The newly promoted Ross 1sts from Ross Cricket Club, began their 2018 Marches League Division 1 campaign by making the short journey to Goodrich to take on last years’ Division 1 runners up. The home team had worked tirelessly to get the game on, the only fixture to be played across all four divisions of the league, and the umpires deemed that a 30 over match would take place after the start was delayed.

Captain, Jack Donovan lost the toss and Ross were asked to bat first in the very bowler friendly conditions. Stu Mair and Graham Howls quickly perished to leave Ross at 2-2 and, by the time Mark Bradford had completed his seven over spell, he had also removed Ben Element and Alex Springer to finish with figures of 4-12. Michael Jeffryes made 24 before falling to James O’Brien, who also accounted for Alex Davies leaving Ross struggling at 40-6 half way through the innings.

Jack Donovan 22 and Josh Element 14 then looked to wrestle control away from the bowlers as they added 36 for the sixth wicket and thanks to some late scampering from Jim Lewis, Chloe Tingle and Cameron Hill, the last four wickets more than doubled the score as Ross were eventually bowled out for 100, with Jack Waldis picking up three late wickets.

Jack Donovan and Josh Element quickly dismissed Goodrich openers Sam Griffiths and Chris Tookey. Element then bowled O’Brien to leave the hosts at 11-3 before a key stand between Adam McClarty and Joe Provis swung the game in the home side’s favour.

After seeing off the opening bowlers, the pair took no chances against the accuracy of Chloe Tingle and debutant Cameron Hill, slowly accumulating runs. Every attempted big shot was met by Ross fielders, led by Alex Davies, making magnificent stops as the game remained in the balance despite the stand taking the hosts more than halfway to the total.

Back came Ross as Cameron Hill had McClarty (22) caught behind by Jim Lewis before the same pair combined again to remove Andrew Robbins for 21 with twelve runs still needed. Ben Element then removed Zed Jameson, thanks to a catch by his brother, before Donovan had Waldis lbw as the game went to the penultimate over before Bradford scored the winning run. Provis ended with a key contribution of 38 not out in a three wicket victory for the hosts.