Over 50s Results
2008 Report
The 2008 season began with the friendly against Wales Over 50’s at Marlborough on Thursday, 8th May. The toss was won by Wiltshire skipper Peter Mathias and he elected to bat on a wicket which was to be a little two paced with reasonable bounce at one end and considerably less bounce at the other which was not surprising after the heavy rain on the previous Sunday and Monday and the resulting standing water still evident on the Tuesday.
Richard Newport and Des Gingell gave the innings a good start with a flurry of boundaries. They put on 50 before Richard was given out LBW for 23. At the other end Des played some good shots but was later given out LBW for 15.
A partnership of 105 then was made by the returning Tom Edmonds with a fluent 60 before he was eventually caught out. He had offered a couple of difficult chances which were put down. His partner Hendy Alleyne carried his bat as he made 57 not out.
The departure of Tom saw a flurry of Wiltshire wickets as the batsmen attempted to make a total close to 200. Anthony Warley made 5, Paul Riddiford failed to trouble the scorer and likewise Andy Stevens. Graham Hull remained 0 not out with Hendy as a final score including extras was 180 for 6.
For Wales the successful bowlers were D.Evans with 1 for 25, S.Lloyd with 1 for 44, G.Meredith with 2 for 41 and M.Cockell with 2 for 18.
After a splendid tea and even more baking hot sunshire the Wales innings began with both openers taking full advantage of the extra pace being put on the ball by opening bowlers Andy Stevens and Peter Mathias. Andy bowled very well without luck finishing with 0 for 35. Looking to take the pace off the ball, John Williams was introduced but still the run flow could not be slowed. Both openers were scoring freely and eventually put on 99 before the introduction of Graham Hull forced the mistake and P.Docherty was caught out by Hendy Alleyne for a very good 59.
The fall of this wicket brought the Welsh football legend Leighton James to the crease. He proved to be a more than adequate cricketer but found scoring difficult thanks to a fine spell of slow bowling from Graham. His 7 overs conceded just 21 runs but he was unable to bowl his allocation of 9 overs as he picked up an ankle injury but managed to stay on the field. Phil Carroll was his miserly self with the ball yet again and picked up 1 for 23 from his 9 overs. Paul Riddiford was unable to find his usual nagging length and so it was left to John Williams and Peter Mathias to try to wrench the game away from Wales.
Their last 7 overs conceded just 23 runs and a fine piece of stumping by Anthony Warley off the bowling of Peter gave the team some small glimmer of hope but opener R.Harris with 69 not out made sure the victory went to Wales with just 2 overs to spare. Peter finished with 1 for 30 and John 0 for 29.
Wiltshire Over 50’s 180 for 6 from 45 overs.
Wales Over 50’s 181 for 3 from 42.5 overs.
The next game is the first game in the 2008 Championship. The game is against Dorset Over 50’s and is being played at the Swindon CC on Thursday, 28th May. The game starts at 1330 hours and the team is asked to report to the ground by 1245 hours. Please be mindful of the dress code.
Team selected.
1. Richard Newport. Hinton Charterhouse / Winsley.
2. Des Gingell. Trowbridge.
3. Tom Edmonds. Collingbourne Ducis.
4. Hendy Alleyne. Marlborough.
5. Tim Lerwill. Free Foresters.
6. Tim Mynott. Coombe Bissett. (Vice Captain.)
7. Vince Thomas. R.A.F. (w/k)
8. Peter Mathias. Marlborough. (Captain.)
9. Andy Stevens. Wootton Bassett.
10. Phil Carroll. Westbury.
11. Mike Swabey. Shrewton.
12. Vannie Williams. Marlborough.
Scorer – Jakki Knight.
Umpire – Ansell Porter.
Would the players please confirm availability and report any fitness concerns to either the Captain or Paul Riddiford.
