Match Scorecard

Match Report

Match Report

Wooburn followed their opening day victory with a memorable win over Royal Ascot in a rain reduced game. A determined century from Alan Cuthbert, well supported by Stuart Savage (40) and Andy Johnson (33*) allowed Wooburn to post 214-6 from their 48 overs, a total that was well beyond the home side, who were dismissed for just 73. 



The start was delayed by steady drizzle, and the match did not begin until 2.25pm, with the game shortened by 8 overs. A mid-morning downpour had soaked one half of the wicket, while the other half remained dry, and Royal Ascot had no hesitation whatsoever in asking Wooburn to bat first. It looked a wise decision when three early wickets left the Narks struggling on 23-3.



Stuart Savage then joined Alan Cuthbert and the Wooburn pair proceeded to graft their way out of trouble. A steady supply of long hops helped to keep the score moving nicely, and the partnership had reached 113 before Savage was adjudged lbw for 40. But there was no respite for the bowlers, as Andy Jonhson continued the good work in a stand of 69 for the fifth wicket. Cuthbert reached his hundred, eventually falling, almost literally, for 113. Johnson\s mature innings finished unbeaten on 33. A final total of 214 was an excellent effort in such difficult conditions.



An over-rate of barely 16 per hour meant the Royal Ascot innings did not start until 5.55pm in murky light, the lights from the new grandstand shining brightly in the distance. Ascot\s openers began confidently, but Graham Dare was quickly into his stride and a phase of almost \proper\ cricket followed when Davies was well caught by Angus Porter standing up, and then Foreman edged his first ball to Peter Harper at slip.



Theobald decided attack was the best form of defence, and hit one big six before shovelling the ball high to Derek Milsom at mid off, who took a tricky catch in the swirling wind. Baker pushed a return catch back to Rob Rogers, and then the home captain edged his second ball into Harper\s safe hands.



Meanwhile, Harding, who had been watching proceedings from the other end, was looking solid. While he remained Ascot had a chance of holding out for the draw. But now Robster employed all his variations, bamboozling the batsman into an error of judgement. He was lucky to escape a close lbw shout when leaving Rob\s leg spinner, but next ball he left the off-spinner and saw the ball cannon in to the top of his off stump.



Now the end was in sight, and Sav turned to the youthful Andy Johnson. The youngster cleaned up the tail with a spell of penetrative seam bowling. A good yorker defeated Saeed, and then the irrepressible Arran Shearer took a sharp catch at backward short leg to wrap it up for the Narks.