Nickells, Grover, Edwards Jnr, Bishenden and Green were all left out, and big names Elkin, Josh Mitchell, Paul Gilbert, Mark Forshaw and former Sunday captain Robbie Merriman were selected, adding a stronger batting line up to this week's match.
Despite overcast conditions, the track was hard, and dry, perfect conditions for the batsmen and with a little grass on top meaning suitable for the bowlers in the later overs.
Messenger won the toss and elected to bat. A great start.
The start got even better after Forshaw and Moody scored some early runs, Forshaw hitting three 4s in two overs, and Moody contributing with one of his own. But in typical Belnor fashion, where there's hope, there's a collapse and collapse is exactly what we did. Forshaw playing at a wide ball getting thin connection and scooping the ball in the air straight to slip.
Shortly after, Merriman, pushed up the order from 7 to 3, looked to playing some nice, crisp cricket shots but in classic fashion attempted and sweep and misjudged the ball, his leg stump being skittled, and he fell for a duck. Moody remained solid but struggled to add to his score, and it was the usual of openers of Moody and Malhotra who looked to restore the innings but Malhotra fell with no score and Moody shortly followed for just six. Those two have scored 11 runs between them in two games, a total which will keep Messenger thinking in games to come.
The extravagant James Elkin was expected to score big, but failed in doing so, swiping at a ball and seeing his stumps rattled by the swing of opposing skipper Lance Morgan.
It was a similar situation for Messenger again. Coming in at 7 and seeing his side fail to start big at 45-5.
Messenger and Gilbert though battled hard and took their side to 87-5 at drinks. But, it was not long before another wicket fell. Gilbert falling for 21 being stumped, and Messenger being caught superbly at mid-wicket for 19.
Mitchell and Mummery fell cheaply but a powerful 22 from Lee Edwards and 7* from Shaun Edwards took the away side to a final total of 118. A disappointing total but competitive nonetheless.
Belnor started well but not well enough. Newington were 40-2 off 6 overs at tea, Mummery taking both hauls.
At tea, Messenger brought off Lee and Mummery and brought on S. Edwards and Mitchell for some added experience combined with the youth of spin.
It worked! It was inspirational! Edwards taking 5-16 off 8 overs and Mitchell finishing with 3-38 off 7.3 overs. Stockbury were bowled out for 91, with Paul Gilbert taking 5 catches behind the stumps.
A great first win for Messenger's Belnor side, but concerns will be raised over his shaky batting line up, especially the inconsistent opening order.
Belnor CC 118 all out off 25.3 overs
Newington CC 91 all out off 21.3 overs
BELNOR CC WON BY 27 RUNS
I don't know anything about cricket. I can't understand it. Its too complicated.
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