Stapleton CC 1^st XI v Claverham1^st XI

West of England

Bristol & Somerset Division

Sat 25^th June 2005

Result : Claverham won by 4 Wickets

Claverham Winning Run Continues

Sleepy Hollow has become a happy hunting ground for Claverham recently and they again returned home victorious after a hard fought win in Bristol.

With conditions overcast and a slightly damp wicket Claverham elected to bowl first and immediately made their mark with Steve Leonard caught behind from the second ball of the innings bowled by Peyper. The visitors kept up the pressure and after 20 overs Stapleton only had 48 on the board for the loss of 1 wicket.

The prolific Chidgey and Aussie Lynch were forging a decent partnership though and they eventually took the score on to 79 before Chidgey was brilliantly caught over his left shoulder by Paul Bird off the bowling of Rich Coombes. Coombes was in the middle of a excellent spell which would see him pick up the wickets of ex Clav player Steve Fitzgerald for 6 and Williams for 9 to finish with 3 for 59 from 12.

Clav kept up the pressure right until the end and never let Stapleton get away as they finished on 182 for 6. Even Lynch who carried his bat for 1 ball short of 50 overs could only manage 87 not out such was the meanness of the Henley Lane outcricket.

It was important Claverham made a solid start and Bird and Chris Peyper duly obliged taking the score on to 36 before Peyper nibbled at a wide delivery from Steve Leonard and was caught behind for 18. Bird followed after a sensible 26 with the score on 61 and a few nerves jangled.

Mat Davies was moved up to 3 and relished the opportunity though against tight bowling to construct an excellent innings of 52 which included 5 fours and a six. Together with Andy Copeland (30) the pair took Claverham to the brink of victory and only a quick flurry of wickets towards the end gave the home side any hope. Stand in skipper Devanney contributed a patient 17 . To be fair though it was all over and the improving Mike Lee (8 no) and experienced Keith Miles (11 no) calmly moved the visitors past the target with 2 overs to spare.

This Saturday sees the first of two consecutive home fixtures at Henley Lane. An improved Brislington are first to visit this Saturday followed by Uphill Castle the week after.