Acton and Twickenham scored 400 runs-plus in an entertaining friendly on Saturday 13 April. Gurjit Sandhu and Ethan Wright were the stars of the Ts' batting show as the visitors posted 212-9 off their allotted 45. Sandhu then managed to limit Acton to just four over runs off the final over of the game as the hosts ended on 210 all out.

"How's the team looking for the annual hypothermia game?" asked one wag on the TCC watsapp group this last week. Given that the traditional season opener is usually one where three long sleeved jumpers (plus gloves, scarf and thermal underwear) are required, the question wasn't a million miles off the mark.

And, the Great British Weather didn't disappoint. Hail and rain made appearances at Club Des Sports in West London, but that didn't stop an excellent game of cricket from developing.

Sandhu (G) and Wright catch the eye
The Ts lost the toss and were asked to take first hit. Debutant Ben Leale-Green made a positive start at the top of the order, timing the ball nicely whilst progressing smoothly in to double figures. Leale-Green's positivity helped the Ts move to 100-4, but it was Gurjit Sandhu's (64) stickability that proved to be the backbone of the innings. A bright and breezy 50 not out from Ethan Wright helped the Ts post an eminently respectable total north of 200. All good.

Six to win
Bowling-wise, the Ts were at times a bit loose, but that's only to be expected in the season;s first outing. Wickets nonetheless fell regularly and the game remained evenly balanced throughout.

Darshan Chohan and The Coach (Anit Guharaja) couldn't quite hold on to a some decent chances, but Ajmal Allahdad led the way by illustrating that when push comes to shove he doesn't drop much.

As the game approached the business end Acton found themselves needing 30 from the last 8 overs. With 4 wickets in hand they probably fancied their chances. Moving in to the final over that target was down to six. Gurjit Sandhu nonetheless rounded off an excellent day's work by limiting the hosts to just the four runs as the Ts eased home with a couple of runs to spare.

Pre-season friendlies are rarely good indicators of what the season is likely to bring. What they certainly are useful for is getting everyone back in to the swing of things. And, if that's how we're looking at this game, then it was a success for all concerned. Good work, fellas.