The start of a new season always sees similar promises - lets get there early, warm up properly, start fast, batters play to your game plan, bowlers hit your lines and lengths... but usually the Vandals talk the talk before starting slower than Woosie's stock delivery.

2022 was different though. All the same promises were made, but this time the Vs followed through with the plan. Losing the toss and being asked to bat on a green wicket against an opposition down to 10 after a late drop out, the plan was set - see off the new ball and take advantage against the change bowlers.

Sambo and Dan opened up and got us off to a good start, Dan taking advantage of some loose bowling early on before falling for 21 off 22, bowled by Negus. Young Seb was next to the wicket but didn't stay too long, being bowled by a good one from Tyler which brought the big dog to the crease. Aman, last seasons league leading run scorer started as he left off in 2021, looking totally at ease while scoring 35 out of a partnership of 61 with the resolute Buckell to take us past the 100 before he was bowled by Tristan "Linford" Christie to the shock of the home dressing room.

Connor and old Seb - taking time out from telling us all how far he travelled for the game - both found timing hard to come by but assisted Sambo, who was now well into his stride after bringing up his 50 helped keep the scoreboard ticking before a Fluffer flourish at the death saw us post an imposing target of 190-7, Sambo anchoring the innings with a magnificent 77.

Fluffer and Jonny opened up and Fluff was immediately in the wickets, bowling Corning for 2. Jonny followed up, facing the Bain of his life who last season dispatched him for a 6 in the T20 semi final which only landed last week. Not this time though, Bain tried repeating the dose but was bowled hacking across the line; Woodriffe followed, edging behind meaning by the time the openers were done the score was just 23-3. From there, the only real drama of the afternoon was when angry Oscar appeared, aggrieved at literally everything that was going on (just like his father!). The wickets were shared around with Woo (1-13), a good Fluffer direct hit run out, young Seb (1-3) and Scotty Baker's (2-4) obligatory cleaning up of the tail. Only 8 wickets were needed as the Merrow skipper was struggling with a back injury.

Overall an excellent start to the new campaign, though I'm sure tougher tests are to follow, next stop Horley - lets hope we send the cameraman home early again!