Church Eaton headed into the weekend looking a little desperate for points against Ashcombe Park having been dragged into the relegation fight after a few poor results in the proceeding weeks.
White somewhat predictably lost the toss and CE were asked to bat on a dry looking wicket under overcast conditions.

Arnold and Pedley opened the batting, Pedley first to fall spooning a catch to gully. Gaz Stratford was in next and whilst his strike rate was low, he managed to anchor the innings for others to play around with a crucial innings. Lewis Nixon came in at 4 and played a great cameo of 27 off 30, not knowing at this point how crucial that innings would be.

Nobody else would manage double figures as CE limped to 98 all out, Ashcombe Park seemed confident the result was only going to go one way at this point.

CE didn’t start great - Abdullah firing down 3 wides in his first over before finding his line and length to pick up the dangerous Rich Knott caught behind for 5. Will Ross found a good rhythm from the other end bowling with great control and swing picking up the wicket of the impressive Charlie Knott (who’d kept wicket impeccably in the first innings) to a very sharp catch from Abdullah at point.
Chasing 99 for victory Ashcombe Park lost wickets at regular intervals, with James Proffitt top scoring with a well compiled 34.

CE never felt out of the game with many a AP batter coming in and blocking full tosses back to the bowler to put the pressure back on themselves. However at 83-5 the game looked as good as done.
Rob Hogarth recovering from a side strain put his hand up to bowl from one end whilst openers Abdullah and Ross came on from the other end. AP now struggling to get over the line fell from 83-5 to 97-9… CE now firmly back in it.
Roberts on strike for Will’s final over - 2 runs required to win for AP, 1 wicket required for CE. Ross bowled the perfect in swinger and took out the left handers off stump.

CE winning by 1 run in a fantastic game of cricket. Ross and Abdullah finishing with 3-18 and 4-22 respectively.
All in all the spirit and character shown by CE was fantastic - a never say die attitude that saw us over the line. Onto to Little Stoke next week.