Ramanayake century inspires chilly opening day win

Jesters CC 205-5 (Ramanayake 109, Chak 35*)

Old Merchant Taylors' 112 all out (Dheeraj 4-14)

Won by 93 runs

Jesters travelled to OMT with a balanced and competitive XI, lacking a spin option, but in April temperatures of 9 degrees the chance to run up to the wicket would be keenly volunteered when it came to defending 205 from our 40 overs. Harrison won the toss and chose to bat, sending Whittock and Saurodeep out to test exactly how many jumpers would be required in the middle. James perished to a big drive early, whilst Sauro (15) was first to partner Sandesh Ramanayake who scored a lovely hundred from number three. It was a beautifully paced innings, supported by Sachin Rawson (21) and DJ Chak (35*). A good above par total for Jesters.

Dan Haze (sic) and Ilija Krunic were miserly and brilliant opening the bowling for Jesters. OMT’s never really got going in reply. Dheeraj was the star bowler with his devilish mix of swing, seam and cutters, taking 4-14 from 6.2 overs. He was backed up be Sam Ghosh with 2-13 from 4 overs. A pleasing start to the season at a lovely venue. Jesters XI: Harrison (c), J Whittock, Ramanayake, Ghosh, Sachin Rawson, Chak, Nag (wk), Dheeraj, Krunic, Hayes