Claverham needed to bounce back after a disappointing result the week before at Congresbury and duly obliged with this comfortable 4 wicket win over Shirehampton.

Shire’ captain Hill won the toss and elected to bat first on a decent wicket in bright sunshine. A 200+ score looked likely given the conditions but the home team were right on the money from the first over. Paul Bird, seemingly back to his best kept one end virtually blockaded as Claverham piled on the pressure to the Shire batsman. Paul finished his 15 overs with 4 for 29 and was again supported by the reliable Nigel Cheeseright who also finished with a four wicket haul for 42 from 13.2 overs.

With change bowlers Roger Hooper (1 for 31) and Chris Peyper (1 for 35) continuing the excellent line and length during the middle of the innings the Shire batsmen simply caved in. When skipper Hooper removed run machine Martin Bowyer for a pedestrian 23 it was only a matter of time before the innings completed. Phil Gillott whose keeping has improved enormously this season bagged 4 catches to finish off a professional effort in the field.

In reply, Paul Bird (60) and Rich Horton (24) tore into the understrength visiting attack. The prolific pair bought up 50 in the 9^th over and the game was almost over.

Claverham were guilty of some loose strokes as the finishing target loomed and needlessly gave away a couple of bonus points as the middle order relaxed. With confidence high at Henley Lane right now, every game is eagerly anticipated and the Yatton / Claverham public can look forward to another home game this Saturday when the 1^st XI host Stapleton.