Our annual fixture of Gremlins were in attendance for the eagerly anticipated contest. The return of skipper Adams after an early season vacation (stress of the job is obviously taking effect!) would bolster an already talent packed HOBs team. It would be fair to say that Gremlins did have experience on their side, calling in an emergency 68 year old to really help the average age! Adams won the toss with ease and sent the Gremlins into the field to suffer the consequences.

Ashford and Zographou strode out to the middle, determine to get HOBs off to a bright start and a bright start was to follow. Flowing strokes from Zographou (including being dropped by his father-in-law) was what the doctor ordered, until it ended with the wickets in the air and the walk back to the pavilion for a respectable 13. Ashford played superbly sending the ball to all parts of the ground, rapidly reaching his maiden half century for HOBs. A supporting role from the remainder of the batsmen with only Fillingham and "Extras" reaching double figures. A special mentioned to the newest HOB, Ryan Harris who opened his HOBs batting account with a well played 2. Ashford's cracking innings finished on 74 with one too many charges down the track ending with the keeper removing the bails. A career best 74 was Ashfords reward (man, I love you Paul!), with the bar set at 137 for Gremlins to win the game.

HOBs took to the field, pleased with their batting effort and the margin of confidence grew with a great opening bowlership of Smith and Lambshead - the latter picking up up a key wicket and finishing with figures of 1 for 19, Smith performed to his high standard without reward at the other end. Adams then turned to the slow bowlers, Ashford showed he is no one trick pony and took the key wicket of their opener, at the other end Barry picked up a couple of wickets while almost giving the game away. Davies finished off the overs with a tight spell to bring the victory home.

The HOBs bandwagon rolls on to the next league fixture, to hopefully continue the winning ways!