A depleted WSL first XI put
up a valiant performance in the searing heat against
Division One leaders Crown Wood, only to fall six runs
short of the latter’s total.
Winning the toss, acting skipper,
Chris England, put the opposition into bat. The Crown
Wood openers made their attacking intentions very clear
from the outset, with Hammond
riding his luck. In fact had he been caught by either
of the straight-forward chances he gave, the outcome
of the game would have been very different. However,
WSL bowlers, Johnson and Arif plugged away and at 34
-2 hopes were high. A rapid eighty run stand between
Hammond and Handley dented the
optimism and at this stage Crown Wood looked poised
for a big total.
To their credit, WSL fought
back well, with England, Ray Chaudrey
, Jones and fifteen year old debutant Khadir Rasool(Amir’s
son), all making useful contributions with the ball.
They were ably supported by wicketkeeper, Damon Hill,
who took four catches. Crown Wood were finally all out
for 202 of which opener Hammond
made 98.
To win WSL needed big runs
from the top order. Disappointingly, an out of sorts
Gareth Johnson, was dismissed for 5 bringing Ray Chaudrey
to the crease. He immediately tore into the Crown Wood
attack hitting a blistering 26 before he went for the
big shot once too often and skied a catch. Paul Ashton
was joined by in form Damon Hill and the pair added
a valuable fifty before Hill was caught in the gulley.
Chris England and Ashton continued the run chase with
some free scoring, adding a further fifty to bring WSL
into a strong position of 130-3 when England
checked on a drive and was caught at mid-off.
Dave Jones hung around for a while but did not trouble
the scorers and suddenly WSL found themselves on the
back foot again at 132 -5. However, Ashton was steadily
accumulating and the youngster Khadir showed great promise
by adding a classy 15. The tail was beginning to wag
as Dan Owen and Rasheed Arif took the challenge back
to Crown Wood who were beginning to look worried. Sadly,
the WSL ran out of steam just six runs short of the
total with Owen not out and highlighting he bats better
for the firsts than the seconds! |