David Brent was first to strike, making an early breakthrough in his first over, the second of the innings, with Charlie Macdonell taking a catch at first slip to remove Will Hatton with the first ball he received. The early wicket was well supported with some tight bowling by Simon Stanway, conceding only 4 runs in as many overs.
As High Wycombe continued to consolidate, our bowlers showed great patience, maintaining a decent line and length throughout the innings, making it challenging for the visitors to progress their scoring. High Wycombe’s second wicket put on a partnership of 81 in 25 overs. Their third wicket partnership produced 37 in 13 overs with the main partnership of the innings compiling an unbeaten 99 from 23 overs. The pick of our bowlers was Andy Harris whose 1-32 for from 14 overs was vital. The visitors total of 221 was one that we knew will be challenging to track down.
Openers Liam Gough and AJ Woodland got off to a steady start before the later was caught on 11 with the score on 24. Macdonell joined Gough who was next to be dismissed leaving the inform Michael Payne to join Macdonell. This was now to be a key partnership, but Payne only contributed four before he was dismissed. Captain Gumbs joined Macdonell in the 12th over and the pair complemented each other brilliantly for 13 overs adding a much needed partnership of 79 before Macdonell was dismissed on the stroke of tea. With the clubhouse packed out with highly vocal England supporters, tea was taken and the players had a small window of opportunity to view Gareth Southgate’s young team progress into the semi-finals.
After tea, Sheridon Gumbs joined his older brother at the crease and the older was replaced by Brent after a partnership of 28, but not before Gumbs had scored 55 from 57. When Sheridon was out for 12, the pair of David Brent (53*) and wicket-keeper Jeremy O’Neill (18*) batted excellently to take us to the target of 222 and the double for the first time over High Wycombe in a season.
With 10 of the 18 matches completed, we are now third place in the league, with an away game against second placed Slough next Saturday.