Normality returned to the first team in the second week of the season after a plucky losing draw on week 1, which saw a Cogenhoe side with Phil Whiteman and David “Fo” Foley in it for the first time since 2005.
With Fo, Cogenhoe’s all time leading wicket taker safely returned to the bar for week 2, Newly promoted Cogenhoe travelled to the home of Bold Dragoon to play Northampton Saints. Cooks lost the toss and were asked to bowl.
Despite some tight early bowling from Harvey-Jones and Smith, some proficient and sensible batting from the Saints top order set them a great foundation of 99-3 at drinks. However when Saints opener Ed Bartlett reached 50 before chipping a caught and bowled chance to Lester the Cooks then turned the screw. McLaughlin and Lester kept things tight as the Saints middle order collapsed before Smith and Harvey-Jones returned to mop up the tail.
This left Cooks a very reachable target of 148, which skipper Goddard joined forces with Cogenhoe newboy Harrison to attempt to chase down. They watchfully brought up their first 50 partnership together, seemingly unfazed by some lively Saints bowling. Harrison reached his maiden Cooks 50 on debut before playing down the wrong line and being bowled. Goddard also made it to 50 (52*)despite the best efforts of Swallow (28) and McLaughlin (21*) in trying to finish the game before he got there. Cogenhoe ended up resounding winners by 8 wickets with 14 overs to spare. They will now look for a repeat performance tomorrow as they take on Kettering in Cogenhoe at 1pm.