Wiltshire CCC start NCCA 50 over trophy with victory over Buckinghamshire
Clear skies and bright sunshine in the pleasant setting of Marlborough College saw Bucks win the toss and opt to bat first and set Wiltshire a target. The top four batsmen all made good starts and were scoring quickly until Arthur Godsal, 3 for 48, was introduced. Ewan Cox 26 was the first to depart caught by wicketkeeper Ben Draper. Opening partner Woodland 30 was next to go trapped LBW by skipper Ed Young. Casterton 27 was the next victim caught by Ed Young to give Godsal his second victim. The third came with the very next ball as Richardson scooped a ball back only to see Godsal dash forward to claim the catch leaving Bucks on 109 for 4. Experienced Alex Kervezee 45, steadied the ship until Jack Mynott, fielding on the boundary, played his part. Firstly an excellent throw from the deep saw Marrow run out and then he took an impressive catch to dismiss Kervezee which he followed up later to catching Hampton for 18 as he was putting on a run a ball partnership with Haddow 31 not out. Joe King and Josh Croom each took 2 wickets as Buckinghamshire closed on 240 all out with just 4 balls left.
Wiltshire began their reply positively with Jack Mynott 39 playing well after early wickets were lost. With two down Wadworth Man of the Match Ed Young 75, entered the fray. A superb captain’s innings saw Wiltshire maintain the necessary run rate. Young was dismissed with a catch by Kervezee from the bowling of his opposing skipper Hampton 2 for 59. Despite losing more wickets Wiltshire kept in touch with their target thanks to 26 not out from Chris Aubrey who assumed responsibility after Young was dismissed. With the score on 218 for 7 and needing to score at a run a ball, bowling hero Arthur Godsal stepped forward. Eight runs were required from the last 2 overs, but Arthur had plans of his own. The first ball was hit majestically for 4 just behind square and the next ball sailed over long on for 6 and a 3 wicket victory with 10 balls to spare!
Wiltshire can take heart from this and hope to continue their good form with a contest with Staffordshire at Smethwick CC next Sunday June 4th.
