The 2nd XI narrowly failed to pull off a memorable win over Chesham, but could feel satisfied with the 15 bonus points gained. Chasing Wooburn\s 202-5, Chesham reached 91-1, with 27 overs remaining and looked clear favourites, but a great fightback, led by Graham Dare (5-52) had them on the brink of defeat at the end.
Wooburn won a good toss, and elected to bat on a warm afternoon. Angus Porter (58) once again led the way, supported by Alan Cuthbert (37) in an opening stand of 83. A middle-order collapse then threatened to undo all the good work, with Haines (3-69) leading the way for Chesham. At 116-5 after 36 overs, Wooburn were now in some trouble.
Enter captain Stuart Savage and a resurgent Dave Small. After his exploits last week, Smally seems to be evolving into a useful middle-order batsman, and again he played with uncharacteristic concentration and good sense. Long may it continue! At the other end, Sav did what he does best, hitting straight and very hard. This pair added 86 in just 14 overs allowing Wooburn to declare, once the 200 had been reached, after 50 overs.
Chesham\s reply started ominously well as Wooburn started off with the old ball. This ploy was abandoned fairly early, as Shipley and Taylor once again proved a thorn in Wooburn\s side. Ken Goodhead came into the attack and, after a slightly wayward start, he made the breakthrough dismissing Shipley.
Graham Dare then began to work his way through the Chesham order in his best spell for the club. He picked up the crucial wicket of Taylor, well caught at mid off by Porter, and Ben Sturgess removed Pothecary. To their credit, Chesham continued to chase the victory, with Adams, Jones and Haines putting bat to ball.
Even when Ladyman was ninth out, Haines continued to go for the runs, and the last over from Rob Rogers saw two hits fall just wide of the fieldsmen. The game ended with Chesham on 177-9. Wooburn can be well-pleased with their performance in this game, more of the same is required over the rest of the season.
