Nathan Thomas' 5 for 45 laid
an excellent winning platform but Waltham just fell
short of their victory target. On a green park wicket
Waltham won the toss and put the opposition in to bat
but it was Swindon who got off to a flyer with openers
Jenkins and Gopal stroking the ball around nicely and
running all they could in the vast pastures of Moredon
Sports Ground.
Dave Jones got the breakthrough with the score on 21
but with captain Steele-Pauls at the crease the run
rate began to rise as he worked the field with aplomb.
At drinks Waltham were in a perilous state with the
opposition looking at a par score of 230 but a rallying
cry from the skipper was answered in the best possible
way as Burge got Steel-Pauls LBW then dangerous opener
Jenkins for 42.
Waltham were back in the match and Nathan Thomas was
about to be introduced into the attack. 14.3 overs of
off spin later the opposition were all out, blown away
by the nagging line and length spin bowling ably supported
with some fine catches from Bridgeman and Thompson.
Chris England at the other end and the returning Jones
and Thompson all gave good support as Waltham went into
tea on a high.
After the interval WSL set about their task with the
usual calm approach but were soon in trouble as Mohib
had Thomas and Sharpe LBW to reduce Waltham to 15 for
2. Connor ran himself out for 9 and things were looking
shakey until an excellent near 50 partnership between
England and Bridgeman put the momentum back in Walthams
favour until the latter got a delivery which failed
to bounce.
A burge cameo kept the Waltham charge going but wickets
fell at the wrong times as England 47 and Burge 16 fell
in quick succession. A fine knock from Christodoulou
took Waltham close but he was last man out with 8 balls
to go for a well made 15.
Waltham skipper Matt Connor was understandably disappointed
but was delighted with the commitment against a good
Swindon side. |
