On a sunny day in late July Boxgrove travelled to play Pagham. In terms of team news there was a welcome return for skipper James Thorpe and fellow batsman Mark Holl after enforced absences through injury.

James Thorpe was captain again, taking over from Matt Langton who had done well in the role. It was first blood to Thorpe and Boxgrove as the toss was won and Pagham were asked to bat on what looked an uncharacteristically green pitch.

Langton and Paul Mant opened the bowling for Boxgrove and were soon in the swing of things. Mant struck first having Bill Robson caught behind by Ockwell for 2. Langton was replaced by McGeough who soon came up trumps bowling the other opener all ends up. Mant was on fire and almost unplayable as Boxgrove turned the screw. McGeough soon added two more wickets, one clean bowled and another well caught by Thorpe, as Pagham struggled. All I can say is that the tide must have been out as McGeough was outstanding in recording 7 overs 2 maidens, 3 for 13.

Excellent Boxgrove bowling, especially from the unlucky Mant, and brilliant, tight fielding especially from Langton had Pagham 28 for 4 off of 18 overs and Boxgrove scented blood. Amazingly, the home side were not done yet and they rallied to put the pressure back on Boxgrove. Mant (10 overs 3 maidens 1 for 16) was replaced by Langton who soon found his rhythm and made a key breakthrough leaving Chamberlain to take 2 wickets, one bowled and one caught in the deep by Thorpe, as Pagham posted a very competitive 149 for 7 at tea. Fuente made an excellent 64 not out that laid down the gauntlet to Boxgrove. That Boxgrove were still in the game however owed a lot to tight bowling from those already mentioned plus Budgen and Thorpe, not to mention top quality fielding.

Given the line up and the two main batsmen just returning after a lengthy absence, 149 looked a tall order as Holl and Ockwell strolled to the wicket to start the Boxgrove reply. It was a new partnership but it didn't last long as Ockwell was cleaned bowled by Cotterill for 2. Wayne Barrett was in next and he looked in good touch as he quickly moved to 9 but as soon as he was getting in he was out having played on.

Chamberlain joined Holl and although the latter was looking in good form he was having little luck as four crunching square cuts found the fielder rather than the fence as had seemed likely. Chamberlain got off the mark with a 4 but in trying to repeat the
trick was out to an amazing catch the very next ball. That left Boxgrove 36 for 3 as Thorpe came to the wicket and the game was very much in the balance.

Thorpe took a while to get going but when he did he looked like he had never been away. As the returning batsmen hunted down the total so the shots and running between the wicket became more and more fluid. Thorpe passed 50 in sublime fashion as Boxgrove more than matched the required 5 an over.

The century partnership was duly brought up as Holl and Thorpe cruised towards the finish line but it wouldn't be Boxgrove without a slight wobble. First Holl was dropped behind by a diving Robson and then Stubbs bowled a maiden to leave Boxgrove wanting 9 off the last 18 balls. Any creeping fears of a close finish were extinguished however as Holl hit a 4 and a single to bring up his 50 and then Thorpe (66 not out) hit the winning runs as Boxgrove won by 7 wickets with 2 overs to spare. Indeed, it had taken Boxgrove 9 overs less than Pagham to get the same score.

So a great and memorable win for Boxgrove and although the batsmen might well take the plaudits it was the bowling and fielding that laid the foundations so well done everyone!

Pagham 149 for 7 (McGeough 7-2-13-3, Chamberlain 5-0-28-2, Mant 10-3-16-1, Langton 12-2-45-1)

Boxgrove 152 for 3 (Thorpe 66 not out, Holl 50 not out, Barrett 9)

Boxgrove won by 7 wickets.