Winterbourne 229 for 6, Claverham 1st X1 230 for 5
A superb century from Atul led a patched up Claverham side to a superb 5
wicket win at title chasing Winterbourne.
A decision to invite the hosts to bat first seemed misguided as Ford (80)
and Asuaf (20) quickly put on a solid opening partnership. Fiery paceman
Russell Cox making his 1st team debut after some prolific spells this
season bowled courageously throughout and was unlucky not to make the
breakthrough. Oakes (52) and Lingard (51) took the score on nicely as Atul
(2-44) and skipper Roger Hooper (2-49) were aided by some smart out
cricket,with two run outs to leave Winterbourne on a useful 229 for 6.
In the absence of Paul Bird, skipper Hooper sent in 'pinch hitter' Keith
Miles (22) to disrupt the early bowlers, an array of boundaries followed
to give the visitors a great start. His departure brought the classy Atul
to the crease, in tandem with 'Mr Reliable' Rich Horton (66) the pair put
on 128 for the second wicket to swing the game Claverham's way. Martin
Clarke (18) made a valuable late contribution to support the stocky little
man from Bombay whose 100 came from 97 balls and ultimately led his team
home by 5 wickets with 5 balls to spare.