Could 3 out of 3 become 4 out of 4?
Hayes 1st XI hosted Tunbridge Wells in Week 4 of the season and a tough challenge against one of the top sides in the league.
Hayes were buoyed by the presence of Alex Blake, released from his Kent T20 commitments.
Beau Couldrey lost the toss and the visitors had no hesitation in opting to bat first.
In form Stuart Eddicott didn’t waste any time in taking the first wicket, dismissing TW’s skipper in his first over.
Will MacVicar wasn’t to be outdone and a fine 10 over spell saw Will take 2 wickets for a miserly 11 runs as Hayes took a firm grip on the match.
Alex Williams from TW proved to be the main obstacle as he played his way to a fine 50 before being superbly caught in the deep by Rory Low, off the bowling of Scott Gallagher.
Wickets fell at a steady pace with Andrew Eddciott proving to be the early find of the season as his steady left arm bowling tore apart the visitor’s middle order.
The Beast ended up with 4 wickets – including 2 with his last 2 permitted deliveries – so he bowls his hat-trick ball next week!
Aside form Alex Williams no other TW bat made double figures until the final pair took the score from 81-9 to 112 before Gareth Severin broke a dangerous partnership with his 2rd ball!
Batting didn’t look easy on a slowish pitch but with the ball coming through true, a win looked likely.
However, despite a positive start, quick wickets fell to leave Hayes at 32-4 and with in-form Will MacVicar and Alex Blake back in the hutch, it was a chance for the younger players to prove their worth.
Tomas Gallagher and Rory Low batted sensibly taking the score to 56 before Tomas fell.
Skipper Beau Couldrey joined Rory and started to take the score closer to victory but in another twist, Rory fell with the score on 70 and this quickly became 72-7.
TW now looked favourites as Scott Gallagher joined the skipper in the middle.
Scott opened the batting last season and knows how to bat so not all hope was lost and he proceeded to keep Beau company as every run was cheered on the by the home crowd.
Scott helped take the score to 110 in a 44-ball innings of 19 and the cusp of victory.
Stuart Eddicott entered the fray and made his intent known by smashing his first ball hard to mid-on for no runs but then magnificently driving his 2nd ball to the boundary and a tight 2 wicket win!
Beau finished on 24 not-out and a great captain’s innings as Hayes now lead the Premiership by 14 points and are the only undefeated side in the league.
Tunbridge Wells joined the side in their celebrations and the game was played in fine spirit.
The 2’s played the reverse fixture at the County Ground in Tunbridge Wells.
The home side opted to bat as Hayes lost the toss.
Despite Alfie Peck taking an early wicket the home batting took control and it was only when pace was taken off the ball by Finn Baker and Dammika Silva that Hayes stemmed the runs and began to take wickets – both Finn & Dammika taking 2 a piece.
TW finished on 226-7 and set Hayes a daunting run-chase.
James Bamber and Finn Baker made a positive start, taking the total to 49 before losing the first wicket and at 124-2 a win looked possible.
James fell on 124 and then a procession of wickets left the innings in tatters as 7 wickets fell for 25 runs. A last wicket partnership between Tom Davis and Dammika Silva put some respectability on the score as Hayes were bowled out for 172.
A tough start for the 2’s but as they proved last season – they are slow starters and plenty of time remains.
The 3’s travelled to the only other unbeaten side in their league – London Knights, in Charlton.
On a park-pitch, which lived upto its name, skipper Marc Wheatley opted to bowl first upon winning the toss.
The bowlers dominated the day and Hayes were soon amongst the wickets – Ian Fieldwick, Graeme Morrison taking 3 each and Ian Gauld taking 2 with Ollie Patterson and Russel Frampton taking 1 as the Knights were cleaned out for 93.
However, with the wicket looking poorer by the minute, could Hayes muster the runs and continue their unbeaten run.
The answer alas proved to be a resounding No as they were skittled for 45 – the last 4 wickets falling for 1 run.
Thankfully the side won’t have to travel to many wickets similar to this and will hopefully resume their winning ways next week.
Sunday saw our friends, Statics, visit once again.
Hayes batted first and the innings was splendidly led by Alfie Peck who scored a mammoth 170 as Hayes piled on the runs – finishing on 316-7. Finn Baker (41) Guy Munton (31*) and Harry Clarke (21) also amongst the runs.
Andrew Notes with 3 wickets ensured Statics wouldn’t repeat Alfie’s heroics – Animesh Rastogi also chipping in with 2.
Finn Baker wrapped up the innings with 2 wickets in his first 2 balls as Statics were dismissed for 135.
The Women travelled to Horsham and batted first – making 189-9 in their allotted 45 overs.
Jesse Jackson (22) and Zeena Bilal (30) put on a solid opening partnership and Sydney Goram (16) and Darcey Carter (28) got amongst the runs.
Horsham also got off to a good start but Alice Sheridan with 4-21 and Beth Egan 2-3, ensured that Hayes got their Championship campaign off to a winning start.
Horsham being bowled out for 143.
Another good weekend for the club – plenty of excitement for the 1st XI as the winning start continues – Lordswood away will offer a stern test on Saturday. The 2’s will be looking to grab their first win, the 3’s will want to bounce back from their first defeat and the unbeaten 4th XI are back in action after a free weekend.
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