Owls Soar to New Heights

The Mighty Wreccers got back to winning ways in the most convincing fashion with a 102 run victory over Kingsley 2nd XI.

It was a game which many expected the in form Owls to dominate and despite the late withdrawal of keeper batsmen James Wright they certainly didn't dissapoint.

Skipper Boniface lost the toss on a soft looking wicket and was put into bat by his opposite number.

With the overcast conditions and bowler friendly looking wicket it looked a bad toss to lose but by batting first there was of course the possibility of a 10 point victory.

Boniface and Spooner set out to attempt to build a total for the Owls and started off solidly enough even if the run rate was cautious as with experience which belies their tender years they knew the value of having wickets in hand for the last 15 overs.

However as the weather conditions improved the pitch started to play more consistently both openers started to see the ball more clearly and as a consequence upped the run rate.

Kingsley were guilty of dropping vital catches and both openers seemed to be liberated by this, opening up as the partnership gathered momentum.

The 100 partnership, which is something which has not been achieved for many a season, was reached in the 31st over which coincided with Boniface's maiden 50.

Shortly after Boniface mistimed a full toss and this allowed Dave Vasey to come to the crease. The strong left hander batted with excellent urgency and poise, accurately picking which balls to attack and along with the increasingly aggressive Spooner put on a valuable 63 partnership in just 8.4 overs.

Another cameo from the versatile Chris Windeat, who raced to 20 with some beastish blows ensured the Wreccers were in a position to declare on 213 for 3 after 43 overs.

A fine total set up by Boniface and Spooner, who showed a touch of class again hitting a stylish century (103) and the ability to accelerate when required after showing valuable patience in the first 30 overs.

Spooners temperament has impoved no end in recent years and another mature knock and latest run of form is certainly testament to that.

With 213 on the board and an enviable bowling attack the Owls were in confident mood that they could convert this opportunity into a maximum.

The Wreccers stepped out after enjoying a decent tea (severe lack of salt cake) with the entourage of the usual suspects Tony, Kate, Seb, Jennifer and the well travelled Caroline and a few additional spectators.

Vasey and Caston opened up and despite keeping things relatively tight it was not until Vasey found a fine inswinger to dismiss the Kingsley opener Randell in the 7th over that the Owls started to dominate.

Graeme '1000 wickets, smiling but deadly' Larby produced his own superb inswinging effort to bamboozle the dangerous looking Coussons in his second over and suddenly Larby's accuracy ensured that the run rate dropped significantly for a prolonged period and as a result only 2 outcomes became possible.

The fielding was good from the Owls but with runs increasingly less of an issue patience was key and everyone kept to the task well and remained concentrated throughout.

Kingsley were making life difficult and with only 2 wickets down after 19 overs the game was far from over.

The introduction of century maker Spooner into the bowling attack proved to be decisive with the all rounder picking up an early wicket and helping to swing the game back into the balance.

A steady flow of wickets, despite some resistance by Barnet was instigated by Spooner who showed some excellent variations particularly some visciously spinnng deliveries and was finished off by the returning Jonny Elworthy who bowled well finishing with 2 for 11 from his economical 6 over spell.

Dan Vasey then returned to the action and despite suffering from a knee problem finished off the match with Parkinson MBE taking an excellent low catch to seal an emphatic victory to cemet the Wreccers position at the top of Div IV.

A fine victory and a superb team effort with everyone chipping in with runs and wickets and even those who were less involved in the game contributing well and concentrating admirably.

The Owls have now won 6 from their first 7 matches and promotion to Div III has become a real possibility. The morale in the squad is high and it is fair to say that each and every match is being eagerly anticipated by players and spectators alike.

Bring on next week.. Up the Owls.. Tiw Twoo!!

Match report by Joe 'finally got some runs' Boniface