In 2007, the Whitaker Report (commissioned by the White House) found that; as a result of gun crime and excessive drug use in the most run down areas of San Francisco, life expectancy is so short for males in their early twenties that they would live longer if they killed someone in cold blood, and were put on death row. A scary thought and one which begs the question – what has this to do with cricket?

Well, if Whitaker had just expanded his search a little further, he would have found that the only place on earth with a shorter life expectancy is Englefield Green, in Mid April on a cold and wet Sunday afternoon, playing cricket. If the elements don’t lead to your demise from frostbite, pneumonia or influenza then there is always the odd passing psychopath impersonating Mister Motivator in his work suit, best shirt and trainers, or hooded teenager with a la cuca raca car horn to pick you off.

Despite the imminent dangers, the enthusiasm from both sides beat the British weather and an enjoyable game was played in excellent spirits by two side determined to get their season’s off to a winning start. After stopping, looking both ways and listening – the skippers navigated the road and then the local brook and headed off to the middle for the toss which was duly won by the home side and the T’s padded up for a bat. All things considered, the track looked very well prepared and openers Platts and Trippett considered high scores should they show both talent and patience, unfortunately Trippett displayed neither, preferring an England captain style innings and was dismissed in the second over attempting to hook 2 months too early.

Bendelow joined Platts and consolidated well before Brown caught Platts well off the bowling of Dare. Though out for a disappointing score of 11, Platts could be please with his debut innings for the T’s and several skippers will wont to see him playing in more batsman friendly conditions before the first selection of the season.

Bendelow continued to bat well as middle order batsmen came and went, both Tom Huntington (14) and Kriess (quack) fell victim to playing back and getting caught while Combrinck looked in good touch before being bowled by one of the deliveries of the day without breaking double figures. Into the tail Bendelow continued to pile on the runs while resistance was found wanting at the other end, Maniche well caught by Ireland for 2 and Saunders lost a straight one on 5.

Eventually M Huntingdon showed the required backbone to build a valuable partnership into the final few overs before Bendelow was eventually dismissed four short of his 50. Henderson failed to trouble the scorers which left Freeman to join M Huntingdon for the last few, both finishing the innings unbeaten, 1 and 14 respectively to give the T’s a score of 121. Dare and Burton finished the pick of the host’s bowlers both taking 3 wickets.

Tea was quickly consumed, partly due to the prospect of fading light and partly because Hendo was playing and the T’s set about defending their modest scores through the opening bowling of M Huntingdon and Saunders.

Slow but steady progress was made by the Englefield openers Lorimore and Brown before, almost inevitably, a back foot shot lead to Saunders first wicket as Lorimore presented a simple catch to Trippett. The pressure was applied in the form of tight bowling from M Huntingdon and Saunders used his experience to capitalise bowling both Brown and Ireland before the score reached 30. Perscue entered the fray with sights on steadying the ship but before he could make any impact, Trippett was given more catching practice by Reucroft off the bowling of Huntingdon and Englefield were in serious trouble.

The bowling tactics were switched to a spin with the ball wearing a little and Henderson immediately kept the pressure on, bowling an impressive line to keep the lid on the Perscue and Wright. Unfortunately Freeman could not find the same rhythm and his Chinamen were put to the sword like a Tibetan monk. By his own high standards Freeman will be disappointed to have allowed the advantage to swing back to the batting side but with a wet ball and slow pitch he should take credit in the fact that, not only did he keep going but when he got it right he caused the batsmen difficulties. This is why we play preseason friendlies and Freeman looks as though he could take many wickets later this season.

Meanwhile at the other end Henderson continued to cause trouble and Wright was soon dismissed by an excellent Combrinck catch at point and Dare soon followed, Platts showing safe hands again from the bowling of Henderson. Terrington somehow survived the ball deflecting off the stumps before he was caught and balled later in the over by Trippett.

Saunders again switched the bowling, bringing back both the openers and the plan worked as far as the wicket of Perscue was concerned, out top edging a hook from Saunders to give him his forth wicket and Trippett his forth catch of the game. Perscue returned to the pavilion with an impressive 45 and it proved to be a match winning innings as Parrott and Whittle reached the target with relative ease with 2 wickets and 8 overs to spare.