Falkland struggle in Horspath test

Falkland Cricket Club have struggled away from home so far this season, a trend which continued on Saturday afternoon.

They headed to Horspath in Division Two of the Thames Valley Cricket League, hoping to maintain their spot in the league’s top four places.

They won the toss and chose to bat first, but their start was far from ideal.

Captain James Bird had struck a century a week prior, but suffered contrasting fortunes on Saturday as he was dismissed for four runs after just 13 balls.

His opening partner, Brandon Gilmour, had more luck, surviving for 36 balls and making a tidy 31 in the process.

Third batsman Ben Piper went for a duck, before Anthony Hennis followed with just two.

Bobby Brown arrived at five and showed maturity beyond his years.

The youngster anchored the Falkland innings, smashing nine fours and a six on his way to 55.

He lasted 65 balls as the lower order collapsed around him.

Falkland’s final six batsmen managed to score just three runs between them.

This left the side 113 all out from just 26 overs, with Derval Green having taken six wickets for Horspath in the process.

The hosts looked to have an easy task ahead of them, but Falkland still managed to take wickets at regular intervals.

Hostpath’s openers fell for 17 and nought respectively, as Gilmour and Matt Bond took early wickets.

Their middle order made consistent runs however, with the next five batsmen all making contributions in the mid-teens.

They reached their target after just 28 overs, having lost five wickets in the process.

A five wicket defeat saw Falkland drop to fifth in the division, having won three and lost three so far this season.

On Saturday they’ll face another stern test away from home, as they travel along the M4 to take on third placed Datchet.