Wiltshire CCC knocked out at Unicorns Trophy semi-final stage

Wiltshire were keen to bounce back from their disappointment in the Championship against Wales last week.  They won the toss in this semi-final tussle with Berkshire and opted to bat first. They made a strong start with newcomer Jack Regan 37 (replacing the unavailable player coach, manager Tom Morton) hitting 4 fours and one magnificent six in his aggressive innings. Alongside Jake Goodwin 23 they put on 61 for the first wicket until they both fell to Euan Woods 4 for 40.  Skipper Ed Young led the way with a hard fought 48 until he too became a victim of Woods. The evergreen Chris Peploe took 3 for 29 removing Uzi Qureshi, Jake Lintott and Brad Dawson in the process.  Tahir Afridi hit a valiant 35 as he held the tail together for as long as possible until he became Tom Scriven’s second victim which saw Wiltshire all out for a disappointing 199.

It seemed unlikely that 200 would be a big enough target to daunt Berkshire and they progressed confidently to 109 for 2 with Archie carter 55 looking particularly strong. Jake Lintott drew the first blood when Jack Davies was well caught by Tahir Afridi with the score on just 23. Joe King bowled Dan Lincoln with the score on 62 and then Arthur Godsal claimed the first of his 3(*) victims when he trapped Richard Morris LBW.  He followed this up by bowling Archie Carter just when he was looking set.  His 3rd victim was Hampshire protégé ,Tom Scriven, just after he had hit a mighty 6 to take his score on to 52. He was caught by Jake Lintott attempting to repeat the feat. Prior to this Luke Evans fooled Berkshire skipper James Morris with a slower ball bouncer which enabled keeper Jack Regan to demonstrate his stumping prowess. Despite a glimmer of hope for Wiltshire as Berkshire wickets tumbled Berkshire eased their way to the total required with Euan Woods completing a highly satisfactory personal game as he scored 20 not out to go alongside his 4 wickets.  Berkshire 202 for 6 won by 4 wickets.

Good luck to Berkshire in the final which they will contest with Cumberland CCC who defeated Staffordshire CCC by means of a bowl out! Wiltshire will be hoping to return to winning ways next weekend they travel to Brockhampton CC to take on Herefordshire starting on Sunday August 18th.