Hill
lost the toss and were asked to bat. Opener Curtis set the tone for the match
with a flurry of early boundaries, and put on 84 for the first wicket until Lown
played all round a straight one for just 19. This only brought Rennard to the
wicket, who set about compiling a tidy 50. After Curtis' tired departure for an
excellent 74, Leadbitter (left), Birkett and Shakoor continued the run spree.
With Hill closing on 246 for 4, the only question was, is it enough?Predictably, Gaddesden went for their shots right from the off, and were consistently ahead of the required run rate. Hill's opening pair of O'Neill and Thompson made no impression, and it was the change bowlers Birkett and Shakoor that finally removed the openers. Barrington and Buest carried on the good work, until Ottaway squeezed one through
the defences of Barrington; a sole bright spot for the young paceman, whose
three overs went for 32 runs. Hill's hopes were raised by an excellent spell from Uruguayan whirlwind bowler, San Martin (right), including two wickets with the score at 184. However, this brought yet another strapping six footer to the wicket, who together with Buest and some distinctly indifferent fielding, saw Gaddesden home with overs to spare.