Whitchurch XI v Chairman's XI
CHAIRMAN Graham Curson selected a strong side from local cricket clubs, with a few club members determined to preserve his unbeaten record in this annual season closer.
The club batted first, Credicott blasting a quick 17 before he skied a ball from Mills (2-24). Two of the club's most prolific run-scorers this season added 104 for the third wicket. Ian Gray led the way, while Darren Chappell struggled to find his form. Gray got bogged down in the 30s while Chappell blazed away at the other end.
Gray was finally out for 40. Chappell soon followed for 72. Quick wickets fell as the club side knew they needed a formidable total to defend.
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At 182 for 6, with 6 overs remaining, things looked ominous, but a hasty 20 from club captain Elliott and 24 from Davies helped the club side post 229 all out off the final ball.
The club's lack of an opening bowler was again exposed as Hulme and Mansfield made rapid progress. Davies was able to keep things tight at one end, but runs flowed from the other.
The introduction of second XI spinner
Tamblin to the attack drastically affected the game. Mansfield played all round a straight delivery and Cotterell followed soon after, offering a simple return catch.
Hulme had made 36 and was looking dangerous when a smart piece of glove work by Chappell had him stumped. With the backbone of the batting order broken. Tamblin (5-2) and colt Woodrow (3-8) ripped through the Chairman's array of talent.
At 96 for 9 the game was over as a contest. However, Curson (16) and Freedman (26) refused to cave in, adding 43 in the final overs.