The nights may still be bright and sunny, and the cricket season hardly long in the memory but September 21st was the opening night of the Division 1 Indoor League Campaign.
For Walkovers, this was new territory having produced some excellent displays in their promotion from Division 2 the previous season.

Opening against Farmers A was always going to be a tough fixture, especially with Patterson making his debut as captain having taken over from the highly successful English (2 successive promotions).
Rumours that Kev has changed since meeting up with Charlotte and that in his head his priorities are ‘all mixed up’ are unfounded. However English was certainly quick to mock the huddle introduced by the new captain as they waited to bowl. Despite the mocking from some quarters, including the large crowd made up of such celebs as Craig Vibert, Jake Patel and Simon Pugsley – Walkovers started well. In the second over, bowled by Paul Michel – their opener was caught by Bouchard. Next ball Hannes Botha stepped up (Inter-Insular Island Player) but was dispatched in exactly the same way as the previous batsman and Walkovers were delirious. The hat-trick attempt was foiled however, but Paul bowled very well.

The next three or overs became key in the context of the game, though we did not know this at the time. During this period a number of run out opportunities passed us by, as well as a couple of catches. Though we were sharp in the field, the chances came and went which meant Farmers started to get a few runs on the board without losing further wickets until a late run out by Bouchard and two Naylor wickets. Naylor, in his first game bowled beautifully for 21-2 from his three overs.
In fact, all the Walkovers players contributed to containing Farmers to 123-5 with Paul’s quick wickets at the top of the order really helping. Considering the players on show for Farmers, we can be very pleased with the effort – though if we can be more ruthless in future, we can force some shock results in this division.

As you can imagine from the title of this article, and the previous paragraphs – Walkovers didn’t quite manage the victory and the source can also be attributed to the slow start with the bat as well as the above fielding.
At 17-2 from 5 overs, it really is a major ask to score a further 105 from 7 overs. First Bouchard went, caught behind followed swiftly by Naylor who was bowled. Despite a good effort by Roche and English, who both retired – the asking rate was just too steep to breach. Patterson came and went for 2, whilst Michel played a couple of lovely paddles for 3 runs before getting out for 7.
Kev came back in but departed for a well played 30 whilst Roche provided a cameo at the end of the innings including 3 sixes and finished on 43.

Walkovers scored 95 all out and lost by 28 runs though secured 2 bowling points in the process. A really good first effort and one we will be building on for the future. With the excellent squad we have at our disposal, there should be no reason for us not to finish mid-table.

Next match for Walkovers A is the 19th October against the JJCA 1sts. In between time, the B team have two fixtures which could do with your support.

Farmers 123-5

Bouchard 3-0-27-0
Michel 3-0-32-2
Naylor 3-0-21-2
Patterson 2-0-17-0
English 1-0-14-0

Catches: Bouchard 2, Michel 1, English 1
Run Out: Bouchard

Walkovers 95 all out

Bouchard 0
Naylor 4
Roche 43
English 30
Patterson 2
Michel 7