Cirencester Cricket Club > News > August 2003 > 1st XI beaten by Arcadians

1st XI beaten by Arcadians [Tuesday 5 August 2003]

Gloucestershire County Cricket League Division 2
Arcadians - 140/9
Cirencester - 100/9
Arcadians won by 49 runs

Cirencester's slightly worrying slide back down the table continued on Saturday with what was eventually an easy win for their opponents Arcadians. Having won the toss, Cirencester had no hestitation in asking Arcadians to have first use of what looked a slow, green wicket.

Arcadians were soon in trouble due to a fine opening spell by Iain Butler. With good support in the field, Cirencester soon reduced the batting side to 49 for 5 in 20 overs. It was then that the most important innings of the day was played by Arcadians captain Pete Smart. He, with the support of Newberry, took the score over the 100 mark in a relatively short space of time.

Despite the efforts of left arm spinner John Turton, who once again bowled an accurate spell of length and line bowling, Cirencester's support bowling could not take full advantage of their early successes. Smart was eventually out for 38, which proved to be by far the most runs scored by any batsman on the day.

The remainng overs of the Arcadian innings were evenly fought, with Rodrigoes taking three wickets. Not being able to fully contain the run scoring. Cirencester allowed Arcadians to reach 149 for 9 in their 45 overs. For Cirencester, Iain Butler took the bowling honours with 3 for 26 off 11 overs.

In reply, stand-in openers Rodrigoes and Turton started well taking 20 off the first 5 overs. This unfortunately was the only bright moment in Cirencester's front line batting. Once Turton was run out, Cirencester were never able to cope with Arcadians opening bowler Mike Foster, who ended his spell of 12 overs with the remarkabnle figures of 3 for 13, including a period of 8 overs for only 3 runs. This was backed up by an excellent spell of 1 for 12 off 12 overs by left arm spinner P Newberry.

Under this pressure Cirencester at one stage were 45 for 7 in the 26th over. With victory already achieved, Arcadians did allow Cirencester's later order batting to get the final total up to 100. This being down to a last wicket stand of 35 between Ian Butler (20) and David Shackleton (12).

Cirencester will therefore need between now and the end of the season to concentrate on making sure their batting contributes more in determination and application to avoid being involved in yet another relegation battle. Cirencester can however look forward to this Saturday when they can put out a full strength 1st XI against promotion chasing Stinchcombe.