Horspath 4s (away) Cherwell 5C WLD

This weekends 1st team fixture saw an away trip to Horspath. Confidence was high after a strong performance last week and the knowledge that the previous game against this opposition saw a 203 run victory. Unfortunately, the ‘Crucible’ appearance of the track and return of additional squad members to the hosts, ensured that the Skipper was preaching caution and a determination to maintain our winning ways. 

The Skipper’s up and down day started by winning the toss and putting Horspath into bat. With the team talk echoing in our ears, the team started strongly with tight bowling from Mike Mullins and Tom Farraday, with the latter picking up the wicket of opener Archie Lewins. First change saw the arrival of WAGCC’s spin master Andrew Buckland, who clocked a powerful 3 for 24 from 8. At the other end Winston Wiggins brought a touch more pace to claim 4 for 36 from 13. Of particular note was a high class battle with the remaining opener Craig Wharton. Wharton finally fell to Wiggins (after a few gifted drops from the WAGCC field) for 29, leaving Horspath on 82-5. The skipper again rallied his troops (as we had become more resemblant of a library than a sports outfit) setting us the target of keeping the hosts to less than 120. We duly responded, and the introduction of Jonny James to replace Bucky, saw the hosts dismissed for 106.

Unfortunately, the draw of the Mediterranean and presumably a dodgy curry meant that both usual openers were unavailable. In their absence, David Summersbee and Al Burdett stepped in. With more than 50 overs to chase the total, and words of caution still being issued, nothing extravagant was on display, but steady run accumulation was the order of the day. Unfortunately Summs fell to a ripper from Stuart Berry for 11. Next in was David Spencer, this partnership was more beneficial for WAGCC, bringing 54 runs before Al Burdett was caught spectacularly in the slips for 29. Winston Wiggins came in at 4 to raise the run and excitement rates with a 20 ball 31 to win the game in quick time!

An overall professional performance with room for work in the fielding department (especially behind the stumps!) saw WAGCC take maximum points for a 2nd week on the bounce. Lets keep this going!!!!!

Al B