All good runs come to an end

'Yes the game is on' was Ahsan's call after he had a shocker of a Friday evening and Saturday morning - positive COVID tests, late cry-offs, and what not resulting in a much-changed 3s side taking the field at Redbourn Recreation Centre. Never mind, take the field we did with a new new new new firm taking the new ball, Neru (let's use the abbreviation) and (yes) Steve.

Neru bowled with decent pace (for 13!!!) but S made the first inroad with his very first ball, pinning a leaden-footed McKay bang in front - gone. The runrate stayed at a modest 2 for some time as 1 and 3 dug in against accurate bowling. Keeping wickets in hand was eventually to prove a solid tactic, batsmen got in, a fair few made thirties though none 'went on'.

It was great to see Neil back in 3s colours and he had his offcutter going well, picking up 1 in his first spell and 1 in his second, both bowled. Nicky P gave the ball plenty of flight but given how wet it was, there were no surprises that he didn't get his usual turn and bounce - Thiru in a longish spell picked up 2-for - but 202 represented the highest opposition score so far this season and a challenge to the revamped 3s batting line-up. Kudos to George, also back in the 3s fold, for his direct hit run-out which accounted for the potentially dangerous Redbourn skipper.

George and Thiru rose to that challenge and with pace on the ball to work with, had the scoreboard rattling along. In a stirring partnership G&T put on a crisp and refreshing 53 before George fell to a cracking delivery from Lendon. Abhinay at 3 got a beauty as well so 0 down became 2 down quickly, as Neil took on the rebuilding task with Thiru. A tiring Dr T made a solid 39 though Neil, in seeking to force the pace, holed out to a top catch in the deep for 19. Simon D (30, 3x4) drove strongly, looking to be back to near his best, and Rishab played very correctly though accurate bowling and well-placed fields restricted the runrate. Ahsan had spaced his experienced batters apart, and unselfishly held himself back to no.7 - however he got a beauty from the guy who ended up with a six-fer and our last hope had effectively gone.

With Steve unable to bat after a nasty calf injury (shout out to Kannan for sourcing some industrial-strength pain killers!) Luca, Neru and Nikeal played nicely but were unable to prevent the inevitable. Also a shout-out to Sanjay Patel, who was principally in attendance to drive and support Luca, for acting a sub fielder, subbing for Steve, who did his calf in almost immediately after finishing his 9 overs. Funny that!!!

Fair play to Redbourn who were gracious hosts and the best team we have played so far this year. Here's hoping for an easier week, selection-wise, so the mighty 3s bandwagon can regather momentum and get back on top!