A new season, a new captain, with Mark Bird taking over from Ryan Knight. The seconds opened their 2016 season with a trip up the A45 to the Embankment Wellingborough to play Old Wellingburians seconds. Marks first duty on the field was to lose the toss and being asked to bowl first, something that was not surprising given the pleasant summer like conditions . Tony and Sid opened the bowling and were both among the wickets, after an hours play with the hosts struggling at 47-4, the Cooks were containing the OW’s attacking instincts with tight thoughtful bowling.
The following passage of play seemed to swing the game in the opposition favour, three half chances went begging and the batsman were getting on top, with Jayesh Desai compiling a precious 50 to the delight of his team mates. A mini collapse followed 4 wickets falling for 20 runs. 2 wickets in two balls for Frankie Perkins, 4 victims in all for the left warmer, left the Cooks to chase 178 runs.
After tea the Cooks opening pair of wicket keeper Russ Coleman and midweek captain Adam Longley started promisingly compiling a 33 run partnership before Adam was bowled. The Cooks needed one big innings but although Russ was playing his accustomed anchor role a steady procession of Cooks batsmen, meant the run chase was not going to plan. Cogenhoe needed a big innings from somewhere and although Phil Whiteman batted brightly for an unbeaten 25 the target was always going to be out of reach.
This game had a measure of ‘if only’ about it, as on another day a similar performance in the field by the Cooks may have restricted the opposition to a more manageable target. Given this game was the first of the season the seconds can take many positives from the game but will need to take half chances and bat with more aplomb to ensure the bowlers endeavours are fully rewarded.