Cirencester Cricket Club > News > August 2003 > 1st XI gain vital points in close defeat

1st XI gain vital points in close defeat [Wednesday 20 August 2003]

Gloucestershire County Cricket League Division 2
Birdlip - 219/8
Cirencester - 218/8
Birdlip won by 2 wickets

Almost 440 runs were scored on a good wicket at Birdlip as the hosts squeezed home against Cirencester in a fine game of cricket. Batting first, Town quickly lost in form opener Reynolds, and bowlers Moore and Hieron restricted Walker and Graham to 26 off the first 15 overs.

The next 12 overs, however, conceded 101 as Donwil Rodrigoes blasted 3 sixes and 6 fours in a quick fire 67, a spectacular first 50 in England. With strong support from first Walker and then the promoted Robbins, this inspired Turton, Jeffcott and Clayton all to play their best cricket of the year and lift Cirencester to 218, with 41 coming from the last 5 overs.

Tight bowling and fielding would then have secured victory. Town fielded like tigers - Dan Hudson in particular was outstanding - but the bowling was not consistent enough, conceding 27 extras. Wickets fell steadily and bowling highlights were Cirencester debutant Pat Mosely's first 11 overs for only 32 runs and Jeffcott back to his best with 3 for 15 off 5 overs at the close.

It wasn't quite enough, and all of the Birdlip batsmen contributed usefully, with Smetty (39) and Ward's unbeaten 51 being the key innings. At the end of this fine game Birdlip deservedly won with 2 wickets in hand. Cirencester should take heart from the high quality of cricket and their 9 points, which lifted them a place in the table, increase their chances of avoiding relegation as the last 2 games approach.