Grace's Cricket Club made their annual pilgrimage to the beautiful Wiltshire town of Bradford on Avon, where they were right royally entertained as ever at Leigh House by Alan and Peter in their Elizabethan farmhouse, which with the exquisite barn conversion must be one of the most picturesque and luxurious venues for all those wishing to be "far from the madding crowd".
It was perhaps a weaker side than usual that made the trip this year and apart from our old foe Winsley a new challenge awaited in the form of Marshfield CC, winners of their local three counties league. Set high in the Cotswolds the Marshfield ground resembled a billiard table with the wicket looking to favour the batsmen. Thus Grace's were surprised to be invited to bat first. Grace's started steadily against a very lively attack but at 29 they lost Stockinger for just 7. Acting skipper Mendis then joined Hardisty and while Mendis despatched the ball to all quarters of the ground, Hardisty played the perfect supporting role in their stand of 77 before falling for 31. Mendis continued his assault until with the score at 192 he was bowled for 102 coming in just 67 balls. There then followed an all too familiar collapse with the last five wickets adding just 14 runs. At tea the home side appeared confident but an accurate opening spell by Howden and Shofiq put the home side behind the rate required, a position from which they never recovered. Wickets fell at regular intervals, thanks in the main to Ahkter who took 5 for 37. Only once did Grace's score look threatened but a disastrous run out followed by a very smart stumping by Stockinger saw the home side all out for 147, giving Grace's victory by 59 runs.