In traditional style, Wesley Morrick bowled an economical spell conceding only 12 runs from his opening spell of 10 overs and picking up the two prise wickets of Charlie Macdonell (20) and AJ Woodland (9), both nicking off behind.
We struggled to find that much needed partnership as we tried to rebuild the innings losing the first four wickets at regular intervals. With Michael Payne and Shelvin Gumbs at the crease, we saw signs of a partnership but an unfortunate run out of Payne, the pair had only two runs later Gumbs followed.
This paved the way for the partnership of the innings as Andy Harris joined Rory Criddle who between them added 82, batting very well and showing the strength of the lower order batting ability. Harris fell for a steady 29, Criddle who batted exceptionally well fell two runs later for 44. The First Team then added another six runs before being bowled out for a modest 175.
Aston Rowant set off in pursuit of 176 for victory. For the first time this season we saw some consistency with our seamers moving the pink ball, particularly off the wicket but without any early success. The tenacity of maintaining a consistent line and length paid off in the sixth over when Macdonell took an excellent slips catch to give Tom Weymes his first wicket as the opening stand was broken on 22. Weymes picked up a second to end with figures of 2 for 35 from 6. Our own economical veteran Simon Stanway tied up one end with a return of 2-10 from his eight overs.
Our boys showed some good fight as collectively they worked away at the visitors wickets denying them of any substantial partnerships. We saw a short but tidy spell of three overs from Woodland but 17 overs between Steve Clark (pictured) and Payne completed the early damage left by Weymes and Stanway. Payne picked up 2 -19 from seven overs but Clark was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-34 from ten overs as Aston Rowant was bowled out for 135 in the 39th overs to give the First Team its first 2019 league victory by 40 runs.
A special mention goes to our 17 year old club debutant, Miles Doe who maintained a clean sheet standing as wicket keeper and took three catches and a stumping, great work Doe.
Next weeks’ match will be home against league joint leaders Datchet who won three from three.