Bad pun I know, but there was no lack of quality in Limpley’s play as they brushed aside Combe Down in their opening encounter of the season. This was a fine team performance with some magnificent individual contributions particularly from Twist who despite taking a number of blows to the head managed to compile a score of 73 including twelve fours and a six. Of the bowlers Tyrie was his usual economical self and Owen rolled back the clock with a spell of guile and accuracy.

On a chilly afternoon Combe Down were put into bat, Smith, Limpley’s ambitious new skipper sending them in anticipating hazardous fielding conditions as the afternoon wore on. It wasn’t long before he and Limpley reaped rewards as they turned the heat up on a timid CD opening partnership. Pell fell cheaply bowled Tyrie caught Norris - how many times have we heard that pairing over the years? Enter Hulbert, 92 runs later he was dismissed bowled Norris. Fortunately for LSCC he never found a reliable partner and they kept the score down to a very manageable 198. Surely Limpley could take full advantage of cold fielding hands and a fast outfield.

Twist and Richards A paced onto the field looking like they meant business, Twist betraying the appearance of a man who left Po-Na-Na at 2am the night before carrying a half drunk bottle of champagne in one hand and a couple of tarts in the other. Richards A hit a couple of fours swiftly to the boundary but was then caught. Twist though was on song and began hitting the ball powerfully and confidently. Kendall, Gregory and Richards S all came in and provided excellent support to Twist who by now was well clear of his half century. LSCC looked comfortable and Captain Smith hit the winning runs with 8 overs to spare and 4 wickets remaining.

Ball was the only blot on Limpley’s copy book scoring a measly 1 and thereby rendering himself kit-boy. However a fine performance and a very enjoyable days cricket. LSCC have two weeks off now until their next game and all will have been enthused by a winning start to the 2003 season.

Simon Richards