An ecstatic and slightly confident Southgate team travelled to Ealing Trailfinders following a very impressive win back at The Walker Ground the week before. Spirits were high, vibes were great and the sun was shining. What better way to spend your weekend?

That was soon put to bed, as quick wickets of Sunny Kanuparthi and stand-in skipper Josh Ray were followed by a rather unnecessary run-out of Max Joseph, who said "that's the best I've felt in 3 years". A steady partnership between Hugh Hyslop and Christian McLoughlin tried to wrestle back the momentum, much to the delight of the Southgate lower order so they could debate which cricketer the statue on the side of the pavilion was made after. Is it Cook? Is it Strauss? Maybe Pietersen? and a pretty rogue shout from Laurence Perry "I think it's Virat Kohli".

However, more wickets fell at regular intervals, meaning Southgate finished on a pretty below-par 132 all out.

Trailfinders looked to waste no time in search of the required 133 run target as both openers came in swinging, whilst also opting for a hit and run approach, which worked to their benefit. That was before Hugh Hyslop came in to the attack, taking two wickets in his first over, one of which was the wicket of their spin bowler who cupped his genitals before every ball that he bowled. Strange. Nevertheless, runs continued to flow despite the introduction of Laurence Perry, who once again picked up multiple wickets, including a quite spectacular catch from Christian McLoughlin in a short square leg position. Up there with one of the greats. Trailfinders found their way to the total winning by 4 wickets. Ultimately, the game was won, or should I say lost, in the first innings after a poor total was put on the board.

Back to back away games for Southgate as we travel to bottom of the table London Tigers where a bounce back is very much needed after a poor showing.

Daragh Edwards