Match Scorecard

Match Report

Match Report

A determined innings from Richie Barker enabled the 2nd XI to hold out for a draw against promotion contenders Royal Ascot 1st XI. At one stage it had looked more promising for Wooburn, when Royal Ascot had been reduced to 66-6, but Harding and Abrams recovered the situation, and then Wooburn\‘s batting failed against the accurate spin of Romer.



The Ascot innings started poorly against the bowling of Tim Waxman and Dave Small, who picked up a wicket each to leave the visitors 12-2. Green and Frost effected a small recovery, but then three more wickets fell for just to runs. At 45-5, Royal Ascot were in real trouble. Richie Barker came into the attack, and removed Partridge for 7.



After 40 overs of their innings, Royal Ascot stood at 80-6, but now Harding and Abrams went onto the attack. Abrams produced the innings of the day, hitting a rapid 41 not out in difficult conditions. This enabled Ascot to finally reach a challenging 152-8 off their full 52 overs. In another marathon spell, Waxman bowled throughout to finish with 4-56 from 26 overs.



Wooburn\‘s reply started slowly against the off-spin of Romer and medium pace of Coleman. Alan Cuthbert was the first to go in the 17th over, with just 19 on the board. Having made the initial breakthrough, Romer now began to work his way through the Wooburn batting in a masterly spell. Only Barker (27 not out) and, to a less extent, Derek Roberts, put up much resistance.



As the weather began to close in, Wooburn were forced into a battle for survival. The match ended in steady rain with the last pair at the wicket. Romer returned the superb figures of 6-27 from 24 overs.