Wrecclesham 1st XI achieved the rare feat of a winning draw batting second against a decent Milford side in a keenly contested match which saw the Owls stretch their unbeaten run to 22 games.
A much changed Wrecclesham side welcomed back bowling duo Oli 'Bondi' Caston and Graeme '1000 wickets' Larby and also big hitters Dan 'Boris' Vasey and Dave 'Mind your windows' Vasey.
However they were without the inform James 'Graham Napier' Wright and the ever reliable Andy 'bucket hands' Collins.
Wrecclesham skipper Joe 'Boycott' Boniface won the toss and elected to field in some fairly wintry conditions attempting to capitalise on a tacky looking track.
The Owls started in decent fashion with Caston and Chris 'Herald's favourite son' Spooner keeping things tight without making the breakthrough.
The visitors batted patiently initially which was sensible given the prevailing conditions.
It would be fair to say that despite some good application from Milford the home side didn't have alot of luck, Caston in particular, bowling an impressive spell passing the bat on numerous occasions without taking a wicket.
However the visitors took good advantage of their fortune with Cole making a well played half century.
With wickets in hand Milford attempted to up the run rate in the final 3rd of their innings and were restricted by some accurate bowling from Caston, Vasey and Boniface who all supported the evergreen Graeme Larby, who despite 3 weeks out, was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-41.
The visitors ended their 48 overs with a respectable 171-5.
A fine tea was taken and despite the poor weather the WAGS were in good spirits and the good nature of the first half of the game continued with both sides enjoying a good feed.
Matt 'the Mullett' Parkinson and Spooner opened things up for the hosts who despite an explosive start from the former, found themselves in a spot of bother at 5 for 1.
Despite his opening partners unfortunate dismissal (smashing a long hop down square legs throat) Spooner was showing a good level of concentration and application against an experienced and accurate bowling attack and was joined at the wicket by Chris 'the rock' Windeatt.
The duo set about consolidating the home sides innings, taking the lead from the visitors in running well between the wickets and ensuring the run rate ticked along on what proved a testing wicket.
The pair had put on exactly 50 when Windeatt was adjudged LBW (please see moment of the week!) and the Owls were checked back to 55-2.
The mighty Wreccers were then put under some pressure from the away team as Caston, Dan and Dave Vasey fell in fairly quick succession after being afforded a licence to play some shots.
Instead of crumbling to a non descript defeat there is a new resilience about Wrecclesham these days and the home side were confident that they still had the required firepower in the form of Spooner at the crease, but at 72-5 he needed a steady partner to get thing back on track.
Skipper Boniface, who one could say epitomises the word steady, came in and in conjunction with Spooner started to erode away at Milford's ascendancy.
The pair put on 60 odd in 10 overs as the home side pushed for victory, the pair running very well in between the wickets and taking quick singles effectively to keep things in the balance.
Spooner, who often produces his best form under great pressure, played some fine strokes on his way to an enterprising and vital 81, holed out in the deep with 30 odd still required for victory.
Boniface, taking on the role as the senior batsmen, tried to up the ante and even until the final over, with 10 required, all 3 results were possible.
Despite a valiant effort the Owls came up an agonising 4 runs short of what would have been a fine victory and a valuable 8 points.
However it must be said that Milford played their part in a great game of cricket and would have been somewhat unlucky to go home without anything.
The Owls have league leaders Blackheath next week and despite the draw should go into the game in good heart, for what is sure to be a key game in the destination of the Division III title.
Afterword by Joe Boniface
First of all, a very enjoyable cricket match played in an excellent spirit against a great bunch of lads.
A fine effort to grind a victory out from what seemed an unlikely position. I don't think we had a great deal of luck in the field and stuck at it well.
There will always be times when it's just not our day but it is important to stay patient and take something from the game and we did that.
A few years ago we would have crumbled at 70 odd for 5 and so to come back and get so close to winning it is a testament to how far we have come.
Well done Spoons, a fine knock and great to see you back to somewhere near your best.
Next week is a big game but it is important to remember there are 15 games left and we already have 45 points on the board so there is no need to panic!
I was also particularly pleased with the performance of the Twoo's against an established Harting side.
The 2's are doing well, improving every week and are showing that the club is in a strong position overall.
Bring on next week
Twit Twoo
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5 comments:
The unbeaten run continues! Great stuff guys. Sounds like a great game. Did Windo kick the stumps over or something?! Who was the trigger happy umpire?? Bad luck mate - I'm sure it was never out in a million years.
Yeah he kicked 2 stumps over, threw his helment, bat and gloves over the boundary and stormed off like a little girl. Larby triggered to a PLUM lbw. apparently there was no question about it. Bloody funny though.
Haha that is brilliant. Going under then was it Windo?
L.B.W,what l.b.w I gave hime out caught behind (oh shit what have i done ), Sadley Chris you were as plum as Mr plum from plum street, Plumbington who had come home for some plums, but you and Chris set us on our way so great knock mate and Spoons i knew it would'nt take long for another telling innings.
Looking forward to Blackheath
I was plum as a plum cake.
I was just annoyed with myself about getting out, as I should have hit it! (and not used to this getting out malarky :) )
I learned that stumps trick from Tone a couple of seasons ago after we lost and he hit the stumps over with his bat. He managerd all 3 tho, so I think I should have used my bat rather than my foot! :)
Bring on Blackheath, come on the owls!
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