Cirencester Cricket Club > News > August 2003 > Strengthened 3rd XI enjoy crushing win

Strengthened 3rd XI enjoy crushing win [Wednesday 20 August 2003]

Cotswold District Cricket Association Division 3
Cirencester 3rd XI - 145/2
Minety 2nd XI - 144/9
Cirencester 3rd XI won by 8 wickets

The short notice cancellation of the 2nd XI match gave Cirencester 3rd XI a much strengthened team to face Minety, and a rare opportunity to play on the main square at the Park. As is custom these days, captain Brian Woodcock lost the toss and Minety 2nd XI elected to bat.

Cirencester soon had the visitors in trouble with tight bowling from McCosh and Hoskins, and Minety were 15/3 after 11 overs. A stand of 60 ensued between Sampson and James before McQueen took 2 wickets in 2 balls to change the game. An inspired bowling change brought Hoskins back on and he delivered the goods with a 4-over spell of 3-7, including a triple wicket maiden. Tight fielding and excellent catches by Woodcock and Constable restricted Minety to 145-9 off their allocated overs.

In reply Cirencester opened brightly, with Lobo being first out with the score on 27. Veteran Cambray joined Rich Hudson at the crease and between them they put on 74 for the 2nd wicket, and with a mix of classy batting and excellent running between the wickets, master and pupil led the way. Cambray missed a straight one and was replaced by the aggressive Burgess who helped himself to 37 in quick time to wrap up the game in the 27th over.

This victory lifts the 3rd XI up the table and with two remaining matches against fellow strugglers, Cirencester hope to compete in both matches and end the season on a high note.