A last minute cancellation saw the new-look EMWCC.CO.UK spring to life as players from all adult teams were drafted in to form a team to travel to East Woodhay for E&MWCC's first pre-season fixture.
No toss was needed as captain Adam Kite made the decision to have a bowl against his former team. Kite and Adam Lobb made a solid start on a green wicket with the new ball before the Woodhay opening pair; Tom Flack and Steff Gill began to gain momentum capitalising on some loose bowling from the young attack. Zac Mitchell made the first breakthrough trapping Gill in front for 34 and Joel Green followed suit as he dismissed Woodhay captain Joe Lawrence for 1 as he topped edged a strait one to wicket keeper Seb Stanard. Green and Mitchell continued to bowl tight lines as Flack crept toward his half century.
Ethan Brackstone removed Matthew Chivers for 23 bringing Will Flack to the crease, he moved swiftly to 50. Father and son batted solidly until rain forced an end to Woodhay's innings and the match reduced to 32 overs.
Play continued as E&MWCC began chasing their 218 run target. John Sparks (35) and Richard Vaughan (22) opened their season with solid scores but Easton soon struggled as the young side fell to 64 for 3. Adam Kite steadied the ship as he and Sam Dickety continued to push for the win until Dickety (16) was stumped off of the bowling of Tristan Stockwell. Kite was caught sweeping for 43 and E&MWCC finished 139 for 9 after some encouraging cameos from Stanard, Green and Alex Banks.
A big thank you to everyone that turned out at such short notice, Steve Green for scoring and to East Woodhay Cricket Club. E&MWCC will be welcoming Woodhay to The JRMG toward the end of the season. More details to follow.