THERE’S the old saying ‘catches win matches’ and as much as that is true there is also another aspect of the game that contributes just as much – partnerships.

It is key in both batting and bowling to have match-winning partnerships, whether that is nudging it around a few overs after loss of quick wickets, or bowling in tandem to keep up scoreboard pressure in a tight situation.

I made an appearance for Elton’s second XI on Saturday as a late call-up when our wicketkeeper went down with a freak injury in the warm-up at Roe Green – but I didn’t dare disgrace his gloves by masquerading as a wicketkeeper.

The game itself had everything, a great knock by Ben Morris, although on 96 he really needs to put that sweep shot back in the locker, a veteran ex-BDCA professional in Chris Jones skippering Roe Green, a bowler removed from the attack for delivering two height no-balls, a controversial dismissal of a batsman in the first innings, another injury which I’ll come on to later but it was effectively a great batting partnership that won the game for the hosts.

We’d set a total of 208 from our allotted 45 overs on a decent wicket with a lightning-quick outfield and even though it was a good score it turned out to be short of a match-winning total.

Roe Green set about the task well with their openers putting on 106 in 25 overs. Despite us bowling in some good areas we just couldn’t seem to get that breakthrough, they used their heads wisely, knocked balls into gaps for singles rotating the strike and punished the bad ball when it came.

Eventually, the first wicket fell and the game became more tense as wickets tumbled at regular intervals leading to Roe Green needing 20 off the last two overs with two wickets in hand – this then became one wicket due to the second injury of the day.

The batsman pulled a short ball straight into his own head with no helmet on and immediately bust open just above his eyebrow. Fortunately, both umpires made the right decision in advising against his wishes and that he was to leave the pitch and seek medical attention, rather than letting him try his best to look like Terry Butcher did back in 1989 during England’s international against Sweden.

The game that had everything went down to the last over with Roe Green needing 10 to win, a couple of lusty blows led to them getting over the line with three balls to spare.

Once again it was a late partnership, albeit it a small one, that helped push the game away from us.

It is not just on the field though where partnerships are important.

Following on my column last week about social media and our clubs, it’s vital they get their partnerships right off the pitch too. I try to source suitable businesses to sponsor at our clubs, not just for the clubs to bring in much-needed revenue but also for the businesses to benefit in the long term from their involvement and generosity.

They too should be receiving something back from our clubs, not just seen as a source of income to help cover costs.

I’d like to think all our clubs try to promote local businesses as much as possible because it is a necessary partnership that over time can be very fruitful for both parties.