Both games played at home, the seniors team of mixed first and second XI players lost at home against Worcester Park. On Saturday, Long Ditton won the toss and elected to bat. Winter rustiness perhaps had not been completely eliminated, as Long Ditton lost their first wicket with the very first ball. Captain Ian Antonio steadied the nerves, making 68 off 111 balls, ably supported by Laurence Hegarty, who finished unbeaten on 32. LDCC closed after their allotted 40 overs on 133 for 6. Dave Oldham had predicted that 150 would be a good score on a slow outfield and the whole team agreed that there were not enough runs on the board.
After an excellent tea, Worcester Park had a solid start, putting on 27 before the loss of the first wicket. Rob Waite was caught low at square leg by Oli Fegan low down and the Ian Burrows was given out LBW. (LDCC felt a bit guilty, as he was instrumental in approving a grant from Elmbridge Borough Council!) Charlie King scored 52 n.o and Rob Waite hit 43 n.o. to record an easy win by 8 wickets.
On Sunday, Grand Union faced a strong Sunday side. LDCC again won the toss and after the loss of 3 quick wickets, then settled down and posted a challenging 233 off 40 overs. Mike Hall scored 68 off 63 balls, which included 4 huge sixes. Cars in the car park were being peppered, but fortunately their were no smashed windscreens, much to everyone’s relief. Tarn Huxford scored 53 not out and Aneesh Chityal hit an unbeaten 20 at the end.
In reply, Grand Union struggled with the bowling. Tom Rogers took 4 wickets, and would have had a 5-for, had it not been for a dropped catch. Newcomer to LDCC Dan Johnstone took 3 wickets and Tom Bennett carried last week’s bowling form on, taking 3 wickets in less than 2 overs. LDCC won the game by 209 runs at just before 6, which was perfect timing to watch the Chelsea v Tottenham FA Cup Semi-Final (Mocky wasn’t a happy man with the officials!)