The upshot of Friday’s invitational match is that Rosaneri Cricket Club have clearly moved on to a new level since last years clash. Observers must also bear in mind that a significant number of experienced players were omitted from the team.

The experience gained by playing regularly against proper club sides was there for all to see. This was particularly apparent with the batsmen as they put a weak bowling attack to the sword.

The match was full of banter as expected and the after match fish and chip meal made it a real day to remember. It was also very pleasant to experience cricket with two umpires and a scorer.

Player notebook:

Alfieri – Made hay against a lesser bowling attack than he has been facing recently. Looked really confident, and smacked the ball away aggressively. Also bowled really well in the second innings.

Leigh – Far too good for this level of cricket. Retired after comfortably reaching his 30 in the 1^st innings and smashed two 6’s in two balls in the 2^nd innings before getting caught. Another who had a bowl and returned smart figures from a good line and length.

McHugh – Batted confidently in the 1^st innings and just fell short of his retirement score. Saw the team home in the 2^nd innings in a calm fashion. Seems to have developed into a serious batsman during his loan spell with North Enfield. The Selectors are very keen to get his services back on a regular basis.

Tona – Batted ok and bowled when needed in the 2^nd innings, but his Captaincy was the real strong point. Made sure everyone got a game in difficult circumstances, but also made sure of the win.

Tyrrell – Kept wicket to almost county standard. His razor sharp stumpings were a weapon too strong for inexperienced opponents. His batting however was poor. Seemed to bat forever in the 1^st innings for 5 and in the 2^nd gave his wicket away far too easily to a joke bowler.

Sparrey – Batted very well to reach 30 in his only innings, and was another who was way too good for the poor bowling attack.

Rose – Returned a nice 3 for 10 with the ball, but most impressive was his batting. In the 1st innings he smashed a 6 of his very first ball, and then in the 2^nd he opened the batting like Adam Gilchrist.

Downing – Bowled a tidy spell in the 1st innings and was used as a batsman in the 2^nd. Opened the batting and returned a rock solid 24, before walking back to the pavilion unbeaten.

Ni.Shewring – Compared to others his figures read poorly, but his bowling was very good. Leg spinners can be given the tap by clueless batsmen as they don’t worry about the spin of the ball. But Nick’s real pride can be taken by bowling Blackers with a perfect Googly.

Na.Shewring – Returned sensational figures and did bowl really well. Kept the ball in the right areas and even generated some pace. Also held a nice catch.

Shuttlewood – Bowled very well in patches and benefited from generous umpiring at other times. Good figures and bagged a couple of wickets, but still needs to work on consistency.