The Mighty Greys returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Sunday, producing a performance that combined brutal batting, disciplined bowling and just enough middle aged athleticism to keep the paramedics on standby rather than on speed dial.

Batting first, the Greys amassed an imposing 259-6 from their 35 overs, built around a magnificent unbeaten 87 from Tommy Shnicholls. Tommy was in imperious form from the outset, striking ten boundaries and three sixes in a chanceless innings that carried the Greys through the middle overs and into a commanding position. It was one of those knocks that every club side dreams of, technically sound, ruthless on anything loose and accompanied by a growing sense amongst teammates that perhaps they could avoid batting after all. (cough cough Chris didnt even bring pads)

Jerry laid the foundations superbly with 39 from 44 balls, peppering the boundary nine times and ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking over. Biff briefly appeared in his traditional role as a human firework, blasting 8 from 8 before departing, while Tim contributed a fluent 20 from 20 balls.

The middle order ensured there would be no collapse worthy of a post match inquest. Dom added a valuable 25, including a maximum that probably travelled further than several Greys fielders managed all afternoon before being removed by EO’s umpiring brutality, while Ben chipped in with a meticulous 27. Alex and Double D provided useful support, with D remaining unbeaten on 16 to see the innings safely home at 259.

With runs on the board, the Greys turned to their bowlers, and Louis (writing in third person as i don’t know how else) delivered one of his better performances. Finishing with figures of 5-27 from 8.4 overs, including a maiden and just a single wide (unfairly called for a sunday even the batsmen scratched his head). PSM was diving caught and bowled for Louis’ first wicket. The Greys bowling attack ripped through the Plumpton batting line up with the sort of precision usually reserved for tax inspectors and divorce lawyers. Every time Plumpton threatened resistance, another wicket arrived, and any hopes of a successful chase evaporated faster than a round at last orders.

Support came from all corners of the attack. Chris was miserly as ever, conceding just 23 runs from his eight overs while claiming a wicket. EO picked up one scalp for 33, while Tim completed an excellent all round day with two wickets of his own bowling furiously and fast from the uphill end.

In the end, it was a complete team performance with contributions from all to get a convincing win over Plumpton. DFWTMG