A cold and overcast day at Burghley Park provided a fittingly dramatic backdrop as the hosts took to the crease after winning the toss. Despite the brisk conditions, the pitch offered good carry, encouraging Burghley’s batters to play their shots.

The opening stand of Sharpe and Murphy was well fancied, and the pair put on 30 before Sharpe was adjudged LBW and soon Murphy also fell LBW, both to Winterton. Charlie Biggs was the standout performer, marking his debut with a composed and purposeful century. His innings was a masterclass in patience and power, picking off the loose balls and stonewalling the better deliveries, much like a seasoned campaigner. The century came off 80 balls with 12 fours and 1 six. Harry Armstrong contributed a sparkling 38, his timing and footwork belying the tricky conditions with the young pair putting on 95 run partnership, while Archie Davies made a welcome return, adding a valuable 32 to the total.

Ashby Carrington's opening bowlers, particularly Navsaria, will feel hard done by, having bowled with discipline and persistence, only to see their efforts undone by some fluid stroke play and firm hitting.

Chasing a competitive total, Ashby raced out of the blocks, reaching 100 within just 10 overs, as Burghley’s new-ball duo of Matt Davies and George Cheney found themselves in the firing line. Davies managed an early breakthrough, snaring Lewis for 9, thanks to a sharp catch from Alex Marshall, but Ashby’s aggressive start piled on the pressure.

Enter young Aman Dinesh – the debutant off-spinner turned the game momentarily with a beautifully controlled spell, tying down one end with his immaculate line and length, probing the Ashby batters with the precision of a chess grandmaster.

From the other end, skipper David Popple rolled his arm over with his trademark leg spin. After a shaky start, he found his rhythm, removing the obdurate Smith for 58 and the dangerous Palmer for 61, both smartly stumped by the quick hands of Charlie Sharp. Armstrong then joined the spin party, striking twice in quick succession – Dyer held by the impressive Dinesh for 15, and Wilson trapped plumb in front for 21.

Despite a flurry of wickets and a few nervous moments, Ashby’s lower order held firm. Winterton’s explosive unbeaten 30 from just 13 balls finished the game in style, steering Ashby to a comfortable win. Burghley will have to sharpen their fielding and tighten their lines when they travel to the picturesque Ashby Carrington next week for the eagerly awaited rematch.

This match was sponsored by Flawless Faces