This was the boys’ third game in five days. Skiddy walked to the crease muttering to himself about not giving his wicket away. 16 overs later he was striding back to the pavilion 52 not out, having played the innings of his life. A special mention for the four which he flicked off his pads on 42, off Hordsmonden’s scarily fast bowler. KP would have been proud of it! Ben Browning hit a typically aggressive 42, and when he was out after 15 overs, Joel Scott came to the middle and kept the scoring rate going with 19 not out from 14 balls. Cowdrey finished on 143 for 2 from an innings which had been shortened to 20 overs in view of the bad light.

Corby and Nick Farr opened the bowling with good spells, Nick going for 12 of three, and Corby 8 from his three. Connor Simpson kept it tight with five from two, and Kyle Walker had the Horsmonden batsmen hopping around with a series of straight, quick balls which gave him one wicket and numerous edges. Horsmonden finished their innings well behind the target at 98 for 2.

A special mention to Felix Hammett, who in the previous match had touched the ball twice, and in this one waited patiently for 12 overs with his pads on, without being called on to bat. At least this time he bowled two overs. These did not produce any wickets but should have done, with some wicket-taking balls which went for fours of the edge of the bat. Your time will come mate!

RS