In a match that was not without its moments of controversy, Wooburn played well above themselves, coming close to defeating league leaders Kidmore End 2nd XI. The home side found themselves 107-7, chasing 186 for victory and surprisingly decided to play for the draw with over 20 overs still remaining. The held out fairly comfortably in the end, on a pitch that had eased as the match went on.
Batting first, Wooburn got off to their best start of the season when Rob Smith and Alan Cuthbert added 75 for the first wicket. Batting was not easy at the start, the damp pitch giving the bowlers plenty of assistance, but the openers stuck to their task well. Smith was eventually bowled by the left-arm spin of New, when then removed Ben Roberts a couple of balls later. Cuthbert went on to his fifty, but was then disappointed to hit a full toss straight to mid wicket when on 63. Two further wickets left Wooburn in some trouble at 110-5.
The innings was rescued by Richie Barker and Nick Tappin. These two added 42 in quick time, with Tappin looking particularly good in making an important 29. After this pair had been dismissed, Nigel Purchase and Dave Appleby kept the momentum going right to the end, taking the score up to an impressive 185-8. An extremely creditable effort against the eventual league champions. Johnson returned the best figures for the home side, taking 3-32.
In reply, Kidmore End were soon in trouble, Tim Waxman removing both openers with just 6 on the board. Bacon then came in at number 4 with a runner, captain David Eley. He hit one boundary, but then hit the ball to Rob Smith at mid on. Amix-up in the running left runner Eley well short of his ground when Smith\‘s throw hit the stumps, but the umpire found himself between the runner and the stumps, and in no position to give a decision. Wooburn appealed unsuccessfully to Eley\‘s better nature, but were saved when the other umpire confirmed he was out. A brave decision given that Eley was his captain!
Getting back to the cricket, the experienced Pigden and Cross now put together a stand of 59 for the fourth wicket to put Kidmore End back in the match. It was beginning to look ominous for Wooburn, but then Richie Barker bowled Cross at the start of a fine spell. He followed this with three more wickets, reducing Kidmore to 107-7. Crucially, Pigden was still there, and he was now joined by Berry, formerly a dour opener. Berry decided to bat for the draw, despite the vast difference in points between the two sides. With the pitch easing, there were few alarms in the final overs. Pigden finished unbeaten on 72, while Barker was the pick of the bowlers with 4-57 from 18 overs.
