Cirencester Cricket Club > News > August 2002 > Cirencester 3rd XI vs Poulton 2nd XI

Cirencester 3rd XI vs Poulton 2nd XI [Monday 5 August 2002]

The rain played a major part in this encounter between Poulton and Ciren 3rds, 2 sides in the middle of the table. Ciren won the toss and decided to bat and with potential batting down to no.7, the possibilities of a big total beckoned.

Simon Rowe and Steve Harris started briskly and after Rowe departed, Harris continued with Chris Clogger to push the scoring rate on. A stand of 83 between Tim Cambray and Harris followed, both batsmen taking on the odd bad ball from tight Poulton bowling. Harris played well for his 44 and was unlucky to fall short of the half century but he had the consolation of achieving his highest score for Ciren.

After some lusty hitting by Tom Smith, Rich Hudson showed that he is developing into a rounded batsman. His 18 contained some delightful touches and a couple of well hit boundaries. Soon after, Cambray's innings of 59, his highest for the club, came to an end and with it, in came the 3rd XI tail, not afraid to get stuck into the bowling.

Good cameo contributions from the lower order, with some lusty hitting by Mat Carter and Robin Newbegin ensured that Ciren 3rds reached their highest score for nearly ten years (192).

Due to the interruption for rain, the rules stated that Poulton would have to achieve Ciren's run rate in less than 40 overs. This meant getting 121 in 25 overs, not an easy target on a muddy pitch and the gathering gloom.

Despite tight bowling by Carl McQueen and Craig Hitchens, G Vinnicombe and S Gordon-Walker kept pace with the asking rate. Good placement and good running ensured that they stayed on track. Even as wickets began to fall due to the accuracy of Hitchins and then Rich Hudson, Vinnicombe steadied the Poulton side.

Some well timed shots by J Gardiner ensured Poulton stayed on track and made their target with almost 3 overs to spare. Vinnicombe was not out on a well made and patient 59.

Although not a win, Ciren's young side competed and came close to winning. The positiveness and willingness to play for the team is encouraging to see.