Opening batsman Matt Trudgill carried his
bat for the entire innings making 77 in the process
to set up a crushing victory for WSL 2nd's. Fielding
an inexperienced team Waltham began poorly as Connor's
dire form with the bat continued as he failed to trouble
the scorers and Hill skied one to mid on for 9. James
Woolford then came in and looked instantly fluent punching
a four over the in-field then charging down the track
to blast the metronomic Duffy for four.
However,
his innings ended as he tried to cut a ball that was
too close to his stumps and he was caught behind. Knowl
Hill were still in the mix at this point but enter Paul
Harris on debut and all was that was about to change.
He chipped a four over mid wicket in his first over
then belted a huge straight six, one of four in the
innings.
Trudgill at the other end was building
the perfect innings based on solid defence and good
shot selection. Together the duo were excellent as they
put on 124. Both passed their fifties in style, Trudgill
bringing up his with a lofted drive for 6 off the Iceman.
Harris then went for his shots more and moved on to
77 before being bowled. Chris Burge then came in and
made a quick 26 n.o to give the brilliant Trudgill excellent
support right to the end of his mammoth innings.
Following an extended tea, Waltham came out of
the traps firing on all cylinders. Hawthorne bowling
up the hill induced an error from Davies and took a
good return catch. He followed that up by bowling Depledge
next over then caught Davies off the bowling of Woolford.
Have we found the new Magnet?
Knowl Hill were
rocking and it was going to take a gargantuan effort
to save them from a hiding and skipper Duffy provided
the very innings. Vicious on anything short he bludgeoned
several sixes to the short legside fence. Waltham however
were still taking wickets at the other end.
Burge came on and continued in his rich vein of form
taking 2 for 15 and Harris bowled an excellent spell
without reward. In between James Woolford showed his
fielding prowess with a great shy from gully to run
out Lalande. So it was left for Jones and Connor to
combine to skittle the last remaining wickets. Jones
playing his first match for Waltham was frugal from
the pavilion end giving away only 7 from 4 overs.
Connor at the other end was giving away plenty
but managed to pick up three wickets. Firstly he had
Plank well caught by Hill behind the stumps, then in
between some heavy tap towards the A4 he got the prize
wicket of Duffy who edged to first slip. The next delivery
bowled Harrison and it was all over.
This
was a fantastic performance from a new look Waltham
in searing heat. |