Busby started his captaincy reign as he meant to go on by losing the toss and fielding first on a sweltering day at Gypsy Corner.

The first pole of the season brought other firsts, with Shappi (1-33) taking his first OE’s league wicket and Eddie, his first snaffle. Jaimin (2-15) was miserly from the bottom end, building pressure as Adam (2-10) took the important wicket of S. Patel (49), and Freddie (1-6) the wicket of Liyanage (15) with his first league delivery for the club to leave Northwood 90-5 after a solid rebuild. The returning Gengan (3-36) abetted by some sharp work by skipper Busby at midwicket and the old ball skills of J-Mizz saw OE’s tear through the lower order, being set a target of 134 for victory.

Fred (5) fell early and Zaibi (25) unfortunately chopped on after a scintillating cameo to leave OEs well ahead of the rate after the first 10. Eddie (11) and Pabs (13) did well to absorb the pressure set by Nandiraju (2-24) to build a platform and allow the incoming Gomes (29) and Mich (29*) to free up, providing some appeasing shots for the onlooking fans and the latter, in combination with Busby (4*), saw us over the line with 17 overs to spare!

Player of the match: - Adam Hall, best I’ve seen him bowl. Had the ball on a string and took important wickets in moments of need, a well-rounded performance from the side all round, onto West Herts (A) next week #comeonyoueees