck to the task on a day when he has bowled infinitely worse and claimed wickets, whilst the second stream bowlers stuck manfully to their job.  Realistically, Wanderers were short of a front line bowler and were not able to make early inroads.

215 to win was never a realistic target and having negotiated a tricky 4 over spell before tea, the mathematics were quite simple - 200 more to win at about 7 an over.  At 81-4 it looked as though Wanderers might make a fist of it and get a draw, thanks almost entirely to Al Evans’ stubborn resistance that showed great maturity for one so young!! and a marvellous entertaining knock by Simon Fuller that bought him 39 runs.

To be fair, no other batsman shone, with the last 6 wickets falling for just 13 runs. Monty's dismissal summing up a lame tail-end performance when he handed the bowler a hat trick with the most idiotic shot, possibly of the day if not his career. No wonder he hid his face in shame at the end.  All in all though there were positives to be gained and the team’s commitment in the most draining conditions was commendable. They can hold their heads up as a team, even if a few of them lost theirs when batting!

Monty's Man of the Match – It was a close run thing but was given to Al for carrying his bat and showing how it should be done.

Bowling of the day - Chris for at least tying up the opposition early on.

Special mention - to Simon for his powerful innings - great stuff.

Strangest decision of the day? - Salthill putting three fielders on the leg side boundary against Al. - Why?