Club XI v President's XI

On a warm afternoon with a threat of rain which thankfully held off, spectators were treated to a very competitive and close 40 overs match, with the Club XI winning by 3 runs.

Batting first, the Club XI saw Gary Martin on debut score a polished 133 withexcellent sport from, in particular, Alex Challinor (15) in a good partnership and then Paul Challinor (62*). The President's XI used 8 bowlers. Dom Ford and Rhodri Williams both bowled pacey opening spells with Don claiming two early wickets. Somerset Pheasant bowled 6 tidy overs. Toby Pheasant generated some pace up the hill and Nick and Will Owen both produced good spells including bowling at the death. Oscar Rhodes and Joe Sillett completed the attack, Joe picking up the wicket of Gary Martin to a stumping by Toby. In the first half of the innings, Dan Goodyear kept wicket very well and the fielding was generally good, Will Owen taking an excellent catch in the deep with father, Nick, bowling - no pressure! 252 was a good score but certainly attainable.

After an excellent tea, Adrian Walton, who scored a half century, and Toby Pheasant set about building a solid foundation from which to launch the run chase and put on 39 before Toby was adjudged LBW to Alex Serrano. Enter Dan Goodyear who batted beautifully to score 100 not out and almost see the President's XI over the line, ably supported by Rhodri Williams (34) and Dom Ford (37*). With 4 needed off the last ball for victory, Paul Challinor aimed at Dan's pads and only a single was conceded. The Club also used 8 bowlers with Oli Eccles and Alex Challinor bowling tidy opening spells and Jon King, Alex Serrano, Tom Williams, Sam ORourke, Nick Jackman and Paul Challinor all bowling well.

An excellent match followed by welcome refreshment at the D&P.