Match Scorecard

Match Report

Match Report

An enjoyable day\s cricket at Bedales School ended in an honourable draw after a last over in which both sides came close to victory. Stoner eventually finished 7 runs short with one wicket in hand, thanks largely to a fine innings of 54 from debutant Clarke.



The day began with the traditional ploughmans and Potts bitter, after which Phil Day won a very important toss. The Wooburn innings began brightly but then hit trouble after a flurry of wickets reduced them to 61-5. Day then dropped anchor, almost literally, while Jeff Morris took charge. The pair added 60 in quick time before Day was stumped going for \the big one\, after a painstaking innings of 6.



In-form Dave Small joined Morris in an entertaining partnership of 57, before Morris\ dismissal, run out for 96, brought the closure on 182-8.



Stoner\s reply started badly when Ben Sturgess claimed Jones lbw. At the other end \Gerald\ bowled well without luck, until an inswinging yorker accounted for Quantrill.



The unlikely hero of Wooburn\s bowling effort, Rob Smith, now entered the attack, going on to claim a well-deserved five wicket haul (5-45). He worked his way steadily through the Stoner middle order, until Seddon and Clarke came together. This pair took the initiative, particularly Clarke, and the run chase started in earnest.



Seddon eventually departed to the guile of Smith, soon followed by Brian Taylor, but Clarke continued to strike the ball well. Morris\ bowling was especially to his liking as he kept Stoner in the hunt. The final over began with both sides pushing for the win, but Morris showed all his experience (\old head on old shoulders\ as Andy T would say) to foil Stoner\s victory charge.



The day was rounded off by some classic Dave Small. Walking out of the Harrow Inn with his pint, Smally fatally misjudged the height of the door frame, and there was a resounding thump as the crown of his head made contact. Sympathy was hard to find. Roll on next year.