It has taken three days to write this match report because those in attendance have only just defrosted! Cricket is supposed to be played on beautiful grounds bathed in warm sunshine. The 2nd XI's season opener could hardly have been further from that idyllic scenario. Cold? It was freezing!!! Players wore hats, long johns, winter coats...whatever they could find! Spectators wrapped themselves in blankets. It was not the ideal way to start the season.

However, play they did and the 2nds performed admirably in the tough conditions. In the end Knight Rider's had a little bit too much and claimed the win. But, there were plenty of positives for new captain Arnab Biswas to take from the game.

In the bowling department Alex Robertson (4-56), Andrew Wakefield (2-33) and Dave Lankester (1-32) all did well. In the early exchanges the new ball was hit around the park as the seamers struggled to get their arm over wearing so many layers. But, pace off the ball paid dividends. Robertson, playing his first game in three years, was the chief destroyer. He cunningly mixed up his length to great effect to claim four wickets. The highlight of the innings was undoubtedly the wicket Dave Lankester took. Kayani smacked the ball over the infield and in the direction of Mitchell Gardiner. Our moustached Aussie, just back from a cricket tour to India, raced in from the boundary, dived forward and just managed to get his hands around the ball inches from the ground. It was a sensational effort.

Given the cold conditions Glenmore's fielding was excellent throughout. Ammar Maqsud, Lankester and Arnie all took fine catches despite their frozen fingers!

A late onslaught from Knight Riders took their score to 253, which was always going to be challenging. Had Glenmore managed to keep a few more top order wickets intact they may well have got close as the run rate was more than acceptable. But, too many guys got in, played some nice shots and got out. The two stand out innings came from Jay Nandula (35) and Farid Iqbal (39). Jay looked comfortable at the top of the order and hit seven fours before getting bowled with one that kept low. Farid took his time to get going but was soon into his stride, picking the gaps and rotating the strike nicely. Nix Gunawardhana also showed plenty of promise during his knock of 16.

Unfortunately nobody was able to play the match winning innings that was required, and despite a few late order boundaries from Dave and Arnie, it wasn't enough to threaten the target. Arnie was last man out with the score on 200. However, the excellent team spirit and enthusiasm on show within the Glenmore team indicates they should have a fun, successful season ahead.