First match of Ives centenary season on an unusually hot day for the time of year saw Ives take to the field resplendent in their new Centenary cricket shirts.
An excellent bowling and fielding performance from everyone followed restricting Arkley to 177 in 46 overs thanks mainly to a run wicket stand, Adrian (3 for 39) Andy H (1 for 28), Richard (1 for 35) and Saqib (1for 26) were allin the wickets and although a couple of catches went down which might have restricted the Arkley total further, catches were picked up by Ciaran, Adrian and Bob behind the stumps.
In reply Ives quickly found themselves 6 for 2 with Ciaran and Richard back in the pavilion. Bob (32) and Adrian (14) put the innings back on track with Phil P pitching in with 19 before both he and Bob departed in the 2 balls either side of tea to halt the Ives momentum. Phil K with a fine 44 and Saqib (22) put the innings back on track with a 67 run stand before, following their departure, a flurry of wickets fell to leave Ives 162 all out with 3 overs to play.
Despite the loss all in all an encouraging start to the season with hopefully more to come.