Cirencester Cricket Club > News > July 2003 > Smith and Woodcock lead from the front for 3rd XI

Smith and Woodcock lead from the front for 3rd XI [Wednesday 23 July 2003]

Cotswold District Cricket Association Division 3
Cirencester 3rd XI - 236/7
Malmesbury 3rd XI - 235/4
Cirencester 3rd XI won by 3 wickets

Cirencester 3rd XI lost the toss and Malmesbury 3rd XI elected to bat on what looked like and proved to be an excellent batting surface. Malmesbury's openers were soon into their stride, taking no chances and rattling up a terrific score before the brakes were applied after 25 overs. The father and son partnership of the Wards was impressive as both posted good scores. Ward senior scored an excellent 103, and Ward junior a faultless 71.

Only in the last fifteen overs did Cirencester come into the game, with an improvement in fielding and attitude. The veteran Cambray was the pick of the Cirencester bowling with 1-43. The Malmesbury total of 235-4 looked daunting, and higher than any successfully chased by the team before.

Cirencester's innings started poorly with Steve Harris out for 0 in the second over. Smith and Cambray put on 62 for the second wicket before the latter was out for 20. Smith then took control and pushed past his maiden 50 and was unfortunate to be run out for 74. Tom Smith should now look to improve further with the chance of 2nd XI cricket.

At the fall of the sixth wicket Cirencester were 97 short with 13 overs to go. 14 year old Tom Putney blazed a trail with a quick-fire 31 including a massive 6 over midwicket, and after he was out Cirencester needed 50 from 9 overs. Captain Brian Woodcock was joined by Andy Barnes, and together they built a stand. Woodcock punishing the bowling and Barnes batting sensibly.

The result crept ever closer, and was achieved with two overs to spare with Brian Woodcock hitting the winning runs for a career best 42 not out. Proving that you are never too old to improve, 30 year old Woodcock showed patience and discipline when it was required, and brutal hitting to secure victory for the team.

The team got itself into a big runchase by not playing to its strenghths, but the never say die 3rd XI spirit won the day.