Fringford CC 160 – 9 wkts
Watlington CC 85 all out
Skippers Man of the Match – JK
A winning start to a new season for Fringford as they defeated Watlington by 75 runs on a chilly day close to the Ridgeway. The skipper managed to lose the toss and Fringford were put into bat by the opposing skipper on a track that proved extremely difficult to bat on. Both John Bacon and Ade Measday played onto their stumps early on and when Ed Blight middled one straight into a surprised fielders midriff, Fringford were 34 for 3. Skipper Tony Burcham (32) and Rob Gascoigne (36) took the score along to 70, before Tony was bowled by one that stayed rather low. Rob and Ian Hedley (26) attacked the Watlington change bowling and added 65 together, before Rob was out caught. Hedders was bowled soon after, but Royston Blake came in and added a swift 16 runs, swatting a rather large six along the way. Unfortunately a mix up led to young George Williams being run out, but the tail added a welcome 27 runs in the final few overs to take the Fringford total to 160 for 9 at the close.
Young George opened up the bowling, bowling some lovely away swing and was ably supported by the evergreen Steve Mitchell, bowling a great line and length at the other end. George grabbed the first wicket, clean bowling the opener and Mitch followed suit the following over, to leave the batting side on 12 for 2. George ended his spell with great figures of 6-2-9-1 and Mitch bowled through for figures of 12-6-18-1. Watlington were always behind the run rate and even more tight bowling from JK ensured that the game was firmly in Fringford’s control. JK ended with a fifth wicket on his last delivery and very much deserved his five wicket haul and figures of 12-1-29-5. Hedders mopped up the tail with a quick three wickets, finishing with 7-0-23-3 and Fringford ran out comfortable winners.
A few welcome beers were sunk in the clubhouse and the Fines Master took great pleasure in ensuring all misdemeanours were highlighted and duly paid for!
So, a great confidence boosting start to the season for the team, who look forward to a home fixture against Eynsham next Saturday.
Yours aye
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