I was umpiring at Met Police Bushey on Saturday where nearly 500 runs we scored in 95 overs. We did not finish until 7.45 and I hear the 2nds saw a 8.10 finish! Its very important all teams and captains ensure that the 50 overs are bowled in the 2 hour 50 minutes (plus drinks and injury and lost ball time ie 3 hours).

Make sure that the pace of the game between overs is good , field changes are done before the bowler and batsman are ready
and batsmen dot have a mid pitch chat after every ball. The earlier we finish the earlier we can all get into the bar!

Talking of the bar it was good to see the clubhouse full in party mode on Saturday evening and it was great to see so many young people enjoying themselves.

This weekend sees the last of the limited over format before we go back to 9 games of Timed games in the 53/47 format. It will be interesting to contrast the different format and gain views on what is the most favoured.

Two great Test matches against the Kiwis – honours even but great credit to Brendan McCullum for playing such an exciting brand of cricket.

Excitement for the 2nd team as well with a one wicket win with just an over to spare – I understand Paul was not out LBW this week.

The Riddler