05.09.09

Thatcham Town CC 1^st XI v Fleet CC 1st XI

Fleet played 2nd in the league Thatcham Town on Saturday, knowing that anything but a victory would see them relegated.  Fleet were slightly depleted by poor availability but, stand in captain, Russell Black made the best possible start by winning the toss and having a bat.  Black looked to lead from the front and appeared in imperious form, ablely assisted by his opening partner, Andy Parker.  The score passed 50 runs before Parker departed bringing Matt Lee to the crease. 

With Black in such a mood, the job for the other batsmen was to rotate the strike to get him back facing.  Black quickly reached his half century and Fleet were taking control, scoring quickly whilst keeping wickets in hand.  Lee was replaced by Thornton who batted in the same manner as his predecessor, before his departure brought Pete Talbot to the crease with 20 overs remaining and Black nearing his century.  This is a situation that Talbot revels in and this was no different!  Having been nervously making his way through the ninties, being dropped on 99, Black eventually completed a magnificent century.  Thatcham Town were not so pleased as it was the 2nd century that Black had plundered against them this year!  Talbot now had to up the ante and was assisted by Jon Lent with some quick running and powerful hitting.  Talbot fell in the penultimate over for 36, leaving Lent to increase the score to 236-5 from 52 overs

The competitive total gave the Fleet bowlers something to defend, and with Phil Singleton hunting down his 50th league wicket of the season, Fleet were in the driving seat.  Wickets were taken from the outset by Singleton and his old ball partner Graham Chalkley.  Singleton reached this landmark early on in the Thatcham Town reply and put the home team under severe pressure. 

Thatcham were always in with a chance, needing 5 runs per over and their opening batsman, James Ettridge, still at the crease.  However, as Black rotated his bowlers, Pete Thornton came into the attack and immediately had a massive impact on the game by taking a hat-trick in his 2nd over.  Ettridge still remained but Fleet sensed victory and in Graham Chalkley, they had a man to do just that.  Ettridge was the last man to fall as Thatcham Town were dismissed for 153 runs, ending their chances of promotion.

Stand in captain, Russell Black said 'This was a great team performance from a young Fleet team who thoroughly deserved this victory.  I am very proud of them.  However, 2 poor performances in games that we should have won earlier in the season have cost us dearly.'  Unfortunately, other results didn't go Fleet's way and after a 2 year stay in the top division, are now relegated to the 2nd tier.

29.08.09

Fleet 1st XI v North Maidenhead 1st XI

Fleet couldn't stave off relegation on Saturday as they stumbled to a home defeat.  Having won the toss on a damp wicket, they inserted their visitors, North Maidenhead to bat first.  Fleet started well with openers Talbot and Chalkley taking early wickets.  The bowlers were used in short bursts to good effect and today Steve Morgan looked dangerous taking 2 wickets. 

However, the North Maidenhead opener Mirbam Saleem remained, bashing his way to past 50.  Spinner Phil Singleton was introduced on a seam friendly track and he soon returned to his miserly ways posting figures of 6-25 as North Maidenhead were eventually dismissed for 150 inside 44 overs.  These were Singleton's best figures of the season and have now moved him onto 47 league wickets.

Fleet once again lost early wickets in their response but Russell Black and Matt Lee put Fleet in the driving seat.  When Lee was dismissed for 33, Fleet were cruising at 94-4.  However, Black was soon to depart for 41 and a collapse was to ensue. 

When Fleet's 9th wicket fell for 128, the game looked up.  However, Steve Morgan had other ideas and held all of Fleet's hopes.  Graham Chalkley, batting at number 11, was dogged holding up one end while Morgan played his shots at the other.  The tension grew as Fleet got closer to getting out of jail.  However, with only 2 runs required, Chalkley fell to the last ball of the over and Fleet's slim chances of survival had evaporated.

Fleet end their campaign this Saturday, away to promotion chasing Thatcham Town.

22.08.09

Fleet 1st XI v Chesham 1st XI

Fleet were playing Chesham in a critical match at the bottom of the table. Both teams fighting to be above the bottom three with a risk that 3 sides may be relegated this season due to the Premier League Thames Valley teams’ positions.

Things started well with Tim Downes winning the toss and deciding to bat first on a wicket that looked likely to offer some assistance to early seam bowling but should guarantee best use of the track for Fleet. The start from Fleet’s opening batsmen was poor losing Andy Parker in the second over and whilst Huw Griffiths and Russell Black battled to put together a partnership in the face of sustained and accurate seam bowling both fell as Fleet approached 50. It was at this time that the Dave Gurney and Matt Lee stepped up to the plate with a really mature and solid partnership driving the score on to over 100, before they too fell to some good bowling. Battling cameos from Fleet’s skipper Tim Downes and some quick runs from Steven Morgan and Phil singleton saw the side to a respectable 186 for 9 from 52 overs.

We always felt the total was defendable but Chesham’s overseas ex-Sri Lanka A team professional Bradman Edaweria took the bowling attack to the sword. He raced to a very good 50 and then on to 100 with some brutal hitting and classical stroke play. Only Graeme Chalkley and Bruce Stone were able to offer any control, the latter collecting some good wickets by taking the pace off the ball, in a return to the club. Whilst Fleet made inroads at the other end, the damage was done and Chesham reached the victory target within 40 overs.

The result leaves Fleet adrift, 3^rd from bottom with 2 to play. Fleet CC Captain said ‘it will take some very strong performances from here to ensure safety this season, but we have to focus on what we can control and ensure we finish above the automatic relegation spots.’

08.08.09

Fleet 1st XI v Harefield 1st XI

Fleet entertained one of the top 3 on Saturday and unfortunately ended up on the losing side.  Fleet, again lost the toss and were inserted, after Harefield arrived over an hour and a half late due to traffic.  This was the second time this had happened in 2 home games, and left Fleet an uphill struggle to win the game which had been shortened to 74 overs.

Fleet started positively, even after the early loss of Andy Parker to a peach of a delivery.  Russell Black and Simon Payne took the reigns as they guided Fleet towards a respectable total on a damp wicket after heavy midweek rain.  However, they were both to fall soon after each other, just as the side needed to hit the accelerator.  Having been 72-1 Fleet’s new batsmen began to struggle against tight bowling on a slow wicket.  This led to Fleet rather stumbling to 109 all out, 1 short of their allocated 39 overs.

The Fleet bowlers knew that this would be defendable, given early wickets, on a slow wicket that was offering plenty seam movement.  Early wickets is exactly what they got, with Phil Singleton and Pete Talbot, decimating the Harefield batting line up, leaving them precariously placed at 40-5. 

This however, brought together Harefield’s skipper, Akshay Reddy and ex Zimbabwe international, Mluleki Nkala.  This pair had earlier shared all of Fleet’s wickets to fall, and were looking to be a thorn in their side again.  Their invaluable 50 partnership, all but saw them to the finishing line.  But with Nkala falling with the score on 92, Reddy saw them to victory with an unbeaten 50, with one over to spare.

Afterwards, Fleet Skipper said ‘Unfortunately we were beaten by 2 exceptional players who took all the wickets and scored 75% of the runs, but this is what we are to expect in Div 1.  The next 3 weeks, against bottom half opposition, will make or break our season.’  Fleet travel to Maidenhead & Bray on Saturday, in a must win game.

25.07.09

Fleet 1st XI v Amersham 1st XI

Fleet's poor run of form continued on Saturday at home to high flying Amersham.  Fleet captain, Tim Downes, won the toss and elected to bat, in a game that was reduced to a 90 over match due to major traffic on the M3.  Fleet started in a positive fashion through openers Andy Parker and Russell Black.  Black departed first, caught tamely at mid on and was shortly followed back to the pavilion by Gurney and Ferguson .  Parker continued to bat well but when he was dismissed for 25 runs, to a ball he should never really have got out to, Fleet were in real trouble.  The only other real resistance came from Downes (18 runs) as the Fleet lower order struggled against the Amersham spin attack.  They limped to 96 all out, 4 runs short of any batting points.

Amersham immediately took the attack to Fleet's bowlers, and with only 96 runs to defend, Fleet's bowlers knew that they would struggle.  Early wickets were needed if Fleet were to rescue anything from this game, but unfortunately these didn't materialise.  The Amersham opening partnership only offered up one tough chance, but this couldn't be taken and Amersham cruised to a 10 wicket victory inside 20 overs. 

Fleet Captain, Tim Downes, said afterwards  'this is another disappointing result for us with the batting performance in particular an utter shambles against an average bowling attack. From being 85 for 4 to 96 all out is just not acceptable. We all need to take a long hard look at ourselves and start turning in some credible performances otherwise it will be Division 2 cricket next season.'

Fleet travel to Kew on Saturday, in need of a victory to ease any relegation fears.

18.07.09

High Wycombe CC 2nd XI v Fleet CC 1st XI

Fleet stumbled again, away to High Wycombe 2nd XI, on Saturday and now find themselves deep in a relegation battle.  High Wycombe won the toss and elected to bat however they did not start well and Fleet's opening bowling attack of Graham Chalkley and Pete Talbot had them reeling at 60-3. 

This dominating position was not seized by Fleet and some sensible batting coupled with a short boundary saw High Wycombe slowly getting back into the game.  Fleet were happy with the score at 160-7 after 39 overs however High Wycombe really accelerated in from there hitting over 100 runs in the last 13 overs, giving them the momentum to take into their bowling display, ending on 236-9.  The pick of the bowlers was Graham Chalkley who returned figures of 5-84.

This was a tall order for the Fleet batting line up but they started positively scoring 30 from the first 3 overs.  This did not continue, however, and Russell Black and Andy Parker departed soon after each other, both trapped in front.  Batsman came and went, much largely to the quality of the High Wycombe bowling who exerted huge pressure on Fleet's creaking line-up.  The only batsmen to offer any real resistance were Simon Payne and Jeremy Curd as Fleet eventually stumbled to 110 all out as Stefan Van Dyk took 5-11. 

Fleet entertain 2 of the top sides in the next couple of weeks, starting at home to Amersham this coming week.

11.07.09

Fleet 1st XI v Tring Park 2nd XI

Fleet entertained Tring Park 2nd XI on Saturday and despite some unfavourable weather conditions, managed to complete the full 100 overs.  Tring Park won the toss and invited Fleet to bat first on a wicket that was likely to offer seam movement having been under cover the night before.

Fleet started off in a confident mood with the bat, racing along at over 6 runs per over as Russell Black and Andy Parker picked off a plethora of short pitched bowling.  Parker was dropped early on but that toughened his resolve and with Black, forged an extremely strong and aggressive opening partnership.  Parker was the first to go with the score on 185, unfortunately 9 runs short of his maiden century for the club.  The man in form after his ton last week, Black, departed soon after for a splendid 85 which brought 2 new batsmen together.  Fleet then stumbled losing several wickets however, the captain Downes guided the Fleet ship towards a declaration of 238-6 from 50 overs.

Tring Park started off positively, putting on 90 for the 1st wicket, but once that had been broken and the other opener Pritchard was trapped in front by Pete Talbot for 54, the Tring Park chase dissolved.  They played and missed at countless deliveries but Fleet could not take wickets regularly enough.  Spinner, Phil Singleton, was the only bowler to achieve success with 5-29, which was credit to him on an un-spin friendly track.  Tring Park 's tactics were baffling as they need to win games, and are now well adrift at the bottom of Division 1.  They eventually limped to 169-7 in their allocated 50 overs, taking 6 points to Fleet's 13 points. 

Fleet captain, Tim Downes, said afterwards 'We played all the cricket in the match but on a flat wicket it was very difficult to bowl batsmen out that were obviously only interested in a draw. It is a disappointing result against a poor team that seem destined for relegation.'

Fleet's campaign continues on Saturday, away to High Wycombe 2nd XI.

04.07.09

Fleet CC 1st XI v Thatcham Town CC 1^st XI

Fleet entertained top of the table, Thatcham Town on Saturday.  Thatcham won the toss and decided to have first use of what looked like a very dry track.  Thatcham's batting line up is strong, opening up with a former Pakistani Test player, Ali Naqvi and the took the upper hand in the opening exchanges. 

They added 80 runs for the 1st wicket until Naqvi was well caught by Fleet's wicketkeeper, Andy Parker of the bowling of Fleet stalwart Graham Chalkley.  Naqvi's onpening partner, James Ettridge took up the reins with some classical leg side shots.  Fleet's spin partnership of Phil Singelton and Pete Thornton then started to enjoy the dry conditions taking although Ettridge remained. 

Ettridge's innings of 83 runs was ended in the 39th over with the introduction of Pete Talbot who enticed him into playing onto his own stumps from outside off stump.  Thatcham pushed hard to maximise their target but their progress was checked by wickets from Phil Singleton (4-92) and Pete Talbot (3-20).  They eventually declared after 48 overs having made 238-9.

Fleet were confident going into the run chase, as the recent hot weather has quickened Fleet's outfield substantially.  Russell Black, who has looked in good touch recently, was in a determined mood but lost his opening partner, Andy Parker early on.  Thatcham looked worried about Black's form as he put their bowling attack to the sword.   Fleet's problem was that no one could hang around long enough to provide the support that Black required and once he was dismissed, the game was pretty much up for the home team.  Fleet were eventually dismissed for 161 within 39 overs.  The start performer with the ball for Thatcham was Ali Naqvi with 5-44. 

Fleet captain, Tim Downes, said afterwards 'Russell Black deserves high praise for his classy knock.  Unfortunately no one could hang around with him - it is always disappointing for someone to score a ton and end up on the losing side.  However, I am sure the boys will keep battling as we move into the return fixtures.' 

Fleet's campaign continues on Saturday at home to Tring Park 2nd XI, who they comfortably beat in the first game of the season.

27.06.09

North Maidenhead 1st XI v Fleet 1st XI

Fleet CC faced their 2^nd away game in as many weeks, with a depleted batting line up due to unavailability.  The opposition were North Maidenhead who won their first game of the season last weekend.  With club captain unavailable, Russell Black took the reigns, winning the toss and electing to bat first. 

The opening overs all went Fleet’s way as they got off to a flyer, with Black leading by example.  Unfortunately it didn’t last and Black was well caught in the slips leaving the baton with his opening partner, Andy Parker.  Parker, who was struggling for recent form, seemed to be getting back on track with a classy and well deserved 50.  But with his departure and an inexperienced middle order, Fleet were in danger of throwing away a decent position. 

Fortunately, Matt Lee and Lee Newman steadied the lower order but once Lee went, the tail was exposed who couldn’t occupy the crease to ensure that the full allocation of overs were taken.  Fleet CC were dismissed for 184 in 45 overs, meaning that North Maidenhead would have the remaining 55 overs to chase down the total.

Fleet’s bowling display started off impressively with the first 20 overs only yielding 40 runs for the loss 2 wickets.  Phil Singleton was as miserly as always and he was bowling in tandem with Pete Thornton who was relishing his opportunity in the 1^st XI. 

Unfortunately, once the new ball was taken, although is offered swing and seam movement, the runs flowed more regularly.  Fleet needed wickets and the belief was there once Jon Stewart had been dismissed by Peter Talbot for 65, but it was too little, too late for Fleet, as Jon Mango steered the home side to victory with an unbeaten 55 with under 2 overs remaining.

Stand in skipper for the day, Russell Black said afterwards ‘It was a disappointing result for the boys who had the opportunity to get well clear of the bottom of the table this weekend. With many of the normal 1^st team batting line up unavailable, I was pleased we got runs on the board with a lot of the new guys showing real promise. Unfortunately we paid the price for not using our batting overs, which coupled with a dropped catch, took pressure off North Maidenhead run chase.

It’s a big game this Saturday at home to the league leaders Thatcham Town . A good performance will take us to the halfway point of the season in mid table which was our target at the start of the year.’

20.06.09

Chesham 1st XI v Fleet 1st XI

Fleet's run of good performances continued on Saturday, away against Chesham.  Having lost the toss and been inserted, Fleet CC again lost early wickets, however with Russell Black at the crease, runs would always come.  Losing 3 wickets without a significant score on the board put Fleet CC on the back foot, and with the departure of Russell Black for 24 it was left to Doug Ferguson and Dave Gurney to rebuild the innings and provide a platform for the lower order.  Doug has been in fine form recently, and this continued as he hit some classical drives en route to 65.  He was ably assisted by Dave Gurney and their partnership was crucial to the Fleet innings.  With their demise it was left to Peter Talbot and the lower order to maximise the Fleet CC total.  Talbot was in a destructive mood and his 41 off 31 balls ensured that Fleet CC passed the 175 mark with ease.  The innings ended in the final over when he was caught on the boundary with the Fleet CC total on 185.

Fleet's defence of this total started in the best possible fashion as Phil Singleton had Chesham's dangerous opening bat trapped in front with the first ball of the innings.  With Chesham's best batsman, Bradman Edriweera, still at the crease, Fleet knew it would be a tough total to defend, however a simply stunning one handed catch from Simon Payne off Graham Chalkley's bowling meant he had to depart for 18.  Fleet were now in control at 18-2 but Chesham's former international player, Hitesh Modi, wasn't going to make it easy for Fleet.  A couple of catches went down off him and he looked likely to make Fleet CC rue those missed opportunities.  However, Peter Talbot's fine day continued as he was thrown the ball, and in his first over, had Modi trapped plumb in front.  Fleet could sense victory but this game had many more twists and turns.  Chesham's lower order looked to be taking Chesham to victory, with 30 runs required from 10 overs and 4 wickets remaining.  Graham Chalkley's accurate bowling kept Fleet in it, keeping the runs down and by taking regular wickets.  His 4 wickets, at crucial times always gave Fleet CC hope.  Chesham went into the last over, 9 wickets down and requiring 1 run to win.  Phil Singleton was bowling and the field was tight.  When a half chance was offered to Russell Black at mid-off, he seized the opportunity with another one handed grasp. The match had been tied and Fleet CC celebrated as if it was a victory!

Fleet CC's captain, Tim Downes said after the game 'The team again showed considerable character under pressure and achieved a great result against a strong Chesham side. Whilst it was an excellent all round team performance, particular credit goes to Doug Ferguson, Peter Talbot and Graham Chalkley for their outstanding contributions.'  Fleet's campaign continues on Saturday away to North Maidenhead.

06.06.09

Harefield 1st XI v Fleet 1st XI

Fleet picked up their performance on Saturday away to Harefield, after a disappointing run of results in a game that was reduced to 90 overs due to the rain.  Having been bowled out cheaply in the last 3 games, Fleet captain Tim Downes this time elected to field first when he won the toss on a green, apparently seam friendly track.  Steve Morgan started well extracting seam movement out of the track and was rewarded by removing the opening batsman early on.  After Andy Parker had removed the number 3 with a smart stumping off Pete Talbot, Fleet were going well, having the opposition at 37-2.  Harefield did recover with a decent 3rd wicket standing but runs were very difficult to come by off Phil Singleton and Graham Chalkley.  The run rate was always hovering around the 3 runs per over rate, which Harefield pressed to increase but as they tried Singleton and Chalkley took wickets to peg them back again.  A great bowling and fielding effort from Fleet kept Harefield down to 165 from their 47 overs.

Fleet's batting effort saw Andy Parker go early on, but in Russell Black they had a batsman who could win the game.  He looked in a determined mood as he despatched the opening bowlers around the ground, however no one could hang around long enough at the other end to push home the advantage.  This fascinating game swung one way then the other, and with Black being bowled soon after reaching his fifty, Harefield appeared in control.  Steve Morgan then put Fleet back in the picture with a few lusty blows and a great lower order partnership between Phil Singleton and Jez Curd had their side on the brink of victory.  Four runs were required from the final over but a run-out from the first ball meant Fleet's number 11, Graham Chalkley was on strike who couldn't add to the total and the game was drawn.

On reflection, Captain Downes said 'I am alot happier with this week's performance.  The lads showed considerable character after a tough few weeks of defeats.  We can now look forward and take this spirit into the games in the up and coming weeks, all against sides in the lower half of the league.  Winning these will be crucial in our bid to climb out of the relegation positions.'  Fleet's campaign continue on Saturday at home to Maidenhead & Bray.

30.05.09

Fleet CC 1st XI v Kew CC 1^st XI

Another week, and another poor batting performance from Fleet.  This time it was at home, against a strong Kew side.  On a scorching day, captain Tim Downes won the toss and elected to bat.  Again the top order failed to fire and runs were very hard to come by.  Kew had a new quick, strike bowler in Kidron Thomas and when he took 4 quick wickets, the Fleet innings was in tatters.  The only resistance came from Fleet's opening batsman, Russell Black.  But once he had gone, the middle order followed soon after and Fleet were reeling at 34-7.  Lee Newman and Jez Curd set about restoring some pride, as they set after the Kew spinners, with Jez Curd top scoring with 21.  Fleet managed to scramble up to 88, but once again the Fleet bowlers didn't have enough runs to defend.  Kidron Thomas ended with figures of 5-13.

The Kew batsman settled in quickly on a decent Fleet track against the new ball.  No real chances were offered up until late on and they cantered to a 10 wicket victory in just under 20 overs.  Ian Maynard hit an unbeaten 53.

Fleet captain, Tim Downes, said afterwards, 'It is not very often that you come away with no points.  It is difficult not to get down hearted, but looking at the league, we have played 3 of the top 4 sides in recent weeks.  I am sure the boys will show their character next weekend as we start to turn this poor start around.'  Fleet face a tough trip to 5th place Harefield on Saturday.

 23.05.09

Amersham 1st XI v Fleet 1st XI

Fleet's 2009 campaign stumbled again this time away at the hands of Amersham.  Amersham won the toss and elected to field first on what looked like a seam friendly track.  Once again, Fleet lost early wickets at regular intervals, although Russell Black looked to be back in form, scoring a fluent 25 before being superbly caught at 2nd slip.  Amersham's seam attack made it very difficult for any of the Fleet batsman to settle.  Tim Downes made a well constructed 31 runs, before gloving an absolute snorter to the keeper.  Fleet's hopes of setting a target to bowl at, then lay with the lower order.  Pete Talbot frustrated the Amersham bowlers as he battled to 30, putting on a partnership of 40 with Lee Newman.  But with 4 overs remaining, and Fleet looking to push the scoring on, the wheels came off with 3 wickets falling in the 49th over.  Fleet were dismissed for an under par 125, with Andy Viney taking 6-34.

Fleet's seamers looked to extract the same movement that the Amersham bowlers had found, and started off positively with Lee Newman taking out the opening batsmen cheaply.  This bought together Rob Viney and Amersham's overseas, who batted positively, taking the game to the Fleet bowlers.  Three very difficult chances were offered up, however, none of them were taken, highlighting Fleet's bad day at the office.  Rob Viney ended up 69 not out as Amersham cantered to victory in 28 overs with the loss of only 2 wickets.

A disappointed Fleet skipper said 'Again, some poor shot selections put us under pressure from the outset.  Batting in partnerships is key to building a solid base for our bowlers to bowl at.  We need to find our form with the bat as soon as possible, otherwise this will be an extremely difficult season'.  Fleet entertain Kew at home on Saturday.

16.05.09

Fleet CC 1st XI v High Wycombe CC 2nd XI

Having started the 2009 season in the best possible manner, Fleet CC stumbled upon a very useful High Wycombe 2nd XI team in their second game of the season.  The Fleet Captain won the toss at Calthorpe Park and elected to bat.  The pitch offered assistance to the bowlers early on, who also managed to extract significant swing from the new ball, making life extremely difficult for Fleet's top order.  After runs last week, Andy Parker was out in the 2nd over and many off his colleagues followed soon after.  The only real resistance was offered by Simon Payne who top scored with 28, many of which coming from his cover drive.  Fleet were eventually dismissed for 107.

Fleet knew that they had to take early wickets and therefore started the defence of their total with attacking fields.  Graham Chalkley started his spell with the old ball in the best possible way, by bowling the opposition's opening batsman with the first ball of the 2nd over.  High Wycombe responded with a 2nd wicket partnership before Graham Chalkey picked up his second wicket of the day.  This, however, was not enough and High Wycombe cruised to a comfortable 8 wicket victory.

Fleet skipper, Tim Downes, paid tribute to the excellent High Wycombe bowling performance before saying 'After the terrific performance of last week, the reality of playing Division 1 cricket hit home today.  Hopefully the boys can show their character next week.'  Fleet continue their campaign on Saturday, away to Amersham.

09.05.09

Tring Park 2nd XI v Fleet 1st XI

Fleet CC 1st XI started their 2009 Thames Valley Campaign in fine fettle, away at Tring Park.  After skipper Tim Downes had won the toss and elected to bat, the Fleet openers made a solid start before 2 quick wickets from Tring Park's overseas player pegged back Fleet's progress.  Opener Andy Parker, and Doug Ferguson battled to ensure the innings steadied with a partnership of 79, however 3 quick wickets with the score at 140 put Fleet on the back foot.  Andrew Parker was one of the wickets to fall after a splendid knock of 82.  It was left to the middle order of Steve Morgan and Dave Gurney to get Fleet over the 200 run mark with overs left in the bag.  Dave Gurney's highest 1st XI league innings of 60 not out at just under a run a ball, whilst batting well with the tail, guaranteed Fleet a very competitive score of 252-9 off 51 overs.

The Tring Park response got off to the worst possible start, losing a wicket with the first ball of the innings.  The old ball opening bowling partnership of Phil Singleton (2-17) and Pete Talbot (3-26) put Tring Park under huge pressure and when the new ball was taken at 40-5 the game was almost up for Tring Park.  Graham Chalkley (2-9) and Steve Morgan (2-1) made sure there was an early finish to game by wiping out the tail and wrapping up a comfortable victory as Tring Park were 53 all out.

Fleet Captain, Tim Downes, said after the game 'I am really pleased with this start to the season.  It really was a brilliant all round team performance.  Hopefully we can carry this form into the next few games, starting with High Wycombe 2nd XI at home this coming Saturday'