2s make storming start to the season with 171 run win.

The 2s got off to a magnificent start to the season at a warm Wilton Park. An excellent batting effort saw us survive a worrying middle order collapse to post a very respectable 219, before the spin of Watts and Stafford skittled the visitors for just 48.

Captain Will Pym and Keeper Chris Kaye shared an excellent opening partnership, putting on 75 for the first wicket. The skipper was out just after reaching his 50, while Chris posted 33. Despite the good start, wickets began to tumble after the openers had gone, as 104/2 quickly became 117/5. A typically bullish 26 from Brian Richardson helped steady the ship, but another two quick wickets saw us slump to 144/7. It was the contribution of Denzil Owen that really saved the Beaconsfield innings, as the veteran compiled a classy 41 that included 9 fours. Mark Sullivan chipped in with 15 (after rushing back from the operating theatre!) and along with 6* from number 11 Sam S-B, it helped push the score up above 200.

It was the bowling that really stole the show though. An inspired decision by the Captain saw us open up with spin from both ends using the old ball and the partnership of Watts and Stafford dismantled the visitors within an hour and twenty minutes. Wycombe struggled to get to grips with a tricky pitch that offered plenty for the two spinners and an astonishing opening spell saw them slump to 6/4 within six overs. After a few overs of resistance the prosession continued as Wycombe were bundled out for 48, as the spin partnership plundered nine wickets, with the other coming from a run out. Three tidy overs, including two maidens, from Sam S-B was the only interruption to the stunning spell from Watts and Stafford.

Having got off to the perfect start, the hope is that this result will allow the 2s to kick on and use this momentum to embark on a positive league campaign.

Man of the Match: Geoff Watts - A gritty innings supporting Denzil and allowing Sully time to get to the ground in time to bat, a brilliant catch in the field and of course an exceptional spell of 5-27 from 13.3 overs, including 5 maidens.