The Saturday 2s travelled to Ancaster this weekend with optimism in their step, which was extended when stand-in skipper Lewis Banthorpe won the toss (it’s true, tails never does fail) and elected to bat, with overhead conditions looking batting friendly. Chris Armstrong and Bradley Hurn strode out to bat and started positively, Hurn guiding a lovely cut through point, and was starting to look himself. Despite some questionable running including a 2 which was hit straight to cover (sound the buzzer) it was a decent nut clipping the top of the stumps which broke the first wicket partnership, Hurn departing. Shortly after Armstrong was following Hurn back to the hut with a full toss his demise, crafty, aren’t they. This left Matt Davies and Nick Fisher at the crease. Unfortunately, Fisher managed to book his seat at this year’s table, out without troubling the scorers. Banthorpe was the next man in and was reflecting on the toss as he walked out with Burghley 21-3. He was next to go for 4, with one keeping low, swiftly followed by Davies also making just 4. Dinesh Swaminathan was in at number 6 and started to re-build, but wickets continued to fall with Alex Marshall and David Popple both falling for just a binary figure. This brought in young Aman, who batting with extreme maturity and skill (highlighted by an excellent sweep shot for 4, despite being surrounded by several Ancaster fielders). Dinesh provided the aggressor in the father & son 44 run stand, giving Burghley hope, but he was next to fall leaving the side 86-8. Dinesh making a very well-constructed 33 on a wicket that offered a lot of assistance to the bowlers. OJ plank and Mark Laud were out in quick succession leaving Burghley all out for 88. Pick of the bowlers was Chris Haynes who took a 5-fer.

With Dinesh and Aman’s rescue act with the bat, Burghley went out to bowl with optimism that early wickets would give them a chance. It was Banthorpe and Swaminathan to open up, and the latter struck with his first ball. He continued to lead the Burghley fight with the ball taking 3-15 off his 7 overs. A valiant effort from Swaminathan with both bat and ball, extending his good run of form this year. Nick Fisher was also in on the act with 2-13 including and superb one handed caught and bowled, much to his own surprise judging by his face after the ball planted in his palm. With Ancaster 45-5 Burghley were right in the game. Unfortunately, opposing skipper Liam Probert came to the crease and took the game away from Burghley, despite the best efforts of Plank who bowled well in his 3 overs, and showed a lot of promise for the future. Ancaster surpassed the Burghley total in the 21st over.

It was not to be Burghley’s day but there were several highlights, including respectable junior performances, who certainly didn’t look out of place and a good team spirit from all who played. Special thanks to all involved this week as selection was a struggle at times. Burghley Saturday 2s go again next week looking for a more positive outcome.

This match was sponsored by Hegarty Solicitors.