SANDIACRE captain John Trueman was very satisfied with the way his side approached what might have been an awkward second innings chasing Elvaston's 194.

They lost James Chapman early on and there was some playing and missing against opening bowlers Ian Hunter and Dan Wheeldon but the batsmen did not let themselves get tied down.

“I thought it would be a tricky chase, because there was a lot of help for the bowlers in the wicket,” said Trueman (below).

“Possibly, if we'd lost a wicket or two earlier, it could have been difficult but we managed to push along nicely and the run rate never came into it.

“That's when we've crumbled a bit at times, when two spinners come on and we get behind the clock, but we managed to maintain the run rate this time.”

Trueman played no small part in that, with a very good half-century, which ended disappointingly with a poor shot straight into Dan Randle's hands at midwicket.

“That sums up my year,” said Trueman, “But they'd also given me a life, so I can't grumble. Perhaps I'm just too old!”

One of Trueman's biggest jobs right now is to help nurture the blossoming talent of 18-year-old all-rounder Akhil Patel, who again batted beautifully – but had a poor spell of spin bowling, conceding 36 runs from four overs, which led to some grumbling from Sandiacre supporters around the boundary.

“Akhil batted really well and some of his off drives early on were lovely,” said Trueman.

“If we hadn't got the runs, I'm sure I'd have got some criticism for letting Elvaston get as many as they did but I'm at the stage where I'm going to bowl Akhil, even if it doesn't look like the right thing to do in the game.

“I'm sure they were moaning a bit around the ground but I know where we stand with it. He's got a bit to do yet but he won't come through if he doesn't bowl.

“Overall, I thought we bowled pretty well but you have to give their Australian, Crichton, some credit. He's a dangerous cricketer and he can take a game away from you.

“Ian Hunter also looked a good player and batted well.”