With only one opportunity left to get some preseason play under their belts, after their previous 3 fixtures had fallen victims to the weather, Falkland CC’s 3rd XI were raring to get to neighbours Newbury CC, and were grateful to the hosts for working so hard to get the game on. Overcast conditions, a softish wicket and a damp outfield did not make for a batters paradise, so losing the toss and being put in to bat wasn’t the dream start.

The FCC openers struggled to find runs, with the first boundary coming in the 17th over. The early loss of skipper James Bloodworth for 2, left Charlie Mabbatt (29) and Prakrit Bhagat (42) to battle on, with every run valuable. 32 overs in, the sun finally put in an appearance and conditions quickly improved, with runs beginning to flow, and the visitors ended with a par score of 146-9 from their 40 overs.

Despite the better conditions, Newbury struggled to make in roads against the brutal opening attack of Soorya Anbumurasoli (2-6-4) and wickets fell regularly, with George Hawkins continuing his form of last season, wrapping things up with 4-13-6.3, and the hosts all out for 79 from just 29.3 overs.

The preseason trip to Newbury is always a favourite fixture for our 3rd XI, regardless of the result, and we wish Newbury 2’s much success for the season ahead.

Bloodworth’s squad begin their TVL Division 6b league campaign next week (11th May) as they make the journey to Theale and Tilehurst to take on their 2nd XI.