Match Report

With Shelvin Gumbs missing due to work commitments, Charlie Macdonell (pictured) was very supportive in stepping forward to lead the team. The toss was won by Aston Rowant who elected to field first.

AJ Woodland had a new opening partner in Andy Dixon with the pair putting on 16 for the first wicket before Dixon was caught behind. Woodland looked in fine form driving the ball straight but uncharacteristically chased a wide one and was caught behind. Aston Rowant bowled very well throughout and by lunch we had scored 116 for the loss of both openers. Resuming after lunch Macdonell and Michael Payne continued the main partnership of the match before Payne fell for 48 in a partnership of 109.

Macdonell leading from the from the front played a captain’s innings scoring 92 before being out bowled. David Brent, Andy Harris, Mo Choudhry and Stephen Dutch all contributed with useful runs at the end of the our innings taking our score to 235.

A steady opening spell from both Brent and Simon Stanway saw them both picking up a wicket each, both caught behind by Dutch. As the innings moved on, Aston Rowant gradually fell behind the rate. The bowling change to Woodland and Harris resulted in another two wickets, one each and the introduction of spin from Payne two other wickets fell, both brilliantly stumped by Dutch to go with his two catches (another brilliant day behind the stumps). It was clear at this stage the hosts had settled for a draw and mitigated all risk in pursue of our score.

With Aston Rowant now on 162 for 5, the rain came in and both teams shook hands, the match drawn with four overs left.