The Falkland Roundheads started their season in high-scoring duel this morning against West Ilsley, who were returning to the Falkland Fortress after taking on the Cavaliers last week.

West Ilsley lost the toss, and after a lengthy deliberation, the Roundheads skipper invited the visitors to bat.

And it was an explosive start, second ball the middle stump was ripped out of the ground after a fierce delivery from the Roundheads’ pacey opening bowler. The season was up and running!

But West Ilsley regrouped enough to thwack a number of good deliveries to the boundary. If it wasn’t for some fabulous deep midwicket fielding they would have had more.

The Roundheads needed to react, so bought on their closed-season-signing, who, with his first ever ball for Falkland, sent the off peg cartwheeling back – what a start to his career.

The boundaries kept coming, and so did the wickets. For a period of time the scorers were only using 4 or W in their meticulous scoresheets. West Ilsley got to 305 for 6 at the change of innings.

Were the Roundheads daunted by this challenge? Certainly not – up they stepped and pummelled the opening overs to the boundary. They were taking the chase head on, and with true Falkland spirit. Along with some excellent running between the wickets, Roundheads were up with the run rate and West Ilsley were under the pump.

But as the overs ticked by, maintaining scoring at the required rate through to the death proved one step too far. At the close of play, the Roundheads had made it to 271 for 2.

An excellent chase in an excellent match. Plenty for the Roundheads to be proud of – if they can maintain the intensity of the performance through the season, it’ll be a cracker for sure!

Man of the Match – Jack
Champagne Moment of the Match –Jack’s diving and sliding stop at midwicket - truly committed to the cause.