Minster Lovell 6 September 2026

Manager AJ Smith

Captain Craig Foster

Won by 70 Runs (35 Overs)

SOA 215 for 4 (Colin Simpson 89*, Swapnil Kulkarni 43, Paddy Daniel 43*)

Minster Lovell 145 for 8 (Charlie Pearson 3 for 27)

It was a mixed Minster side. One first-team player (Ollie Mersh) and some inexperienced bowlers. Now that Paddy Daniel is doing the square, it is a little easier to bat on, which favours us.

The SOA side were very hung over. The runs were scored (bar 13) from the bats of sober players. It was not easy at first, but Colin Simpson - a very good bat- stuck to it and kept the scoreboard moving with 89 not out. The more wayward bowlers were dispatched and that took us to a decent total of 215-4 from the agreed 35 overs.

Our bowling was very tidy and they struggled for runs. Charlie Pearson, first change, provided real penetration and second change Sam Herbert got Ollie Mersh out cheaply. After that Fin Lomas, who is turning into a decent bowler, provided the home support with some enthusiastic batting and a chance to whoop as they reached 145-8.

It was fun. We were too good, but Minster's captain likes giving youngsters a go and the opportunity to play against good cricketers; so we will be back. Craig skippered expertly as usual. It is such a lovely ground; the bar was open; the football was on and Nick Treweeke, a friend from my youth, was there.