On a cloudy but mostly dry afternoon (June 13), Wilcot travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett. On arrival, the opposition were extremely friendly – unlike the last time we met. Apparently the main protagonist on that occasion has since had the draconian punishment of being banned from the club and the league.
After heavy overnight rain, there was sawdust on areas of the square and the outfield was still wet and as a result the start was delayed until 1.30pm. Given the overcast conditions and wet outfield Wilcot’s skipper chose to field having called correctly, proving once again he is probably more of a tosser than a cricketer these days.
The pitch had been covered and looked likely to play well and this proved the case with Wootton Bassett’s batsmen playing attacking shots from the outset, but thanks to tidy bowling from Ash Elliott (12-2-41-3), Billy Flippance and Wilcot’s vicar, a score of 101 for 4 after 21 overs seemed a reasonable effort.
Unfortunately at this juncture, Wilcot’s fielding frailties kicked in and the free scoring A Ali was dropped three times when on low scores before going on to make 107 not out. Mark Windsor took one further wicket to end up with the respectable figures of 12-0-66-2 but amidst the stroke making and sometimes creative, but often ineffective fielding, Wootton Bassett were able to reach 257 for 5 off their 45 overs.
After a good tea with a good variety of rolls, including the (personally) overrated cold pizza slices, Shane Bryant and Wilson Saraj were chosen to lead the assault. Wilson’s version of attempted assault was to wave his bat at the unfortunate Luke Flippance who unfortunately gave him out LBW when he was adamant he had hit the ball. 18 for 1. Enter Steve Sadler, fresh from touring East Anglia with the temperance society touring side that also included the teetotaller Ninian MacGregor.
Clearly the touring had taken its toll as he promptly got a leading edge and was caught. 27 for 2. Readers at this point are looking for a predictable conclusion, but Mark Oliver strode confidently to the wicket and soon he and Shane were scoring elegantly and freely taking the score to 151 off 33 overs before Mark fell for a well constructed and speedy 63.
From this point on and in spite of useful cameos from Tim Mister, Ash Elliott and Mark Windsor we were always struggling to meet the required run rate. Shane Bryant did his best with some lusty blows and ended undefeated with an excellent 103 but our total of 222 was 35 runs short.
A loss but a much improved performance and the mood afterwards was much more positive. Lets hope we can build on this improved batting performance when we welcome the league leaders Beehive to Wilcot next weekend.
I would also finally like to thank Wilson’s friend Ashref who was expecting to watch, but after the late defection of Graham Newland was drafted in to play. The bemused expression on his face at the antics of Wilcot and Wiltshire League Cricket was a source of great amusement.
Wootton Bassett 257 for 5 off 45 Overs
A Elliott 12-2-41-3
B Flippance 10-0-63-0
M Windsor 12-0-66-2
L Flippance 6-0-39-0
S Bryant 5-0-39-0
Extras 5 byes, 4 leg byes, 2 wides and 2 no balls.
Wilcot 222 for 5 off 45 overs:
S Bryant 103 not out
W Saraj LBW 2
S Sadler Caught 0
M Oliver Caught 63
T Mister Bowled 8
A Elliott Bowled 17
M Windsor Not Out 13
MFG DNB
A Mall DNB
L Flippance DNB
B Flippance DNB
Extras 2 leg byes, 12 wides and 2 no balls