Wiltshire CCC beat Staffordshire to make it back to back wins
A fine day for cricket! Despite the glowing sunshine there was still a cold wind for those seeking shade. Staffordshire won the toss and chose to bat first. Josh Croom made them regret that decision as his pace was too much for the first three batters all caught behind by wicketkeeper Ben Draper and Staffordshire found themselves 24 for 3. Michael Hill 63 and Matthew Morris 71 not out then had an excellent stand of 101 to repair some of the damage. Harry Broderick had Matthew Hill lbw as Wiltshire then began to take wickets on a regular basis. Nobody managed to stay with Morris as Arthur Godsal and Chris Aubrey took a wicket apiece and Wadworth Man of the Match, Josh Croom completed his 5 wicket haul - 5 for 32. Last man to go was Tom Brett who had his stumps rearranged by Harry Broderick claiming his second victim to end the Staffordshire innings. Ben Draper took 5 catches behind the stumps and there was a catch for Tom Cullen and a run out by Dylan Church to leave Staffordshire 214 all out.
Wiltshire now had to set about chasing that target, The first wicket to fall was Jake Goodwin 24 who hit six impressive boundaries in his short stay at the crease. Jack Mynott, 38, then joined Tom Cullen as they put on 52 for the second wicket before Jack’s stay was ended by an lbw decision. The in-form skipper, Ed Young, joined Tom Cullen, but with just 21 for the pair Ed Young, 17, was bowled. This brought Ben Draper out to partner Tom Cullen who was anchoring the Wiltshire innings superbly. Tom Cullen 67 not out and Ben Draper 57 not out saw Wiltshire home with an unbroken 4th wicket partnership of 114 as Wiltshire secured a 7 wicket victory with 6 overs to spare.
This should now enable Wiltshire to take on Wales next weekend at Warminster with some confidence. The spirit in the Wiltshire camp is good – long may it continue!
Wiltshire beat Staffordshire by 7 wickets
