Isham's 1st XI's great start to the season came to an end against Brixworth.

Having lost the toss Isham were put into bat on a pitch that was quick and bouncy. Things started badly with Tim Robinson being bowled for a 'Golden Duck' in the second over as he played over a yorker from Gerard McMahon. Things settled down with Chris Harrison and Ben Reid steadying the ship. Tight bowling from the open pair restricted the scoring, especially Devon Malcom who was bowling quick and short of a length that was proving very hard to score off. Malcom's persistence eventually paid off, trapping Ben Reid LBW with one of the few pitched up balls in his spell. That bought Josh Kentwell to the wicket who had been elevated to no.4 due to the unfortunate loss of Will Chudley to injury in the week. Josh played sensibly and carried on building with at the other end in the face of yet more tight bowling. Kentwell was eventually removed for 27, caught behind after a solid innings. That bought skipper Court into the crease. By this time the tight bowling from Brixworth was beginning to show as Isham were only just past the 100 mark after 35 overs. After a steady start Court and Harrison decided to up the run rate and try and get after the Brixworth bowlers. It began to pay off and the score started to accelerate with a flow of boundaries. Court was eventually dismissed for 68 off 41 balls. George Chudley entered and carried on the hitting with a quick fire 20 not out. Harrison was eventually removed in the 48th over after trying one big hit too many for an important 63. Once again taking on the anchor role of the Isham innings.

Isham finished up on 212 for 5 which had looked a long way off at one point due to some very good bowling by Brixworth's openers who hit a consistent line and length and whose combined 22 over opening spell went for just 49 runs.

Isham took the field full of confidence after recent weeks and began brightly. The opening pair of Russell Parsons and Chris Richmond both looked scratchy early on with the new ball bouncing and doing a bit of the pitch. Parsons was eventually removed for 4, lobbing a dolly to George Chudley at gully who snaffled it at the third attempt!! Alex Lacey was then comprehensively cleaned up by Kentwell who was starting to find a good pace. Brixworth 2-10 and looking in trouble. Fred Newborough came in at number 4 and was welcomed with a couple of bouncers from Kentwell, both hitting him full on. Having looked nervous with the short ball, the Isham bowlers then tried to test Newborough with pitched up deliveries to see if he could play them - answer, yes!! Nursing his bruises Fred settled down and began to build his innings, slowly at first and then with some big hits to follow. After a great opening spell from the ever reliable Law and Kentwell the Isham second string of bowlers fed the Brixworth attack with a menu of full tosses and half trackers that would be punished at any level of cricket. No one found a line or length and the batsmen began to flourish. The score began to accelerate and heads went down. The fielding effort began to reflect the bowling and Isham were looking a beaten side. The only bright spot being a superb second catch from George Chudley again in the gully to remove Chris Richmond for a well played 59. Brixworth eventually chased down the 212 with ease in the 32 over for a well deserved win.

Isham will re-group and look forward to an away trip to Kettering next week.