Owls take flight

Wrecclesham extended their lead at the top of the Division II table by defeating local rivals Thursley by 5 wickets in a competitive contest.

The Owls rang the changes ahead of the game with Tom 'He's only gone and given it' Caston, Suril 'Overseas' Patel and Ben 'Stalwart' Pound coming into the team for the absent Matt 'MB is he on E?' Parkinson, Andy 'Mellow Magic' Collins and Graeme '1000 wickets' Larby to once again underline the quality available at the club's disposal in what is turning out to be a fine period for the club.

Wrecclesham once again helped to set the tone early by arriving on time, looking keen and showing unrivalled togetherness in a display that must unsettle opposition teams before a ball has even been bowled.

Skipper Boniface lost the toss yet again and Wrecclesham were asked to field on what turned out to be a typically stinking hot day (here in India).

Oli 'Bondi Beach' Caston, who was relishing the sunbed like conditions, opened things up with his ever reliable partner Chris '1000 runs' Spooner as the Owls set about their task with gusto.

Contrasting styles from the steady Scott and slightly more agricultural Wells gave Thursley a fine start which belied their lowly league position, reaching 45 for no loss before the latter was caught after attempting one shot too many, holing out to the safe and well used hands of Tom Caston off the bowling of younger brother Oli for 35.

When Spooner caught and bowled Scott shortly after to reduce Thursley to 56-2 things started to look even brighter for the visitors as they began to excerpt some real pressure.

The home side managed to weather the storm though as they plugged away well reaching 123-4, Caston and Spooner taking a wicket apiece.

The top 5 all making double figured contributions to help set a good platform to push on and post a score in excess of 200 which would certainly have been a competitive total on a lively track (which turned out to be the wrong one!).

However Spooner, the scourge of many teams in this league, found a great rhythm and began to enjoy the inherent conditions even more so than his bronzed colleague using clever variation and the indifferent wicket to great effect.

The young swing bowler skittled out no less than four Thursley batsmen for a grand total of 3 runs in a deadly 3 over spell which ripped the heart out of the home sides challenge and reduce them to 128-8 at a key stage in proceedings.

Despite a late resistance from Williams (20), Spooner (7-79) with help from Caston (21-5-63-2)and Vasey (1-15) finished off the tail as the hosts reached 162 all out from 47 overs.

A fine tea was taken in brilliant sunshine as the Owls set about their task in the usual confident and happy go lucky manner.

James 'Graham Napier' Wright once again partnered all rounder Spooner and the former looked in good touch first up playing some expansive drives as he looked to set things off in his usual positive fashion.

Tilson was finding some genuine away movement for the home side and in similar style to his opposite number Wells, Wright tried one shot too many early on as he holed out tamely for 14 when appearing well set.

Tilson soon had another victim in the form of last weeks hero Chris 'The Arm' Board who despite his many years of experience edged one which nibbled away as the visitors seemed in a spot of bother at 40 odd for 2.

Tom Caston came to the crease and looked assured from ball one, helping to dampen any Thursley enthusiasm with a series of stout defensive shots and fine boundaries before a leading edge saw him back in the pavilion for a well made and crucial 19.

Chris 'The Rock' Windeatt, usually a steadying influence in these type of situations, was clean bowled by a nice inswinger and at around 100-4 there was still work to be done for Wrecclesham to ensure victory.

Henry 'Granny Basher' Bate entered the fray and justified his lofty position with a knock of maturity and class as he, much like Caston before him, helped to ride the storm and steer the game back on track before falling victim to his own ambition, needlessly lofting a straight drive to a grateful long on.

The extremely good news for Wrecclesham was that the irrepressible Chris Spooner had been at the other end the entire time calmly watching events unfold and had also accumulated yet another fine half century, looking in ominous form.

Spooner showed tremendous patience and determination on a pitch which offered something for the bowlers and was difficult to score on.

The young all rounder, who incredibly surpassed 1000 runs last term, has been in the form of his life this season and once again was the linchpin in a successful run chase.

Oli Caston came in sensing blood and sure enough after he extracted 14 from 2 overs it was fittingly left to Spooner (73*) to finish the job, pulling a short delivery over midwicket for a one bounce four.

This victory puts the mighty Wreccers in a fine position at this stage of the season knowing that if they replicate their recent performances over the coming weeks promotion as Champions is a real possibility.

Next up for the Owls is a top of the table clash against Blackheath at the Recreation ground.

Afterword by Joe Boniface

Well done boys, another excellent win against a decent team which would fair much better in this division if they put that side out every week.

A good fielding display, Henry no byes again sir and barring the dropped catches which are quite unusual for us and something we must overcome if we are looking to progress to a higher level, our application in the field was great.

Oli, a nice little cameo at the end with the bat and well bowled, another great spell and as you well know it often takes two bowlers bowling accurately in tandem to be effective as a team and so you helped Spoons as much as he helps you some weeks, keep it up.

Tom and Henry, well batted gents crucial contributions at a time when the game was in the balance, it certainly is comforting to know that we bat a very long way down and the only thing we can really do to improve is to go and make the big scores when we get set.

Spoons, what can I say that hasn't been said before mate? You are a real class act and deserve your place in the Wreccers legend section as you are the stand out performer with bat and ball time and time again, a joy to play with you (unless you are throwing a strop!) and more of the same will hopefully see you playing in a division more befitting of your undoubted ability.

Bring on next week

Up the Owls!