BPCC Sunday 2’s made their way over to our friends at Buckminster in the last away league match of the season. Played in muggy conditions, and with a well-judged delayed start after morning rain, skipper David Popple lost the toss and was asked to bat first – which, as it happened, was exactly what he would have chosen anyway – on a green, slightly soft surface that, for the most part, behaved well throughout.

The batting effort was headlined by a superb innings from Matt Davies, who compiled a classy and controlled 100 not out, anchoring the side from the fall of the first wicket to finish. This was also his highest Burghley knock to date and joins the hundred club. He was well supported by others around him: Pete Hewat continued his fine run of form with a fluent 52 from just 27 balls, retiring himself unselfishly not out; Harry Armstrong added a stylish 51 and set tone for the second 20 overs; and Charlie Sharpe moved back to opening chipped in with a neat 29 before being bowled by a beauty. Towards the back end, James Biggs injected real impetus with an explosive 37 from 14 balls – out caught trying to get Davies back on strike caught - making sure the scoreboard rattled along and leaving Buckminster with a daunting chase.

When it came to defending the total, the bowlers made sure the batting efforts were not wasted. The highlight of the innings was undoubtedly Aman Dinesh’s (3/47) brilliant hat-trick, his off spin was a burst that tilted the game firmly in our favour and kept the batsman guessing with great lines. Cooper Hewat’s (4/21) seamers delivered a superb spell, claiming four wickets with a mix of swing and seam, while Alex Marshall's (1/37) straight breaks kept things tight with a consistent and accurate display. Popple (2/5) came on late bowling his leg spin with miserly control and turn, building pressure that proved decisive. In the closing stages, Popple and Cooper combined superbly to mop up the lower order, ensuring a strong finish to the innings and sealing the result in style.

As always, it was a hugely enjoyable contest against our friends at Buckminster, played in excellent spirit and rounded off with the familiar camaraderie that makes these fixtures so special.