Twickenham’s second match of the season came against Ashford. The visitors, fielding eight players, won the toss and elected to bowl against Twickenham’s squad of ten.

Twickenham got off to a difficult start against some accurate bowling from the Bashin twins. Openers Freddie and Kit launched into their full repertoire of expansive shots, bringing plenty of intent but also early risk, that resulted in a catch in the slips off the first ball. With the fielder claiming the catch and TV replays unavailable, the decision stood.

Wickets proved costly for the opening pair in an otherwise positive batting display, with Freddie Homewood still managing to finish with a strike rate of 100.

Felix and Arthur then steadied the innings, allowing the extras column to do much of the work as they accumulated 24 runs across their four overs without losing a wicket.

Rory and Holly showed plenty of discipline in their approach, protecting their wickets while looking to keep the scoreboard moving. Their straight-batted shots keeping mid-on unusually busy and finishing with a solid 14-run partnership.

Ted and Orson continued the momentum, adding 16 runs across their four overs while losing just one wicket.

Charlie and Connor provided a strong finish to the innings, showing excellent awareness with a number of quick singles that had eluded other batting pairs throughout the afternoon. Their efforts kept the scoreboard ticking over and delivered a valuable 17-run partnership.

Overall, it was a good batting performance against a strong bowling attack. Improvements in running between the wickets, and judging quick singles could have pushed the total even higher, while preserving wickets remains an important area of focus.

Twickenham’s bowling was once again opened by Holly Burston and Connor Thomson, both of whom bowled with pace and accuracy.

Felix Morris claimed his first wicket for Twickenham Cricket Club in style, uprooting the off stump and sending players and spectators alike into wild celebration.

Arthur Keates followed with an accurate over and, with the pressure beginning to build on Ashford, a superb direct-hit run out from Kit May helped keep Ashford's innings in check.

Charlie Ross Sampson was the standout bowler of the day, producing outstanding figures of two wickets for just seven runs. A third wicket looked to have followed, only for celebrations to be cut short by an above-waist no-ball decision.

Freddie Homewood, for the second week running, produced a direct-hit run out attempt from the boundary. This time, however, the batter just managed to slide their bat in, with the square-leg umpire signalling not out. By this stage both teams were producing an high standard of cricket.

Freddie Homewood was handed responsibility for the final over. Ashford held the advantage and Twickenham needed two wickets to swing the game back in their favour. Freddie delivered an excellent over, conceding just a single run, but the wickets would not come, and Ashford ultimately left the Green with the win.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Twickenham to take from another encouraging performance early in the season against a good Ashford side.