So this is it, the waiting is finally over, eight cold, wintery months, the first match of the new season! The sun had been shining brightly all day, only to give way to an overcast evening; Henleaze fielded their 1st XI, with a full squad to choose from.

Skipper Smith won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to take advantage of the expected fading light in the Lazarus innings. Last season Lazarus had proved a disorganised unit, turning up late to both matches and not even providing a match ball. This season proved to be no different, just 7 of the Lazarus XI to hand for the scheduled 6pm start, when the rest turned up they appeared to adopt some sort of rolling substitute system. They also forgot their kit bag.

Jon decided to put out his strongest batting line up with himself and Ed, last season's top run makers, opening the batting. Ed hadn't spent much time in the nets, which was evident, as he never really got going, making 10 before being caught at square leg. The captain scored an aggressive 22 and was gutted not to make more having got his eye in, giving his wicket away playing across the line. The opening partnership worth a solid 30. Jo Smith came in at number three, determined to put behind him the negative demons that haunted him last season. He proved they were well and truly gone with a big six off his legs. Unfortunately, an unfortunate nick through to the keeper just a few balls later saw him head back to the pavilion having made seven. With wickets beginning to tumble, HOB needed someone to steady the ship. Could Joel Brown be the answer? A resounding no, Brown collecting the dubious accolade of the first duck of the season. He would however have a further say in proceedings...

Wickets continued to fall with gay abandon, Fillingham and Lambshead both falling for two, Fillingham to a yorker, a real beauty and Lambshead trapped leg before. Stu Adams was next man in and out, rather unluckily caught at square leg, a brilliant catch by the fielder, just gripping the ball with an outstretched right arm. Trahar and Clements performed valiantly, falling for 4 and 7 respectively only after making handy blows for the cause and Zographou was the last man out - the 3rd duck of the innings leaving Anth stranded at the other end on 0 not out.

The Old boys were out for 64, their lowest total EVER with the last 8 wickets falling for just 32 runs of which 10 were extras. The bowlers clearly had some work to do.

Joel Brown and Jo Smtih had opened the bowling for most of last season, and would continue for this game too. Aggressive, tight bowling was required, especially when defending a total so low as 64. Brown found his rhythm straight away and received solid support from Smith. Last year Joel was very unlucky not to take a lot more wickets, so it was no real surprise when obliterated the Laz top order to finish with HOB record figures of 4 wickets for 12 runs from 4 overs.

Jon Smith and Anth Barrett bowled well but couldn't get a breakthrough, and Lambshead unluckily only got 5 balls at the end. Inevitably though HOB were well beaten with 6 overs to spare. Clearly 64 wasn't enough runs to defend. A further 25 would have made this match a lot closer. Still, there were positives to be taken. An improvement in aggression with the bat, although maybe a little too much! A great fielding display, particularly Nick Zographou and Matt Clements who were both outstanding, and some excellent bowling, especially Joel Brown who justifiably won the man of the match award for his breathtaking bowling display.

There is a lot of work to be done with the bat before the next match, especially as it's a 40 over game, a challenge we look forward to - bring on the Octopi!!!