The 2nd XI scored a crushing defeat over the woefully weak Willows (apologies for the alliteration) while the 1st XI struggled to 146-9 in response to Tiddington's 217. The 2's are well placed in 4th spot in Division 6 while the 1's, despite not yet losing a game, lay 9th.
At Tiddington the weather had been wet during the week and the lack of usable covers left the wicket damp and tempting for the seamers. The Ridge won the toss and elected to field but should have restricted Tiddington to a score closer to 150 than the eventual 217. Tiddington's Krynauw made 74 having been dropped early and Pykett scored a useful 26 having been given "not out" of what appeared to be a clear nick. Overseas leg-spinner Steve Buhagiar took his second 5 for in two weeks bowling through the entire 52 over innings. Brzezicki ended with 3-66 off 18.
The Ridge had got through their overs early and hence could expect a minimum of 52 overs in the new "time" based league rules - Tiddington eventually bowled an amazing 60 - but the Ridge's start was as bad as possible with the top three failing to get into double figures as the opening Tiddington attack made better use of the wet wicket. At one stage the Ridge were 20-4 off 17 overs. The game was saved with some perservering batting from Ben Keeping who ended 44 not out, ably supported by Phil Robinson (30), Paul Brzezicki (22) and at the end Sam Rolfe who saw out the final 5 overs. The Ridge return to Meadow Styles in a crucial home game against bottom side Abingdon Vale this weekend.
Meanwhile the 2nd XI made short work of Willows who turned up with 9 men and were dispatched by 3.45pm. All out for 67, Geoff Tombs took 4-8 and then the 2's knocked off the runs for an impressive 10 wicket win. In form vice captain, Henry Hale, took his season run tally beyond 200 with 34 not out.
