This was not only a great day out, but also a very competitive match.

Rosaneri were asked to bat and got off to terrible start as the wickets started tumbling. The opening bowling attack was youthful and accurate which didn’t help to settle the nerves. However, Mark Cox back after a mid season break to Spain looked full of focus and led the fight back.

Mark departed at 66 for 7 and Rosaneri still had loads to do to even think of making the game competitive. Robsie played well for a cameo 10 and even hit a big six, but the come back really got on track when Jim and Mat came together.

Jim played a very measured innings and hardly gave a chance away before he was bowled by the opening bowler in his second spell for 46. Mat batted equally well and added a vital 26 to give the Pinks something to bowl at.

Tea was the politest affair ever with a fine array of sandwiches being enjoyed in a traditional courtyard accompanied by jazz music.

Captain Sindrey, never one to conform, opened with pace and spin in tandem. This proved successful, but in a way that was probably not intended. Instead of wickets, it was perfect containment as the home side really struggled to get the score board rolling.

Nick bowled exceptionally well, but Paul never really settled into his usual rhythm. Gareth came into the attack and got the ball in good areas, but didn’t get an ounce of luck.

Mat joined the party and bowled with aggression and accuracy to really put Ham & Petersham on the back foot, but the wickets were painfully slow in coming and the Pinks best chance of a result was the draw with 20 overs left.

A couple of good run outs and a wicket each for Gareth, Mat and Nick gave the Rosaneri hope, but a couple of lively middle order players knocked off the winning runs with 2 overs to spare.

The pinks did have chances, but we just couldn’t capitalise when we needed to. Four or five catches were dropped and there was also a very tight run out call that didn’t go our way.

A great day and a near miss of a great result.