Washington Cricket Club - 40th Anniversary Year

Washington lost on Saturday at Aldenham in a rather similar game to the one the two sides played out last season, which the Wash lost by 5 wickets.

Washington were put in by Aldenham on a grassy wicket and quickly slumped to 1 for 2, losing Max Murrain and Peter Kloss for ducks in the first 4 overs. However an excellent partnership between Aff Naseem (42) and Paul Irons (50) then rescued matters somewhat, Paul playing his normal agressive game and Aff the anchor role.

At 87 for 2 in the 20th over the Wash were looking good to post a strong total in this declaration game. However the reality was that their innings fell away from this point. The only significant further contribution coming from skipper Shawn Hill (22). Ash Cruickshank on his debut for the club made 4. Washington were all out for 145. Aldenham had bowled and fielded well.

Aldenham started brightly, reaching 59 for 2 after 10 overs against Paul Irons (1-30) and Eric Stoughton (1-38). However the Wash then put the brakes on through the bowling of Max Murrain (1-18), Shawn Hill (0-23), and Peter Kloss (3-16). However they could not achieve the breakthrough wickets needed often enough. Although two later wickets from Kloss gave them some hope as Aldenham approached their target cautiously, the game was lost with about 7 of the final 20 overs remaining.

Shawn Hill said after the game "disappointing to lose here again. I was proud with the way the guys never gave up in the field but the reality was that we didn't bat for long enough. Another 6 overs of batting with 25 more runs would have made a huge difference."

Man of the match: Paul Irons for his 50

Washington: Aff Naseem, Max Murrain, Peter Kloss, Paul Irons, Tobe Mariner, Shawn Hill (c), Brad Hitchcock (+), David Gluckman, Ash Cruickshank, Gary Malcolm, Eric Stoughton