For the third consecutive week, the weather prevented Bowden 2^nd XI from securing a victory and the possibility of maintaining their status in division 9. Another fine batting performance in exceptionally difficult conditions on a wet pitch went unrewarded when the deluge that fell on the ground just before the tea interval scuppered the chances of any further play.

OG’s won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Bowden to bat first on a wet, under prepared pitch. The veteran opening partnership of Gary Waterfield (29) and Steve Oldfield (68 not out) started exceptionally well, playing circumspectly to the good length balls but despatching anything short or wayward towards the boundary. In the conditions, an opening stand of 70 was worth a hundred before a confused ‘call’ led to Waterfield being run out. Fergus Kenny (9), Simon Linsell (10) and Fergus Clarke (8) attempted to add some impetus to the innings with the overs quickly running out. When the rain arrived in the 43^rd over Bowden had amassed what looked likely to be a match winning score of 147 for 4 before the heavens opened.