On a fairly dark and cold evening, first-time captain but long-time legend Matt Davies lost the toss and the Midweek XI were put into the field against Ufford Park.

Simon Sherwin (2/15 off 3) opened the bowling and, in his usual brisk and miserly way, kept the scoring low and took the first wicket of the season. He was capably backed up by Cameron Fish (1/12 off 3) at the other end, and this theme was carried on by the change bowlers, Jack Collins (2/12 off 3) and Laurence Kinge (1/14 off 2). Jack was the pick of the seam bowlers, bowling with great control and movement, with multiple very good LBW shouts going begging. Ufford Park could not build any meaningful partnerships during their innings, as they were under constant pressure from the bowling, and this was maintained by the final change bowlers Charlotte Aylmore (2/1 off 3) and David Popple (1/10 off 2). Charlotte in particular caused the lower order strife, bowling a consistent line and length which had the batsmen just prodding the ball back to her. Ufford Park finished their innings with an under-par 73.

Bradley Hurn and Matt Davies opened the batting for Burghley and faced some classic village bowling, which kept them fairly quiet in the opening overs. Bradley tried to change this in the 4th over by attempting to send the ball to the next county, but was bowled for 3. Matt Davies (38*) at times lacked fluency against a variable Ufford Park bowling attack, but he stuck with it and was assisted by the typically fluent Pete Hewat (21 retired). There was a cameo from H Armstrong (2) before he decided to play French cricket and missed the ball in front of the stumps, and David Popple (2*). David Popple provided the shot of the day by unfurling his rarely seen cover drive, but he was guilty of admiring the shot rather than running the three the shot deserved. Burghley chased the total down inside the 13th over for a first win of the WAB season.

This match was sponsored by BCF Equity Partners