Goodwood: Badbatting

Cloudless skies and 26 degrees meant this really did feel like the last day of summer but since we've been saying that for the past three games, who knows? At this rate we'll still be in short sleeves in November. The captain's controversial policy of more matches in September took the gentlemen of Fernhurst's Sunday XI to glorious Goodwood, the very cradle of cricket. The great game was first recorded here in 1702, or just after 5pm. With Goodwood House as the backdrop, Spitfires in the sky and the roar of the Revival's Astons and Jags in the distance it was peak Englishness.

Fernhurst batted first and batted poorly; the top four went swiftly with Alasdair Kidd top scoring on 11. In fairness, the Goodwood attack, including a couple of talented youngsters, was very good but cometh the hour, cometh Sussex Seniors player Jerry Mitchinson, who built some middle order stability. Partnered by Steve Tytler (9) and Tim Freeman (24), Jerry put on 35 runs. At the close of innings, FCC had made just 115 in 33 overs, one of the lowest totals of the season. Tea was taken in the splendid thatched pavilion with special mention for the 'old school' corned beef sandwiches and fantastic cakes.

No-one thought Goodwood would need 40 overs to knock off the runs but there must have been a few concerns thanks to a very tight FCC attack led by Sam Meier (1-17) and Chris Williams (2-10). John Heyworth (42) and Matt Geffen (34*) got most of the runs; young Jack Kidd claimed the former's wicket but it was the last to fall. The hosts crossed the line in the 27th over winning by six wickets.

It is a beautiful and illustrious place to play and we hope to return one day to score a few more runs. Next weekend we are off to Lynchmere for our final game. In our 130th anniversary season it is fitting Fernhurst should play the club we first encountered back in 1889.