Cirencester Cricket Club > News > May 2006 > Weekend bulletin

Weekend bulletin
Monday 8 May 2006

Following their opening match victory, the First XI travelled to Tewkesbury anticipating a tougher examination.  The hosts won the toss but a good all-round bowling performance limited them to 161 for 9 in their 45 overs.  15 year old James Denyer spearheaded the attack, notching 4 wickets for 18 runs in his 12 overs including the scalp of the Tewkesbury overseas player Tarun Nethula who was caught and bowled for a duck. 

The Cirencester openers, stand-in skipper John Beard (45) and 18 year old Rich Hudson (35), built a good platform with an opening stand of 77.  The innings then stuttered with wickets falling and the scoring rate slowing until, with 5 wickets left, 57 runs were still required from the final 13 overs.  18 year old James Constable (37 not out) then took the situation by the scruff of the neck and, in a thrilling finish, Iain Moore hit the winning runs with 5 balls and 3 wickets to spare. 

The 2nd XI played Tewkesbury Seconds at the Park and, in persistent drizzle, had to bowl with a wet ball. The visitors scored 195 for 8 from their 45 overs.  In reply Cirencester struggled to 31 for 4, with wicket-keeper Dave Allcoat taking three catches, before David Shackleton went to the crease.  Playing an assured innings of 61 he took the Town to a score of 141 for 6 with 12 overs remaining, and in sight of an improbable victory.  However, Allcoat then took off his pads and Shackleton became the first of his three victims with the ball.  Jon Turner (23), who had given Shackleton excellent support, and a dogged effort from Carl McQueen (8 n.o.) kept Cirencester hopes alive but they were eventually all out 18 runs short with 14 balls remaining. 

Away to newcomers Northleach 2nd XI, Simon Rowe (58), Andy Barnes (25) and Craig Hitchens with a Cirencester best of 16 not out led the Third XI to a score of 156 all out.  In reply, the Northleach batsmen were always on top of the bowling and reached their target for the loss of two wickets with 8.2 overs to spare. 

On Sunday, the Club hosted a Swindon NALGO team that included a number of Cirencester members as guests in a match that provided valuable early season match practice.