After a losing spell, the Saturday First XI got back to their winning ways, with a 6 wicket win over Shepperton at home. Having won the toss, Long Ditton decided to field and bowled the opposition out for 114 off 39 overs. Gareth Plunkett did the main damage, taking 5 wickets, with James Chapple adding to his tally for the season by 3 wickets. Dan Johnstone, having moved up to the First XI from the Seconds, cleaned the tail up, taking 2 wickets.
After tea, Jason Matthews scored 91 not out, at a rate of 1 a ball, with Dave Downey not needing to even break out into a sweat. The first wicket fell at 49, then a slight scare with 3 quick wickets falling, but Ian Antonio remained with Jason, to see the First XI home for a much needed win.
The Second XI were away to Whiteley Village. Having won the toss, LDCC elected to bat first. It was noted that last week’s centurion Paul Mock was absent, someone commented “resting on his laurels!” Under 17 Josh made his Saturday Second XI debut opening the batting with Paul Sweeney. Paul Sweeney made 21 and Ben Cheema made 37 off just 50 balls, before being given out LBW by his Dad, which made for interesting conversation at tea. 2 needless run outs and several more heart-stopping moments saw Long Ditton finishing on a below-par 102 all out.
After a quick turn around, as tea was not ready (Mark was not happy), Whiteley Village found batting not easy, and lost wickets at regular intervals, before Tony Best steadied them with 46 not out, to pave the way for a win by 4 wickets. Another 40 runs on the board for Long Ditton could have meant a very different outcome.
On Sunday, the heavens opened yet again and no cricket was played at all. It did mean Mark could go to the village fair however and sample some of Margarets finest home made cakes, much to Frank’s annoyance.