Match Scorecard

Match Report

Big Stand at Long Marston

Openers James White and Dave Rogers had people reaching for the club record books following their unbeaten double-century stand during Wooburn’s draw at Long Marston on Sunday.



Available records suggest their 224-run partnership ranks only behind the 225 by club legends Dick Keeble and John Telfer back in 1970.



There was little to suggest what was to come in the early overs as the Wooburn pair began cautiously against some useful bowling from Long Marston openers Vessey and Inchley. But as soon as their spells had ended, the pressure was released and the change bowlers were unable to stem the flow of runs.



White was particularly severe on the wayward attack and he completed a well-deserved hundred with very few alarms, finally ending on 122 not out. Rogers was less fluent but took advantage of the wide-open spaces in the outfield to be unbeaten on 93 when the declaration came.



In reply, Long Marston started positively and put on 80 in good time before Goss played across the line to a straight delivery from Rob Rogers and was LBW. Then White encouraged Robinson, who top-scored for the home side with 45, to chase a wide ball and offer a straightforward chance to the keeper.



After Josh Baylis had picked up his first wicket for club and also contributed a run out, it was left to Wooburn’s trio of U15 colts – Phil Mellon, Ben Sturgess and Chris Hall – to try and force the win.



Mellon demonstrated the benefits of bowling at the stumps as he picked up three wickets, all bowled. Sturgess also claimed a couple of victims, one courtesy of a fine one-handed grab by Jeff Morris, which brought Long Marston’s last pair to the crease for the final four overs. But despite a couple of close shaves, Wooburn could not wrap things up and the home side finished on 189-9.