The Crusaders’ season got off to a disappointing start against the Leys in a double-header of T20s. Fielding first in damp and overcast conditions, the Leys got off to a flier. Opening batsman Andrew Bramley (92*) played some scintillating shots and was well supported by Howell (41) and Aubrey (25). Credit was due to the opposition batsmen, Bramley in particular: the bowling and fielding was up to standard but the batting was of a very high quality. The Leys finished their 20 overs on 174-3.
Our response never got going with only Rory Triniman (38), playing his first game of cricket in three years, providing any meaningful score. The innings faltered along, ending on 114-6.
Batting first in the second game, it was a similar story: at only 58-2 off 12.1 overs, rain intervened causing the match to be abandoned. This capped off a disappointing day with lessons to be taken away, especially about the need to increase our scoring rate.