Driving to work the other day I saw a sign outside a pub saying 1/3 off food. Just watch out because if you go with a couple of mates one of you  is likely to get salmonella or something.
 
We were playing Notts and Arnold. I was worried as I thought, not only playing Notts but this Arnold must be something special to be called out specifically. Luckily on arrival I discovered Arnold was not in their team that evening. 
  
Sadly for us, Minster Geography department field trip couldn’t find their way back home so we were two players down. This was going to be
tough.

Captain Emily kept up her run of losing the toss and we were asked to bat.

After the previous week’s success Zac and Greg opened and once again did us proud. Both retired on 36 and set a solid foundation for others to build a good score.

Jake (27) and Joe S (13) were other notable contributors to a challenging 128 for 4 off our 20 overs.

Granted, it was a small boundary on one side but the team struck some very sweet shots.
 
Was the nine player factor going to be crucial? Well yes it was to be honest. Their opener (Finney) reached 36 to retire in just the third over,  hitting 7 fours in a dominant innings. Although there were some decent run restricting overs, the match was theirs to lose rather than ours to win. 
  
Our fielding, particularly backing up was good but they reached their target fairly comfortably in the end with 10 balls to spare.

One fine moment for me was when Emily shouted to ask new player Callum, to walk in when fielding.   He did so immediately, and kept on walking from third man almost to slip, Forest Gump style. Walk Callum walk!  Amidst the laughter Emily explained the walking should be done only when the bowler starts their run up.
 
Wickets for Ruth (2-17) Jake (1-21) and Joe (1-13) and a good spell from Matty
 (0-15 off 4 overs) were the bowling highlights.
 
James also showed some good work as keeper.
 
Another loss, but one in which we contributed some good moments in a well fought match played in good spirit. Two players short was just too much to overcome.

Special thanks to Emily for staying on to the end when she should have been attending dance class.
 
Thanks to Richie for umpiring and to Ted and Derek for doing the scoring.
 
On my way home from work I noticed another sign saying “Duck Eggs”. Luckily I didn’t see any so evasive action not required this
time.
 
Team
Emily Stutchbury
Zac Ashworth
Greg Behl
Jake Saleh
Matty Bowles
Ruth Sprawson
Joe Stutchbury
James Stevenson
Callum