Cricket returns to Fonthill - 11 July 2020

On Saturday 11 July we finally started the season after months of lockdown and uncertainty about whether we would ever hear the sound of willow on leather this summer.   We had 22 players turn out for an in-house 25 over game skippered by Simon Prior andJolyon Medlock.   Stunningly, everyone had read the ECB guidance Club risk assesment and so everyone took in their stride the new regime of hygiene breaks to sanitise hands and the ball every 6 overs, running lines for the non-striking batsman, queuing outside for the bar and the now de riguer social distancing.  

The first ball of the season was bowled by Ashley Major and the first boundary was hit by Dave Roberts (also off Ashley!) as Simon's XI batted first and scored 141, with Jon Sealy retiring on 50.     It was great to see Frieda enjoying the game as a spectator rather than an "official".   She tried out the new ramp and the new bell was rung at the start of each innings and to mark fifties by Jon and Rupert.  After a socially distanced "everyone bring their own food" tea-break, Jolyon's XI kept up a steady 4 an over to reach their target with an over to spare mostly thanks to Rupert Murray (50) and Peter Catarinella.

It was great to see Frieda enjoying the game as a spectator rather than an "official".   She tried out the new ramp and the new bell was rung at the start of each innings and to mark fifties by Jon and Rupert.  

A great first game, played in true Fonthill spirit, with youngsters Charlie Prior, Jake Power and Dan Bazen making their debuts and Rob Austin and Jonny Townsend making a welcome return after a season off.

(Thanks to Nick Jennings for the pictures.)