Saturday

A bright day dawned upon Wantage, so for a change we didn't expect our game to be affected in any way by adverse weather. This probably pleased both teams, as we were both looking to win in order to try and secure promotion. Shrivenham had a long shot, given that it was their last game, but they had been reasonably consistent so we knew we'd have to play well to beat them. Despite another late umpiring arrival, we got started at 1.30, bowling as usual (I've no idea if Colin won the toss…continue reading →

Colin won the toss and as usual fielded, despite Steve Yates having told him he would be turning up late. This proved none too costly, however, as Chaz and Mabs bowled tightly for the first few overs until he turned up. Both of them were keeping a tight line and length, and James was eventually rewarded when the opener miscued an off side drive to NiB at point. The Freeland number three then decided that life was too short for cricket, spurning caution and technique to aim every single one of his 7…continue reading →

We turned up at the allotted time, ready for a 1.30 start, which put us in a field of one, as only half of Chalgrove's team turned up, and the second umpire also didn't make it til the 4th over. He probably wished he hadn't though, partly due to Ryan sledging him for calling two or three tight leg side wides, and partly due to the paucity of actual cricket which was served up by the Chalgrove batsmen. They only had 8 men and appeared to be playing for rain, but we managed…continue reading →

After stealing victory from the jaws of defeat on the last ball of the away match earlier in the season, the return fixture was eagerly awaited. A heavy shower in the morning had given some cause for concern, but once Mongo got his legs out the sun shone to dry the pitch ready for the game to start on time. Colin's attendance at a wedding later in the day relegated him to scoring duties, leaving Barry to take the reins for the first time this season. He began well, winning the toss and…continue reading →

We arrived at Garsington looking to banish some bad memories from last year's away fixture and were boosted by the return to Saturday action of Chaz and Nick Wilkins. A 10 man Garsington side were depleted by injuries, holidays and wedding attendance but despite this Colin managed to lose yet another toss and we were invited to field. On a good-looking pitch and lightning fast outfield, Ryan and Steve Yates bowled particularly well to build the pressure on Garsington. Steve finished with 2 for 22 and Ryan deserved more than his 1 for…continue reading →