Julian James stars on debut

Upton hosted Warrington 3's at Old Greasby Road on 16th May on quite a emerald track. With overhead conditions looking good for batting Upton lost the toss and were put in. Pottsy went early followed not long behind by the skipper leaving Upton 30-2 off 10. A solid start, but needing a good 3 wicket partnership to push on and set a competitive total. Alex Jones hit a quick fire 20 to keep us up to a good pace and keep the pressure on the Warrington bowlers, ultimately forcing a spell for their quickish opener. PDA Clark played a wobbly innings but hit a few decent boundaries and kept the rate up with Upton looking to set at least 150. Alex Woods came and went after a good 5 overs at the crease, followed by a composed knock from Luca De Stefano. All this time the man of the match; Julian James was at the other end holding Warrington at bay. Making his 3rd team debut, Julien played a highly unselfish innings prodding and tapping it around with the odd boundary off anything loose. As soon as we moved into the last 15 overs Julien decided he'd seen enough in 30 overs to take off, smashing the pacey opener onto the road in a 20 run over which kick started the push to a big total and pushed us towards 4 an over/200 score. When he departed for a superb 83, it's was upto Ryan Finn to join Luca in an enjoyable end to our innings and 30 run partnership with some aggressive and well judged batting from both of them who look to be future 3rd team stars and higher. Once this was broken Luke and Vijay both smashed a 4 off their first ball before falling and giving upton a total of 196. A very happy captain after our previous first innings total failing to be anywhere near competitive.

At tea PDA had some words of wisdom and we decided to open up with Luke and Vijay. Both tight and dangerous as usual as Upton got rid of Warrington's 2nd team batsman early on just as he was in his stride and we then went on to dismiss 2 more quick wickets, Vijays was particulary well earnt after an extremely accurate spell, leaving Warrington 30-3 and the run rate now up to 5 an over. However, Warrington's number 5 was well known to Upton and had a history of making runs against us!

PDA decide to change to round the wicket and managed to float on into the lowering sun (due to late start) dismissing the no.5 just before drinks...a vital breakthrough. 6 left to get in 25 overs. The rest of the match was highly painful to be part of, although Upton pushed and the fielding was exemplary especially from our youngsters Ryan, Luca and Alex we couldn't breakdown their defensive attitude. We managed to pick up 2 more wickets in the closing stages, but Warrington's number 4 was in Boycott mood and his 11n/o off 42 overs was not the kind of innings that will bring the crowd flocking in as he played a very defensive innings which yielded 11 singles to his name.

I conclude that if this Upton team continues to play aggressive but composed cricket with a healthy dollop of enthusiasm we will be in no danger this year and can compete with most teams in the league. A challenge that will be ever present playing Chester away next weekend.