CHESHAM CC were in a bit of a hole at 22-5 in their first game in the Home Counties League, but by the end of play they had turned it completely around and stolen a march on every other team in Division Two.

They were at Great & Little Tew and after losing the toss were inserted on a damp pitch.

Three of their first four batters fell for a combined score of just one, but a middle order revival rescued the innings before a stunning bowling display completed an unlikely 84-run victory.

With every other match in the division either cancelled or abandoned, Chesham’s win in doubly significant.

Captain Ollie Turner said: “At 22-5 in our first game in the league it was a bit worrying, but we stayed patient and knew if we batted our overs out we’d set a competitive total.”

Jason Rance (32), Turner (31) and Matthew Rance (29) did just that to drag their team up to 146-9, but the fireworks were just starting as their bowlers ripped through the hosts’ order.

Matt Rance returned match-winning figures of 4-7 from eight overs and with Mark Eteen (3-14) and James Day (2-8) also among the wickets, Great & Little Tew, whose top scorer was out for ten, were never in the chase.

Turner said: “The bowling and fielding was as good as it’s been for a while. It was difficult conditions to bat in, but that wasn’t the reason we got them out for 62.

“The conditions probably got easier and it was just an exceptional bowling display.

“To come back and win it like that says a lot about where we are, but it’s important we build on that now and don’t take a step backwards. The next few weeks are huge for us.”

Chesham host Reading tomorrow before going to Amersham the week after.

Meanwhile, Amersham go to Dinton after their home game with Cove last weekend was cancelled.