With a slow outfield, this match looked set to be a low-scoring game from the outset. Didcot batted first and good spells from Dave Spilsbury (11-4-31-2) and Rob Owen (10-1-28-2) meant Didcot were 62-4 at the halfway point.

Apart from one 50-partnership in the middle of the innings Didcot never looked like amassing a large total. Alex Bellenie again bowled well at the end of the innings, finishing with 9-3-17-3. Didcot ended on 141-9.

Downs did not get off to a good start with Nick Angus given out LBW in the first over. Freddie Smith batted very well, reaching 48 before being caught, supported by Harry Gillam and Tom Ling. Our innings was disrupted by an injury to Simon Smith, who retired hurt on 5 – although he was later to return.

Karum Sangha, on his debut, batted very maturely for his 15 runs as we edged closer to the Didcot total. However, we then lost 4 wickets for 5 runs to leave us 129-9, needing 13 to win from the final 4 overs. With some very straight bowling from Didcot and Simon hampered from playing any scoring shots, we couldn’t quite get across the finishing line, ending 3 runs short. A draw was probably a fair result with each team taking 15 points.