On a bitter day, PCC batted first with the memories of last season's 54 all out as fresh as a daisy.
I don't have the scorecard with me but rest assured, the Sandford bowlers bowled very well - very trying conditions for the batsmen and understandable that PCC would appear to have crawled through the innings. Brian Leach, as last year, bowled like a metronome gaining swing and seam and his partner, Shaun Fryatt conceded only 22 runs in the 23 overs they bowled between them.
New opener, Nigel, heard the death rattle for 0 and James Rothwell was well stumped, having lost his balance for 2 (14-2).
Gareth and newbie Jonny Russell grafted hard, Johnny was dropped as was Gareth and with Jonny going for 13, quickly followed by Jono for 0, PCC were 22-4.
Gareth and new Captain Jake added 47 after a bit of respite from the opening bowlers before both went (Jake for 24 and Gareth 28), sandwiched by two more ducksters, Matt and Lewis - PCC 84-8.
Phil joined Dinuka, basically looking for whatever runs could be gleaned.
Phil followed his first ball legside tickle for 4 with an extra cover 6 (possibly the only occurence of him having consecutive double figure scores against an opponent) and together they pushed the score to 114, so a little hope.
Both opened the bowling but Dinuka struggled to show the form that has wreaked havoc with opposing batsmen over the last few seasons.
Phil just tried to keep a good length and line on a ground where he has struggled before and took 4 of the 5 wickets to fall, including Bob Eames for a duck - Gilly had a catch dropped off his bowling in his 8 overs for 21 and PCC finally succumbed by 5 wickets.
Not sure who is going to feature in the team this year as absences have meant a bit of shuffling but we have no need to be downhearted - for most, it was our first outing of the year.
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