Great Waltham was a new adventure for the pinks and everything seemed to be perfect.
The ground, the facilities, the politeness of the opposition, and the tea were all big big ticks, but their high playing standard meant that Rosaneri were always well up against it.
Rosaneri gave it everything and at one point while fielding were probably on top, but ultimately class told and the pinks were left adrift at the close of play.
The home team started play with aggressive batting from the off and soon Stephen and Jim were frustrated as anything less than perfect was smashed to the boundary.
The run rate was furious, but the introduction of Mat soon slowed things down to something that felt more comfortable for the Rosaneri faithful.
Rahul and Cuz continued the good work and gradually the pinks moved into a position from defence to attack.
Nick joined the attack and two quick wickets put the home side into mild trouble territory at 150 for 7.
That was as good as it got for Rosaneri as an ex County player strode out to smash 50 in 20 and effectively bash the visitors into submission.
The Rosaneri reply started in the most unpromising of ways with a maiden being bowled.
Runs gently accumulated, but the scoreboard never got to full speed in the first 20 overs.
It soon became clear that Big Mike was going to be the pinks big hope as others got starts, but never really went on to cash in. Mike eventually passed his 50 and then his body was taken over by aliens as his 2nd 50 was at such a pace that the rest of the team started to dream of victory !
Cuz added a good 18 at speed as others perished giving it a go as ultimately the excessive run rate that had built up proved too much.
Another good days cricket, but in truth this was a bit of a mismatch.