6th May   Reading Ridgeway      Friendly 

For the second week running, we started the game with 12 players – such is the excitement being generated for the coming campaign. Winning the toss, Emma ‘EJ’ Jones, making her Gunns debut, was asked to opening the batting with Janice Fraser. Sarah ‘Barts’ Bartlet had been loaned to the opposition, and on an interesting early season wicket at Argyle Road, was proving lively with the ball. EJ looking very controlled and calm, waiting for the ball and playing with a straight bat, whilst Janice decided to take a more combative approach – anything short of wide, she flung the bat at ( to great effect).  

The departure of EJ, LBW to Barts, saw the welcomed return of Chander Kaul, after an absence of almost 4 years. You wouldn’t have known it, as she was off the mark almost immediately, with a sweetly timed leg glance. She proceeded to play like she’d never been away – reminding everyone of the class bat she was when Captaining India (on this showing, she might get a call up later on in the summer!!). Batting for the first time with Janice, the two styles couldn’t have been more contrasting, but complimented each other perfectly. Janice was rattling along, all pure Kiwi aggression, whilst Chander exhibited pure Indian grace – the shot of the day dancing down the wicket for a straight, one bounce 4.  

It looked like nothing could stop Janice notching her first 50 of the season, until the rain, which had been persistent since about the 9th over, became too heavy and the pair were called off, never to return  A disappointing end to a highly promising start, but one that leaves a mouth watering prospect for the coming season.