After watching the weather closely through the week it was a pleasant surprise to incur a period of dry sunshine and our first game of the season was on. After all the net sessions the respective bowlers and batters could be unleashed for a tough and competitive season.

The toss was won by HOBs captain SJ Smith and he elected to put the opposition in on a damp, under prepared wicket. As we were so early in the season, the captains decided to reduce the match to 16 overs a side to ensure the game was finished in respectable light conditions.

The Venturers were put under immediate pressure following good opening spells from Leigh Caller (1-6) - which included the seasons' first wicket, Jon Smith (2-9) and Jo Smith (0-9). The run rate increased towards the end of the Venturers innings with bowling from Ed Davies (2-16) and Stu Adams (1-16) to post a testing 58 for 7 on an unreliable bouncing wicket and a very slow outfield.

The old boys were confident that they could chase this target down and the opening partnership Phil Serjeant and Niko Zographou got us off to a steady start before wickets started to fall slowing down the middle part of the innings on a difficult pitch. The impetus swung back to the Old Boys again after a handy knock of 12 from Matt Clements, and despite a second ball duck from Ash Fillingham, Mike Serjeant saw us home with a couple of big overs, finishing unbeaten on 19 and with 7 balls of the innings to spare.

It was a good match to win and HOBs will now be confident going into the tour game with a good all round team effort especially from Man of the Match Mike Serjeant. Roll on Sunday, where we will need to improve our batting and be more effective in the field to break our London duck (the fact that we're travelling up on the day of the game instead of boozing might help too!)