With the Falkland Cavaliers’ match against Theale and Tilehurst going down as a conceded win for the Cavaliers it was down the Falkland Roundheads to take up the match-day mantle in a tough tie against Bradfield.

The Roundheads won the toss and on a hot and sticky morning chose to bat first.

The opening overs were tight as the ball hooped round corners in the humid conditions. The Roundhead openers played the conditions well, keeping the Bradfield bowlers at bay, taking singles where they could. But then disaster struck when two wickets fell in two balls, pegging the score back.

The middle and lower order continued to accumulate the singles well getting to an excellent 244-8 at the break.

Front-loading their batting order, Bradfield opened with a bang smashing 30 runs in their opening stand. The Roundheads did really well to slow the rate down with some tight fielding, but the away team kept coming and got to 298 with one over to go. Roundheads needed wickets so they turned to their warhorse of a fast bowler.

First ball, clean bowled. Second ball, cleaned bowled. He’s on a hat-trick they bellowed. The packed home supporters stand all edged forward as the hat-trick ball was sent down… and… it…. smashed into the stumps! The stand erupted as the Roundheads piled in to congratulate the hat-trick hero. He took another wicket for good measure with the fifth ball of the over! But with all the excitement, Bradfield’s final score of 284-12 was enough to get them over the line.

“It was the last over and I wanted to give my all for the team” our hero said. “Everyone worked really hard today – the hat-trick was for them. I’ll certainly treasure the match ball as a reminder of my first, and hopefully not my last!” What a legend!

Man of the match: Hat-trick hero Joe
Champagne moment: You don't need me to tell you...