With the Midweek XI being the team to beat in Division 2 their fine run had to come to an end eventually - Painswick who had inflicted the team's only previous defeat of the season came with a very strong team of Gloucester Division regulars and there was a big gulf in "talent".
This gulf was inevident for much of this game as the Midweek XI battled until the end before dropping to a 4 wicket defeat.
Winning the toss, skipper Dan Anderson chose to bat and up against the opening bowler from Frocester, Westbury openers Ross Martin and Neil Wyman looked comfortable and got off to a superb start reached 37 off the first 4 overs before Martin was bowled for 13 and Wyman caught behind for 27. Wickets then began falling at regular intervals, Greg Artus hitting 20 with some big 6s through the leg side. Number 10 Tom Burrows also chipped in with some big hitting in the final over to finish unbeaten on 19 alongside Chris Wayman who ran intelligently to finish on 11 before the innings ended on 137 for 8 from the 20 overs.
With pressure on the Painswick openers from ball 1, several streaky edges and attacking shots meant they got off to a similarly fast start to take the pressure off in an attempt to kill the game. When one of the openers was removed thanks to a run out by Ian Martin wickets began falling and the run rate was rapidly increasing. A superb spell of off-spin bowling by Dan Hockaday deserved much more than just 2 wickets and he was backed up by Greg Artus who bowled with good pace and movement off the pitch. Despite this spell of Westbury pressure some late hitting and a dropped catch meant the visitors reached their target after 18 overs.
The result means the Midweek XI drop to 2nd in the table purely on Net Run Rate with a game in hand on the league leaders - still in with a very strong chance of Promotion at the first attempt back to Division 1.
Next week the Midweek XI travel to Witcombe.
Pete Wilson again produced a superb album of photographs from this fixture, many of which can be seen here :
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.352948894775859.78977.100001822552666&type=1
(Copyright: Pete Wilson Photography)
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Westbury-on-Severn 2XI v Cheltenham Saracens 2XI. 23/6/12
Another superb win for the 2XI under Ian Nice, with several regulars missing out a new look team trounced Saracens in a rather one sided encounter at the Parish Hall.
With heavy rain forecasted Saracens made the mistake to bat first and like the previous game v Frampton the 2XI bowled out the visitors for 84 inside 40 overs. Outstanding figures for Joe McGregor (9-5-9-4) backed up by Rich Poole (2-17) and Ian Nice (2-21) as well as 2 runs out from Aidan Barr and a cheeky run out by Scott Thomas.
Chasing another low total it was essential that the 2XI got off to a good start to calm any nerves, despite the early loss of Scott Thomas, it was Barr who anchored the innings with a confident 27 before being dismissed with the runs required in single figures. He was ably assisted by Rob Hale (24) before McGregor and Poole saw the team home inside 18 overs.
This big win kept the 2XI in 3rd place, right on the tails of the top 2. They travel to Aston Ingham next Saturday, as usual with a 1:30 start.
With heavy rain forecasted Saracens made the mistake to bat first and like the previous game v Frampton the 2XI bowled out the visitors for 84 inside 40 overs. Outstanding figures for Joe McGregor (9-5-9-4) backed up by Rich Poole (2-17) and Ian Nice (2-21) as well as 2 runs out from Aidan Barr and a cheeky run out by Scott Thomas.
Chasing another low total it was essential that the 2XI got off to a good start to calm any nerves, despite the early loss of Scott Thomas, it was Barr who anchored the innings with a confident 27 before being dismissed with the runs required in single figures. He was ably assisted by Rob Hale (24) before McGregor and Poole saw the team home inside 18 overs.
This big win kept the 2XI in 3rd place, right on the tails of the top 2. They travel to Aston Ingham next Saturday, as usual with a 1:30 start.
Westbury-on-Severn Midweek XI v Birdlip and Brimpsfield
Last Wednesday evening the Midweek XI travelled to Birdlip and secured an impressive win to cement their position on top of the Division 2 table.
After losing the toss and bowling first the home team were restricted to just 118 from their 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. Wickets for skipper Dan Anderson (4-0-40-2), Dan Hockaday (4-0-13-2), Greg Artus (3-0-10-2) who was denied a first career hat trick due to a drop in the field. Wickets apiece for Rich Edginton and John Hargreaves completed the bowling. A lot of tight fielding and bowling especially from Hockaday and Artus kept the score low and the league leaders confident of chasing it down.
In a well paced and steady reply the Midweek XI reached their target after 18 overs thanks mainly to Gary Morgan (31), Rich Edginton (28) and finally Tony Campbell who delivered some clever running and appreciation of the gaps in the field to score 28 to see the team home alongside skipper Anderson who finished on 14 not out.
After losing the toss and bowling first the home team were restricted to just 118 from their 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. Wickets for skipper Dan Anderson (4-0-40-2), Dan Hockaday (4-0-13-2), Greg Artus (3-0-10-2) who was denied a first career hat trick due to a drop in the field. Wickets apiece for Rich Edginton and John Hargreaves completed the bowling. A lot of tight fielding and bowling especially from Hockaday and Artus kept the score low and the league leaders confident of chasing it down.
In a well paced and steady reply the Midweek XI reached their target after 18 overs thanks mainly to Gary Morgan (31), Rich Edginton (28) and finally Tony Campbell who delivered some clever running and appreciation of the gaps in the field to score 28 to see the team home alongside skipper Anderson who finished on 14 not out.
Westbury-on-Severn 1XI v Dymock 23/6/12
On Saturday, the Firsts travelled to Dymock for only their 3rd fixture of a weather-affected season. Fielding first the hosts were restricted to 175 off their alloted 45 overs for the loss of 6 wickets with opening bowler Jon Hargreaves (9-4-18-1) and Ed Edginton (9-1-20-2) the pick of the bowling. In tricky and damp conditions that would be a tough chase.
The chase was perfect in the end, captain and opening bat Ian Dunn carried his bat for 72 runs and he was ably assisted by 43 from Chris Wayman and finally Dan Anderson 29* as the target of 175 runs was reached with just under 7 overs remaining. A great win which moves the 1XI up into 4th position within touching distance of the top teams - a position they will be looking to improve on as they welcome Ruardean Hill to the Parish Hall on Saturday afternoon with a 1:30 start.
The chase was perfect in the end, captain and opening bat Ian Dunn carried his bat for 72 runs and he was ably assisted by 43 from Chris Wayman and finally Dan Anderson 29* as the target of 175 runs was reached with just under 7 overs remaining. A great win which moves the 1XI up into 4th position within touching distance of the top teams - a position they will be looking to improve on as they welcome Ruardean Hill to the Parish Hall on Saturday afternoon with a 1:30 start.
Monday, 18 June 2012
Westbury-on-Severn Midweek XI v Gloucester City Winget Midweek
The Midweek XI enhanced their promotion credentials with a convincing and impressive victory over league leaders and WEPL Premier One club Gloucester City Winget.
After skipper Dan Anderson won the toss and elected to field, his decision was backed up with Tom Burrows removing the City opener producing a sharp catch from stand-in keeper Rich Poole and then Ross Martin took over bowling with pace and swing to produce 2 quick wickets to reduce City to 30-3 in the first 8 overs. City then pushed on and the other opener found the boundary with regularity before being caught by a superb (it was!) catch from Burrows at square leg off the bowling of Anderson. The visitors reached 127 from their 20 overs.
Chasing, it was Neil Wyman (27) and Chris Wayman (22) who got the Midweek XI off to a good steady start. When Ross Martin was dismissed after hitting a flat six into the village hall window, Dan Hockaday and Rich Edginton closed out the innings with 4 overs remaining, improving the crucial run rate, results elsewhere meant that the Midweek XI moved to the top of Division 2 ahead of Gloucester City and Painswick.
This Wednesday the Midweek XI travel to Birdlip and Brimpsfield.
After skipper Dan Anderson won the toss and elected to field, his decision was backed up with Tom Burrows removing the City opener producing a sharp catch from stand-in keeper Rich Poole and then Ross Martin took over bowling with pace and swing to produce 2 quick wickets to reduce City to 30-3 in the first 8 overs. City then pushed on and the other opener found the boundary with regularity before being caught by a superb (it was!) catch from Burrows at square leg off the bowling of Anderson. The visitors reached 127 from their 20 overs.
Chasing, it was Neil Wyman (27) and Chris Wayman (22) who got the Midweek XI off to a good steady start. When Ross Martin was dismissed after hitting a flat six into the village hall window, Dan Hockaday and Rich Edginton closed out the innings with 4 overs remaining, improving the crucial run rate, results elsewhere meant that the Midweek XI moved to the top of Division 2 ahead of Gloucester City and Painswick.
This Wednesday the Midweek XI travel to Birdlip and Brimpsfield.
Westbury-on-Severn 1XI v Chalford
With the 2XI thumping Frampton, the 1XI had a challenging trip to Chalford for only their second completed fixture of the season after several washouts.
After being inserted to bat on a usual minefield of a pitch, skipper Ian Dunn was the main run scorer with 82 as the exciting batting line-up struggled around him. With contributions from Dan Hockaday (21) and Jon Hargreaves (17) meant the 1XI reached 195-9 from their 45 overs - a score that the 1XI would have felt confident defending.
Victory was secured by 50 runs, 3 wickets from Hargreaves early on put the batsmen under pressure and allowed Dan Hockaday (1-27), Rich Edginton (3-22) and superb figures from Ed Edginton (2-8 off 9 overs) meant Chalford fell short and Westbury secured their first win at Chalford in a few seasons - a result to kick-start the season!
This Saturday's home game against Gloucester Crescent Pakistanis was rained off.
After being inserted to bat on a usual minefield of a pitch, skipper Ian Dunn was the main run scorer with 82 as the exciting batting line-up struggled around him. With contributions from Dan Hockaday (21) and Jon Hargreaves (17) meant the 1XI reached 195-9 from their 45 overs - a score that the 1XI would have felt confident defending.
Victory was secured by 50 runs, 3 wickets from Hargreaves early on put the batsmen under pressure and allowed Dan Hockaday (1-27), Rich Edginton (3-22) and superb figures from Ed Edginton (2-8 off 9 overs) meant Chalford fell short and Westbury secured their first win at Chalford in a few seasons - a result to kick-start the season!
This Saturday's home game against Gloucester Crescent Pakistanis was rained off.
Westbury-on-Severn 2XI v Frampton-on-Severn 2XI.
On Saturday June 9, the 2XI welcomed Frampton to the Parish Hall on a sticky pitch in overcast conditions. Groudsmen Rich Eeles and Mike Edginton produced a great wicket after a period of rainfall and Frampton were asked to bat after home skipper Ian Nice won the toss.
After Frampton's captain and main run scorer was bowled by opener Tom Burrows (5-0-38-1) with the second ball of the afternoon, the hard work and industrious bowling of Jeremy Fern came into fruition and he bowled with pace and swing to sweep through Frampton's batting line-up and he ended up with his maiden 5 wicket haul for Westbury, conceding just 20 runs in his 9 overs. Tony Campbell came on for Burrows and he carried on the good work, he was rewarded with 4 wickets - 2 catches for Burrows along with some poor batting saw the wicket-keeper come bowler put in his best figures in his so far short Westbury career.
Chasing 89 for victory, opener Neil Wyman batted sensibly and responsibly to nearly carry his bat before being dismissed (by a 13 year old) with just 1 run remaining. Wyman finished on 59 and Westbury chased down the total within 22 overs for the loss of 4 wickets with Joe McGregor hitting the winning runs to seal a rather convincing win for the 2XI.
The victory owing much to the great bowling of Fern and Campbell and Wyman's top quality batting to anchor the chase.
This Saturday's fixture away at Woodmancote 2XI fell foul of the weather.
Next weekend the 2XI host Cheltenham Saracens at the Parish Hall with a 1:30 start.
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Westbury 2XI v Tewkesbury 3XI
After the 1XI game versus Cheltenham St Stephens fell victim to the wet weather, the 2XI travelled to Twyning CC to take on Tewkesbury 3rds, a ground that seemed to have missed any rain in the county.
After captain Ian Nice lost the toss and was asked to bat, the home side's decision was vindicated as the 2XI were reduced to 40-4 within the first 10 overs. Mark Tippins being bowled 2 balls in a row, the first - being a no-ball. Joe McGregor reached 15 with a few boundaries before unfortunately playing on and Rob Hale was ran out for 4 as well as Rich Poole who scored 12 before being trapped Leg Before. Scott Thomas was then joined by Dan Hockaday and they set about rescuing the innings and put on over 100 in just over 12 overs to both increase the run rate and seize the momentum in favour of the visitors with a mix of big hitting and smart running. When Hockaday was caught at midwicket for an impressive 71 with the score on 152-5, Tom Burrows came in and along side Thomas they put on another 63 runs before Thomas was caught behind for 57. Burrows reached his 50 shortly afterwards and alongside skipper Ian Nice put on 50 runs before Burrows was caught in the deep for 66 (6x4s 4x6s) and the tail was wrapped up shortly afterwards and the 2XI finished 270 all out from 40 overs.
When Tewkesbury were quickly reduced to 12-3 thanks to a double from Jeremy Fern and 1 wicket for Burrows (2-1-2-1) the run rate was kept at almost 0 as Fern (9-4-16-2) and Rich Poole (6-5-4-0) meant the home team were only on 44 off 30 overs as the spin of Joe McGregor (9-4-12-1) and last weekend's chief destroyer Ian Broady (9-3-22-1) came on and kept run scoring to a minimum. Once the 4th wicket went down with the score on 55 thanks to a good catch in the deep by Rich Poole off the bowling of McGregor the scoring increased slightly with some late order hitting but Ian Nice (5-1-35-1) and Rob Hale (5-1-16-3) came on to mop up the tail and Tewkesbury finished on 110-9 off 45 overs.
A superb team performance, full commitment in the field and good batting from the middle order to recover from a wretched start and moved the 2XI upto 3rd in the Division 9 table with a very strong points total. Next Saturday they welcome Frampton-on-Severn 2XI to the Parish Hall with a 1:30 start whereas the 1XI travel to Chalford. And if you cannot wait until then; the midweek XI take on Bharat on Wednesday evening at King George V Playing Fields....yeah, me neither.
Tom
After captain Ian Nice lost the toss and was asked to bat, the home side's decision was vindicated as the 2XI were reduced to 40-4 within the first 10 overs. Mark Tippins being bowled 2 balls in a row, the first - being a no-ball. Joe McGregor reached 15 with a few boundaries before unfortunately playing on and Rob Hale was ran out for 4 as well as Rich Poole who scored 12 before being trapped Leg Before. Scott Thomas was then joined by Dan Hockaday and they set about rescuing the innings and put on over 100 in just over 12 overs to both increase the run rate and seize the momentum in favour of the visitors with a mix of big hitting and smart running. When Hockaday was caught at midwicket for an impressive 71 with the score on 152-5, Tom Burrows came in and along side Thomas they put on another 63 runs before Thomas was caught behind for 57. Burrows reached his 50 shortly afterwards and alongside skipper Ian Nice put on 50 runs before Burrows was caught in the deep for 66 (6x4s 4x6s) and the tail was wrapped up shortly afterwards and the 2XI finished 270 all out from 40 overs.
When Tewkesbury were quickly reduced to 12-3 thanks to a double from Jeremy Fern and 1 wicket for Burrows (2-1-2-1) the run rate was kept at almost 0 as Fern (9-4-16-2) and Rich Poole (6-5-4-0) meant the home team were only on 44 off 30 overs as the spin of Joe McGregor (9-4-12-1) and last weekend's chief destroyer Ian Broady (9-3-22-1) came on and kept run scoring to a minimum. Once the 4th wicket went down with the score on 55 thanks to a good catch in the deep by Rich Poole off the bowling of McGregor the scoring increased slightly with some late order hitting but Ian Nice (5-1-35-1) and Rob Hale (5-1-16-3) came on to mop up the tail and Tewkesbury finished on 110-9 off 45 overs.
A superb team performance, full commitment in the field and good batting from the middle order to recover from a wretched start and moved the 2XI upto 3rd in the Division 9 table with a very strong points total. Next Saturday they welcome Frampton-on-Severn 2XI to the Parish Hall with a 1:30 start whereas the 1XI travel to Chalford. And if you cannot wait until then; the midweek XI take on Bharat on Wednesday evening at King George V Playing Fields....yeah, me neither.
Tom
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