Clowne arrived at Staveley on a cool day and were faced with a hard pitch which would prove good for batting, with very little bounce. Staveley won the toss and decided to bowl.

Clowne openers Andy Smaller and Adam White went out to see whether Dale Steers had progressed but it was wily veteran John Bullimore who caused the early problems. Smalley pulled the first ball of the match for four before Bullimore settled in for a prugal spell of 14-6-21-1, bowling unchanged. Steers made the early breakthrough, bowling White (seemingly through his legs) for 3 and Smalley (16), caught at deep backward point having already been put there for six. Skipper Ben Holmes joined Chris Hendley who had still to find his feet (understandably as the Prince of Darkness usually flies everywhere). Chigger immediately looked good driving elegantly through the covers for four, before falling over to be bowled by Bullimore for 11. Allegedly cries of “Aaaaaarseholes” could be heard from the dressing room for some time after. Nigel Spencer went quickly well caught by keeper Vernon off the bowling of Liam Douglas for 6. Young Josh Womble then provided a moment of hilarity by copping a nasty blow on the foot. This played on his mind and Anil soon bowled out off Douglas for 9 after clipping one sublime boundary off his pads. This brought young Matt Parker to the crease and he and Fingers put on a wonderful partnership of 83. Fingers got his form back mixing a few edges to third man with elegant cover drive, powerful square cuts and quick singles. Coat (29) played an innings of superb maturity pushing ones with ease, scampering up and down and driving Steers to distraction. His innings showed what a great head he has on his shoulders, and he will be a big part of the team in years to come. Fingers proceeded to his fifty with a greater authority and finished with a very well played 65 not out. Clowne ended with a working total of 176-6, Steers 3-54 and Douglas 2-42.