By finishing runners-up in u14 League Division 2 last season the boys secured an unexpected promotion, and are now in the 'Top Flight' for the first time in their progress through the age-groups. Now with the prospect of playing the best sides in the area a challenging season lies ahead.

Our first game of the season took place at Ashord, runaway and worthy winners of Division 2 last season, and yet again they were too strong for us, winning by 10 wickets in the evening sunshine. All credit to Ashford for getting the game on and providing good playing conditions after a day of heavy rain had made the prospect of play at one stage seem very unlikely.

Twickenham won the toss and elected to bat. The new opening partnership of Nikhil and Ankit started nicely against a fast and accurate attack but with the score on 14 Nikhil was well bowled. Ankit went on to make 26, ably supported by Taylor (14) and Faizan (22 n.o). Although the batting showed much improvement on last week's display at Kew, a lush outfield and very good fielding prevented the batsmen getting full value for their strokes, the run rate was slow, and only a few lusty hits from Faizan got the score up to 79-5 in the 20 overs (annoyingly 1 run short of a second batting bonus point). The Ashford bowling, both pace and spin, was of very good quality however.

Ashford chased down the total in 13 overs without loss. Having twice suffered last season from their excellent opening batsmen, Twickenham were well aware that only excellent bowling and fielding, and taking each and every chance would give us any hope of defending the total. The bowling was generally tidy without being exceptionally threatening (though a fine opening spell from Dominic was excellent) and the fielding, though good, failed to match the high standards we set last season. What cost us though, was 4 dropped catches. Through them a chance to attack Ashford's weaker batsmen was missed, and the game inevitably fell away from us. However, as one of the drops was a very hard caught and bowled chance, and the others were by fielders facing directly into a very bright and low setting sun, allowances should be made.

Many thanks to Ahmad Rabbani for scoring, and for the participation and support of the u14 boys and parents. On Tuesday we have our opening home fixture against Sunbury.