Match Report – Preston v Stevenage 20/April

The sun shone for Preston’s first outing of the 2103 season. The First X1 played Stevenage in a well mannered, tight game at Preston whilst the 2X1 went to Baldock. The Preston ground looked an absolute picture considering we were under snow about 1 month ago.

Preston 1′s batted first having been inserted to bat with the Stevenage bowlers Nevill and Dooree particularly keeping the top order pinned down with accurate drift / length bowling. Preston were bowled out for 127 – some good catching, woeful shot selection and tidy bowling unstitching Preston.

However 127 was always going to be game on with only the reliable Max Anderson and Henry Morecroft taking it to the Stevenage bowlers towards the end. Stevenage bowled and fielded well but had a graft ahead to achieve the 128 required in the 40 overs.

Preston opened with Waters and Morecroft and most Stevenage batsman looking to make the most of the time at the crease. Accurate bowling with the pitch playing a little part meant most of the Stevenage top order were back in the hutch prematurely. Preston bowled tightly with Waters and Morecroft coming off after 12 and then with Hearne and Riant providing some support. Anderson and Gallimore also bowled well, Anderson particularly.

Shaw and Tyler stuck around and Mooree threatened to see Stevenage home with some beautiful and well timed shots but an LBW shout meeting approval put paid to that and the innings closed for 124.

All round very enjoyable start to the season with no-one contracting hypothermia.