Match Scorecard

Match Report

2nds made to graft for victory

The 2nd XI increased their lead at the top of TVL Division 6B after a five wicket win over Chenies & Latimer. It looks routine on paper, but the Narks were made to work hard for their runs on a slow wicket. After the fireworks at Kew last week, this time hard graft was the order of the day, but the same result was achieved.



Skipper Jeff Morris won the toss again, and inserted a youthful Chenies on a warm sunny afternoon. The visitors started poorly on a slow wicket, losing three wickets in an excellent opening spell by Ben Sturgess (3-13). Opener Ellett and veteran Heffernan joined forces to compile their best partnership of the day, 31, before Ellett (21) was bowled by Graham Dare after giving himself too much room.



Dare also took the wickets of Heffernan (21) and May. A couple of unfortunate run outs followed, before Wooburn debutant, U14 colt Wahleed Hussein, had Wild caught at mid on by Derek Milsom. Finally, after wheeling away for 23 overs at the Church End, Jeff Morris got his reward, when he bowled last man Dalwardi. Chenies finished all out for 97 in the 47th over.



Wooburn\s innings got off to the worst possible start when a mix up saw prolific opener Angus Porter run out for nought. Alan Cuthbert joined Michael Watson, and it was important that no further wickets were lost. These two saw off the early overs from Wild and Heffernan, the odd boundary keeping the scoring moving.



Heffernan\s wily slow medium pace proved particularly effective in the difficult run scoring conditions. He bowled eighteen economical overs, constantly varying the angle and length of delivery. He was supported well by Wild and Ace, but the Wooburn batsmen managed to keep the score ticking along.



At 46, Watson (28) went for one aerial drive too many, and sliced the ball to cover where Daniels took a good catch running back. Stuart Savage joined Cuthbert, and found it just as hard to score runs. He did unleash a trademark smash straight past the bowler, but scoring remained difficult.



Cuthbert\s grafting effort ended on 35 when he played all around a full length Heffernan delivery, but by now the Narks had reached 79, and victory was in sight. A little wobble followed, and it was left to youngsters Chris Hall and Wahleed Hussien to see the Narks home.



The win leaves the 2nds 28 points clear of second place Chiswick & Latymer, but still only 33 ahead of third place Teddington Town.