Cirencester Cricket Club > News > July 2003 > 1st XI come unstuck at Down Hatherley

1st XI come unstuck at Down Hatherley [Wednesday 16 July 2003]

Gloucestershire County Cricket League Division 2
Down Hatherley - 201/9
Cirencester - 192/8
Down Hatherley won by 9 runs

Cirencester's successful run of results came to an end last Saturday in a topsy turvy encounter at Down Hatherley. Having won the toss on what looked quite a good wicket, Down Hatherley elected to bat, but were soon in trouble being reduced to 11 for 3 by an aggressive opening spell from Ian Butler, supported by John Turner at the other end and some excellent behind the wicket catching.

However, with some selective hitting, Down Hatherley's captain Spencer, and some gritty determination from his partner, Cowley, eighty runs were then put on until debutant Olly Whittaker accounted for Spencer for 46. With Ian Butler now unable to bowl due to injury, captain Dominic Jeffcott had to rely on himself and Whittaker to bowl the majoity of the remaining overs. Once Whittaker had overcome his early nerves he bowled a fine spell of 10 overs, 1 for 39.

Wickets then fell at reasonably quick intervals and left Down Hatherley at 164 for 7 with seven overs left. It was then that an important partnership between Jones and Newman added a vital 33 runs to take them past the 200 mark. They finally ended the allotted 45 overs with the score of 201 for 9.

In reply, Cirencester openers Andy Walker and Andy Reynolds batted without due alarm until the thirteenth over with the score on 55. Reynolds, who up to that point had looked like posting a large score, was run out going for a third run by a misdirected throw from the boundary. Andy Walker continued to graft and eventually reached his half-century. However, with little support at the other end, with his dismissal Cirencester's hopes of victory looked bleak at 147 for 7 in the 34th over.

It was then that wicket-keeper Mark Clayton and John Turner came together and produced an excellent partnership of 38 which put Cirencester back in with a chance of victory. Unfortunately, Clayton was then out for a well-made 25, leaving Cirencester still to score 23 in the remaining 4 overs. Despite the best efforts of John Turner who eventually ended 23 not out, Cirencester fell 9 runs short of their target at 192 for 8.

Cirencester were therefore left to reflect on what might have been, but must now look forward to two difficult games against the two top teams in the division.