The revamped Mildenhall 1XI took on the mighty Swardeston in the first EAPL match of the season. Swardeston batted first under the cloudless Wamil Way skies. Debutant Tom Rash bowled his spell (10 overs for 25 runs) with good control limiting the scoring opportunities for the Norfolk side. Opener Jordan Taylor was able to offer good resistance until his innings was ended by another Mildenhall debutant James Stamatis. James picked up 2 wickets for Mildenhall but his 4 overs cost 37 runs. There was greater success for Nick Maiolo who bowled his 10 overs for 32 runs taking 3 wickets. The returning Murtaza Hussein was his old consistent self with his 10 overs costing only 31 runs and bringing 2 wickets. There were also wickets for Matt Allen and another debutant Hugo Douglas. Captain Ben Shepperson brought about the prize wicket of Joe Gatting through a run out. Peter Lambert was the mainstay of the Swardeston innings with his 61 before he was bowled by Matt Allen. There were good late order contributions from George Walker (27) and Mark Thomas (27). Swardeston finished on 222 all out from their 50 overs.
Joe Reed begun in his typical whirlwind manner. Joe his four 4's and two 6's in his innings of 35 from 32 balls. Ben Curran began his Mildenhall career with disappointed. Ben was out for a duck on his home debut. Nick Maiolo had greater success as he made 45 from 43 balls including 7 boundaries. Ben Shepperson was unable to contribute too much with the bat as he was out for just 1. Tom Rash continued his good day with an innings of 43 as he helped stabilize the Mildenhall innings with great support from Matt Allen (29). Kyle Morrison finished with 11 not out as Mildenhall reached their target for the loss of 8 wickets from 40.4 overs. Veteran, Mark Thomas was the standout bowler for the Swardeston attack his 10 overs costing 38 runs and including 2 wickets.
A brilliant start for the young 1XI and hopefully a great morale booster for the new members of the club that have joined us this season.
The 2XI travelled to Little Bardfield on Saturday and skipper Steve Graham shone as bright as the April sun as he produced a masterful display. Steve ripped through the Little Bardfield batting. Steve bowled 11.1. overs taking 7 wickets for just 31 runs. Little Bardfield couldn't recover from the Graham barrage. M. Graham (53) and P. Bray (33) showed some resistance but the home side struggled to 153 all out from 38.1 overs. Jon Allen took 2-32 from his 10 overs and there was also a good spell from Matt Heywood.
The 2XI lost Andrew Squire early for just 6 but the innings was soon back on track thanks to Ryan Clark and Steve Graham. Ryan showing his undoubted class with 65 before he was dismissed. Steve made 48. Jon Allen contributed 23. Mildenhall reached the target with 6 overs to spare for the loss of 6 wickets. A fine away performance for the Mildenhall team.
The 3XI travelled to Coggeshall under the leadership of new skipper Andy Youngs. Mildenhall lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. The two veteran opening bowlers Martin Kingdon and Martin Taylor were exceptional in their control and class against the Coggeshall batsmen. Only Blackwell (39) and Chaplin (36) were able to make significant contributions. Martin Taylor finished with 2-41 off his 15 overs. Kingdon was even more dominate taking 4-25 from his 15 overs. Andy Youngs battled through the pain barrier to take 3-27 from 7 overs. Speaking of battling through the pain barrier...Kiefer Renouf bowled 5.2 overs before he was forced off due to a debilitating back injury. This type of injury would normal end careers but Kiefer pushed on and fielded for the rest of the innings. Sadly Kiefer would be unable to bat for Mildenhall but his grit/determination and ability to force his way through pain which would destroy lesser mortals remains rock solid. Thank you Kiefer. Coggeshall finished on 144 for 9 from their 45 overs.
The 3XI got off to a great start through Mark Thurston and Neil Clark. Mark made batting look relatively easy before playing a bad shot to be dismissed for 30. Neil Clark pushed on to make 47 and hold the innings together. Kevin Pearson returning after 2 seasons out looked a class apart in making 22 Not Out. Kevin hit two towering sixes and two fours. James Taylor (32) was the other not out batsman for the 3XI as they reached there target for the loss of only two wickets with 7 overs remaining. An excellent away performance from the experienced 3XI side and hopefully it will set them up for the long season ahead.
A great start to the season for Mildenhall and fingers crossed that we can build on this start for the next few weeks.
As in victory!
Twin Scoop.