..but not, unfortunately, within MCC!
It does not happen often, roughly every four years at a guess, but all three senior sides suffered defeat yesterday…it’s certainly the first time this season as the ‘A’ XI lost it’s unbeaten crown at the hands of fellow promotion candidates, Landore.
It was this game that was the closest, as Alex Protheroe’s stalwarts finished on 191-6, 5 runs short of Landore’s total of 196-7 on their own ground. It was a gallant effort for sure by our boys but it was not to be.
At Marespool, the 1st XI could not keep up their recent fine form as they succumbed to Neath. Batting first, Aneurin Norman’s team could muster only 160-9 before tea. Unless pressure could then be exerted by taking early wickets, that was never likely to be enough and so it proved…Neath clinched a fine victory by 9 wickets in the 42nd over.
And it was in the corresponding over at The Gnoll that Neath’s 2nd XI saw off our 2nd XI. Chasing 215-8, our hosts cantered over the finishing line with eight overs to spare, to deservedly win by 6 wickets.
Next Saturday (20th), the 1st XI travel to Port Talbot whose 2nd XI in turn visit Marespool. The ‘A’ XI have a bye.
On Sunday (21st), as if you did not know (!), the 1st XI take on Penarth at Neath CC in The Welsh Cup Final, start 1pm. See the separate news item re transport arrangements for the game!