Boxgrove played their first game at home this season, taking on Foresters in a 40 overs a side game on a hot and sunny day. The Boxgrove team looked light in the batting department again, despite seeing the return of Jake Bugden from University.

Boxgrove fielded first with Mant (5-1-14-0) and McGeough opening the bowling. The bowling was tight as the pitch that played slow with some uneven bounce. McGeough struck first having via a catch from Rew Reed but was soon replaced by Bugden (8-0-56-1) whilst Mant was replaced by Ninian Williams. Budgen’s lack of practice was obvious as his first ball flying over the batsman’s and wicket keeper’s head for 4 no balls. In total his first 2 overs went for 25 runs, and he was replaced by Rew Reed (5-0-20-0).

The run rate was slowed by Williams and Reed with the former soon in the wickets finishing with impressive career best Boxgrove figures of 8 overs 2 maidens 5 for 22. He was well supported by McGeough (8-3-26-1) and by decent fielding and Foresters ended up 146 all out in 32 overs.

The Boxgrove reply was led by Barrett and Chamberlain. Progress was steady, but with 8 on the scoreboard, Chamberlain seems to go to sleep standing out of his crease pondering a poor shot, while the ball was thrown back to the wicketkeeper who then took ages to knock over the stumps and appeal for a run out. Reluctantly Chamberlain was given out for 1.

Reed then joined Barrett and progress continued slowly, with Reed lucky to survive 2 dropped catches. Barrett hit a couple of fours before he played across the line and missed straight ball and was bowled for 13. Reed was then joined by Bailey who was soon out for 0, caught off a leading edge. Budgen then followed for a duck, being well caught at midwicket. Boxgrove were in disarray at this stage but when Williams joined Reed the runs started to flow quicker. However, just when things were looking up Reed was deceived by a very long hop and nearly fell over trying to hit the leather off the ball. He missed and the ball hit meaning that Reed was out for 28.

With 90 runs now required from 18 overs, the run rate was not an issue. The score was cantering along nicely though as Williams hit several boundaries. McGeough was then given out LBW for 4 and next ball Glasspool was on his way back to the pavilion for a duck. Aiden Mant came to the wicket abut when Williams was bowled for 17 the writing was on the wall. Aiden Mant was caught for 1 and whilst Jim Reed put up some resistance with 2 not out, it was all over when Paul Mant was caught for 0. Boxgrove had mustered 74 all out to lose by 70 runs.