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Whitchurch Wayfarers Club XI v Chairman’s XI

IN the annual end of season match between a Chairman’s Select XI and a Club XI it was the Club XI who prevailed. Electing to bat first the Chairman’s XI were soon in deep trouble.

Ben Prout (4 for 23) demonstrated why he had been awarded the Pedrick Cup the week before for most promising youngster. Bowling downhill, his movement in the air and off the pitch was simply too much for the opening order.

Three clean bowled and a cumulative contribution of 26 runs did not augur well for the chairman. Only Ian Gray, who seemed unwilling to do any running as he scored boundaries with ease, provided any resistance.

At 63-4 after just 12 overs things were looking grim. They got worse when Ian was well caught for a classy 40. Rob Mutch (34) and Steve Bray (22) did some repair work and a wonderful cameo 20 from Dan Poole took the total up to 152.

After a wonderful tea provided by Jan Hall the Club XI openers of Ben Powell (49) and Andy Alford (31) gave the impression that the game would be over quickly. Although Rob Mutch (1-15) had them dancing around the crease they managed to escape unscathed.

The first wicket came when Alford chased a wide ball and offered a simple catch which was gratefully taken by Rich Hall.

The Club side then started to really struggle. Joel Heatley playing his first game for two years took five wickets in an amazing spell of seven overs including three wicket maidens.

The middle order vanished and from 90-2 the score was suddenly a far from convincing 120-7. Billy Barriball, coming in at eight, put the chase back on track with an unfussy 17, 14 off one over which brought the target well into reach.

Ben Prout then launched the first delivery he received for a huge six over the pavilion to decide the game once and for all.