Wiltshire CCC 1st XI miss out on qualification for NCCA T20 Finals Day
Wiltshire's scheduled matches against Devon at Exmouth on Sunday 1st May were both washed out, meaning points shared. It was then back to South Wilts CC for a double header against Cornwall on Monday 2nd May
Game 1 - Wiltshire CCC v Cornwall CCC, 11:00am
Overnight rain delayed the start, but only by 15 minutes. Cornwall won the toss and elected to field. Every Wiltshire batsman made it into double figures with Ed Young top scoring yet again with 42 runs. Ben Draper maintained his good form with 29 before being caught. Opener Jake Goodwin made 26 before being unfortunately run out after appearing to slip when turning. Mike Reynolds added an unbeaten 26 to push the score on to a challenging 163 for 5.
Cornwall’s reply got off to a blistering start with opener Christian Purchase hitting a belligerent 50 from just 26 balls. Matthew Robins added 42 with Daniel Lello 37 not out as Cornwall reached their target with 7 balls to spare – 166 for 6. There were two catches for Ed Young a stumping for Ben Draper and a run out for Neil Clark with a piece of typical sharp fielding. The wickets were shared with Josh Croom, Cameron Harding, Jack Mynott, Joe King and Mike Reynolds taking one apiece.
Cornwall beat Wiltshire by 4 wickets
Game 2 - Wiltshire CCC v Cornwall CCC, 3:00pm
The second game began at 3:00pm, but with no further disruption from rain. However, it remained overcast and the promised sunshine failed to make a breakthrough. Wiltshire won the toss this time and elected to bat first. The promising performance from the morning failed to materialise in the afternoon and wickets fell regularly with Wiltshire unable to break the 3 figure barrier closing on 93 all out from just 15.2 overs. Ben Ellis and Tom Dinnis each took three wickets with former Warwickshire professional Ateeq Javid taking 2. Craig Johnson was the other wicket taker with a run out completing the tally. Neil Clark top scored with 27 despite suffering a nasty blow early in his innings. Mike Reynolds added 19, but the total score looked difficult to defend.
Cornwall found the going equally tough with Tommy Sturgess top scoring with 30 until bowled by Ben Higton. Neil Clark claimed another fine run out (if the opposition did their homework they might never risk a second run if Neil Clark is the fielder!) However, the bowling star of the day was undoubtedly Cameron Harding, the Wadworth Man of the Match who ended with figures of 4-2-18-5. To claim a 5fer in just 4 overs is a marvellous achievement. Four victims were caught and the fifth came from a bizarre stumping! The ball ricocheted off Ben Drapers pads, hit the wicket, and removed a bail – Ben’s appeal was almost an afterthought. However, the batsman had his foot raised and was duly given out by the watchful umpire. Cornwall limped past their target with 16 balls to spare as they made 94 for 7.
A disappointing day, but still offering plenty of positives to take forward into the next round of 50 over matches.
