Mid-Bucks Premier League 

HOLMER START SEASON WITH A WIN 

Holmer Green started their season with a comfortable win over Ley Hill.  The Hill were given an unpleasant surprise just before the toss when their opening batsman suddenly announced he was unfit and Sunday Captain Paul Green had to step in at the last moment.  For a short time a big score looked in the offing as Ley Hill scored 55 in the first ten overs. Unfortunately the run rate dropped after the initial flourish (Kash Shakoor scoring 41 from an opening partnership of 59).  Andy Rennard made an admirable 64 but only three other batsmen made double figures.  Nonetheless the total of 200-9 was still a good one.

Steve Jerman, Holmer’s opening bowler, proved he is still unquestionably the fastest bowler in the league (4-44) and was ably supported by Adams (2-52) and tidy spells by both Ward & King.

Holmer’s opening batsman Watt set about chasing the target with an exceptional 78, and despite losing King cheaply (13), was assisted by a good knock from Asprey (30) and unbeaten totals of 36 and 23 by Wallace and Ricket respectively and Holmer made the winning total of 202-3 from only 39 of the available 45 overs.

This was a fair and good tempered local derby with both sides able to look to the future with hope.  Holmer proved they will be as difficult to beat as last season and Ley Hill, with five under 18’s breaking into the side – including both opening bowlers – have every reason to be optimistic.  Both sides also have new captains – Daryl Ward for Holmer and Kevin Phillips for the Hill -  who both made excellent contributions to their side’s performance.