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CHAIRMAN’s SELECT XI v WHITCHURCH CLUB XI

WITH clear blue skies and temperatures nudging the mid-20s, one could be forgiven for thinking that it was the middle of June rather than the middle of September.

Twenty two friends of Whitchurch Wayfarers celebrated the end of the season with a game that matched the welcome warmth.

The club side batted first with veteran Steve Hodge rolling back the years hitting five fours on his way to 24. Boundaries seemed to be the order of the day; not too many wanting to run in the heat. Forty of them flew off the bat as Josh Towl (90) and his brother Dan (72 not out) punished the bowling. Man of the match Charlie Barriball took 3 for 28, helping to stem the tide of runs. Tea saw a target of 254 set for the Chairman’s Select XI.

After a sumptuous and prolonged tea it looked as though the club side could take a rare victory when Ian Grey was caught magnificently on the boundary by Dave Northey.

It was not to be as the Chair’s team also eschewed running and, in turn, hit 41 boundaries on their way to victory. Rob Mutch rattled off 39 before Charlie Barriball came to the crease. His first six scoring shots were all boundaries. He went on to score a match winning 110 not out; 94 from boundaries. Seven different bowlers were tried but their records are best forgotten over the winter. With a crisp 51 from Dan Jenkin the Chair’s team romped home by 5 wickets. A cooling drink or two was enjoyed by all after the game.