This was a total mismatch. However, there were huge positives for the Pinks to take away from a nice day out in the autumn sunshine.
The biggest positive of all was the bowling especially considering that we were playing against 1st and 2nd XI league cricketers.
Stephen Underwood took a super catch at mid off to drag the pinks back into the contest after an attacking field leaked an enormous amount of early runs.
Jim and Stephen then bowled in tandem to reduce the run rate and wickets tumbled with great regularity to put Rosaneri briefly on top with the home team 132 for 5. Stephen returned a lovely 3 fer and Jim burst into a David Pleat like jig when his quicker ball clean bowled the opener.
At this point luck deserted Rosaneri and although the ball was going up in the air it just wouldn’t drop to a fielder. Nick in particular suffered with balls dropping in no mans land.
A 100 partnership for the 6th wicket put the home team well on top and Rosaneri faced a massive batting task at tea.
The Rosaneri top order were totally blown away by a super sharp opening attack that reduced us to 12 for 4 with only Big Mike living to tell the tale. Changes of bowling offered respite and the tail end led a counter attack to restore a bit of pride once a positive result had totally evaporated.
Nick whooshed away for a quick 10, before Mat and GMul flourished even when the best bowler returned looking to end the game.
Gmul is rapidly developing as a cult hero at the club and his carve to mid wicket off the premiere bowler was a joy for RCC fans everywhere.
In summary; A lovely day, a superb ground, a top tea, but a total mismatch.