Owls 'Pushing for Promotion'

The Wrecclesham Owls outperformed table topping CODY in all departments as they recorded a convincing 6 wicket victory to go second in the table, hot on the heels of rivals Blackheath.

The Mighty Wreccers continued their formidable 100% record at the recreation ground as they wracked up win number four of what is fast becoming another fruitful season.

In glorious sun drenched conditions the home side won a good toss and opted to bowl on a decent looking track.

Cody, relegated from Division 1 last term, started well with Tim Knight looking in good touch but both Chris 'Busy Day' Spooner and Oli 'Dale Winton' Caston also began confidently causing problems for the visitors from the outset.

As time went on the scoring shots became less frequent and thanks to some fine fielding throughout, the pressure built with a number of streaky shots falling into gaps or just short of the on rushing fielder.

CODY's fortune ran out and the pressure told in the end as Oli Caston made the breakthrough to spark a period of utter Wrecclesham dominance.

Spooner found some good rhythm and supported the excellent Caston well as the visitors were reduced to an ominous looking 81-7.

A fine 8th wicket stand in excess of 65 between Elliot and Forbes frustrated the hosts as CODY reached 144-7 but with a consistent batting track and rock hard outfield it would take something special from the visitors to post a truly competitive total.

Caston removed the obdurate Elliot and the last 2 wickets proceeded to fall in quick succession with Graeme '1000 wickets' Larby doing a good job on mopping up the tail with a minimum of fuss.

Despite the late cameo from Larby and the fine supporting role played by Spooner it was Caston who had been the standout performer yet again with a well deserved 6-56 from a marathon 23 overs.

There is little debate that Caston is the leading pace bowler in the division and with 27 wickets to his name this year already he is staking a claim to be the among the very best the I'anson has to offer.

After a fine tea was taken in the superb conditions the home side knew if they applied themselves properly a win was achievable.

Matt 'MB is he on E?' Parkinson did his best to make a game of it by falling to Forbes first ball but Spooner and James 'Graham Napier' Wright (28) consolidated well and put pressure on the home side with a series of well timed boundaries.

The pair shared a well made 50 partnership as the home side recovered fully and pushed for victory.

Just at the Owls seemed to be running away with things Turnbull did manage to excerpt some pressure bowling a fine spell of his own for CODY, removing Wright twice in an over following a no ball and then following it up by doing the same to the in form Chris 'the Rock' Windeatt.

That was about as close as the visitors came though as Windeatt's dismissal only allowed Tom 'Jeff' Caston to show his quality and share a match winning partnership with that man Spooner.

Spooner saw off the dangerous Turnbull and Caston cashed in on the change in attack by taking calculated risks against the slower bowlers and scoring freely.

Spooner's innings ended on 48 as he forced one too many but he remains a class act and once again provided a platform for Wrecclesham to produce another fine victory.

It was Caston's display (42*) which really caught the eye though as he showed great maturity (nothing to do with his advancing years!) and no less style as he took the game away from CODY and set up a comfortbale yet crucial win for the promotion chasing Wreccers.

Next week is a tough test as the Wreccers face a trip to fourth placed Witley.

Afterword by Joe Boniface

Another wonderful victory gentlemen, against a good side too.

What pleases me even more is that we were excellent in all departments and thoroughly deserved to win by a comfortable margin.

Our fielding was tidy, we took our catches well and really put them under pressure from the start which went along way to set up another great win.

Dan, AC, Windeatt I'd like to think myself all helped to set a high standard in the field and long may that continue.

Oli, what can I say? That target of 50 wickets is looking woefully inadequate! If you keep going like this you will end up the divisions top wicket taker.

Spoons, a great supporting role with bat and ball which is just what we need, the key thing for you is that you always contribute, well done and more of the same please mate.

Tom, a fine knock in what was our biggest game of the season, you showed real class and a great attitude, the more games you can make yourself available for the better.

Let's keep trying to improve and see where it takes us.. Div 1 anyone?!

Bring on Witley next week.

Up the Owls!

Twit Twoo