BARKER SEES LATE ORDER TO SAFETY
An heroic rearguard action, led by Richard Barker, secured an important draw for Wooburn Narkovians 2nd XI against league leaders Aldershot on Saturday. Struggling at 40-4 with 43 overs left, and only Paul Cuthbert of the recognised batsmen, Wooburn\s lower order batted magnificently against everything Aldershot could throw at them. Survival depended ultimately on last pair Viv Czakan and Ben Rees, and they managed to keep out the last seven overs, securing an extra batting point in the process.
The day had started with Aldershot being put into bat on a dry, flat wicket. Wooburn, without both regular opening bowlers, were further depleted when their injury jinx struck again, Dave White limping out of the attack in the third over. Paul Cuthbert replaced him, bowling the early overs with the experienced John Saunders. Both bowled well and the Aldershot openers rode their luck early on, particularly Dates (33) who was eventually bowled by Saunders.
Wooburn\s limited bowling resources were now to be severely tested, but they stood up well in the circumstances. After Saunders initial burst Ben Rees took over and, along with Barker, did a fine job of restricting the scoring rate. They also managed to take wickets at regular intervals, and Wooburn were well placed until Bailey (32 not out) and Spare (20 not out) put bat to ball at the end. Earlier Shead had managed to make the most of his limitations to score 74. Aldershot sportingly declared early, giving Wooburn the opportunity to witness Gascoigne\s goal against Scotland, as well as giving themselves extra overs to force victory.
Wooburn\s reply started well and they reached 20 with no alarms before disaster struck, and they lost both openers without addition to the score. After Paul Reid made 11 and Alan Cuthbert fell second ball, Wooburn were in trouble at 40-4. Paul Cuthbert and Saunders then started the fightback. Cuthbert, sound in defence, played some classical strokes, while Saunders curbed his natural attacking game to provide valuable support. When Saunders (18) miscued to cover, Barker joined Cuthbert and showed true Yorkshire qualities of grit and determination to score a fighting fifty.
Cuthbert unfortunately holed out ot mid-off and he was replaced by Dave White, who continued the good work. When White was bowled, Chris Paul continued Wooburn\s resistance. Barker was finally trapped in front by Dates, and when Paul was bowled, seven overs remained. Viv Czakan was joined by Rees, and Wooburn\s last pair held out for a memorable draw, ending Aldershot\s 100% record.
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