Despite another sparkling half century from Kieran Gibbons, the Ramblas we unable avoid defeat against a tricky Eltham side.
Looking to bounce back from a bitter defeat to old foes Hildenborough, skipper Matt Rudgyard was able to field a full XI this week. But after losing the toss, the Ramblas were asked to bat first on a tricky wicket.
A combination of some strong bowling and a two paced pitch saw the Ramblas struggle both with runs and wickets, which saw them 32-5 within the opening fourteen overs. Gibbons was still at the crease on 11* when he was joined by Rudgyard at the crease.
The pair slowly rebuilt the innings, chipping away as best they could on a slow outfield that saw boundaries hard to come by. Their 87 run partnership helped the Ramblas reach 119-5 off their 35 overs.
Tea was taken as the Ramblas knew that on a tricky wicket, 119 was a defendable score. Alas that wasn’t to be the case as Eltham sailed home with just under ten overs to spare. Steven Fitch took a good catch off his own bowling to make the scorecard look a little less embarrassing.
All in all, it was a tough day at the office but we dust ourselves down and look to regroup as we host Chevening next week.
Ramblas MVP: Honourable mention to skipper Matt Rudgyard for his 35*, but for leading from the front and holding the innings together with a gritty 56*, this week’s MVP is Kieran Gibbons.