First Team Make It Back-to-Back Wins

Having won the toss, our visitors' captain Joshua Smith decided to take to the field offering us the first use of the pitch.

Aston Rowant’s own veteran Wesley Morrick was fist to strike, getting Andy Dixon caught for 9 in the 5th over with the score on 13. Michael Payne and AJ Woodland added 35 before the former was bowled by Morrick for 13 in the 15th over and was followed two deliveries later by Liam Gough.

Allrounder David Brent (pictured) promoted to number five was next to join Woodland and steady the ship with a partnership of 39 before Woodland was Caught & Bowled by Dominic Whatman for a valuable 34. The innings was now in the balance as captain Shelvin Gumbs walked to the crease. This was to be the best partnership of our innings, with the pair adding 68 before Gumbs was caught for a well made 36 off 31 balls.

Brent once again worked well with the lower order and in particular with wicket-keeper Jeremy O’Neill for a 41 run partnership to take the score to 220, with Brent finally dismissed for 88 from 89 balls.

The familiar opening pairs of Brent and Simon Stanway bowled a tidy line & length creating early pressure for the opposition as they took a wicket each in our visitors pursuit of 221.

The change of bowlers to Andy Harris and Michael Payne kept a tight grip on the scoring, creating sustained pressure with an economy rate of 2.3 and 2.4 respectively. As the bowling changes unfolded so did Aston Rowant wickets, with left arm spinner Rory Criddle also bowling extremely well to pick up 4 wickets as our visitors folded and were bowled out for 168. It was an excellent allround display and probably our best in the field by this season.

With three games remaining, we are in fourth place, 34 points behind leaders Slough. Next weekend we make our last trip up the M40 as we travel to Oxford.