Charfield 1st XI v Down Hatherly (From Gazette Series)

Charfield 1st XI v Down Hatherly

Charfield 1st XI v Down Hatherly

Charfield's promotion chasing firsts travelled to Down Hatherly on Saturday looking for another win to strengthen their challenge. After losing the toss Charfield were asked to field. Opening bowlers Colborn and Wolwin exerted early control as the batsmen found runs hard to come by.

Colborn's pace and accuracy deservedly picked up two early wickets as Charfield sought to dominate the game. Wolwin at the other end was economical as usual. Bennett replaced Colborn and removed Smith but number four batsman Emery proved more stubborn as he steadily added runs. Morgan came into the stock and quickly ran through the middle order picking up three wickets including the obstinate Emery (54).

Huntley's spin accounted for the wicket of Williams and Down Hatherly found themselves seven wickets down. Charfield pressed on determined to dismiss their opponents for less then 121 in order to pick up bonus points but a gritty partnership between Whitmore (34*) and Selarsy (28*) put paid to these ambitions. Down Hatherly finished on 154-7.

Charfield's opening batsmen Greaves and Davies started steadily ticking along at the neccessary run rate, they gave Charfield a healthy start without too much alarm and in the process blunted any lingering hopes Down Hatherly had. They got to 50 (Charfield's first 50 opening partnership of the season) and then pressed on towards their target.

Greaves was eventually out, caught in the covers trying to up the rate for 27 with the score on 74, Davies followed shortly afterwards for 44, another quick wicket brought together Carter and Collins who looked comfortable at the crease. Knowing that further loss of wickets would erode Charfield's point total they set out to finish the match between them, which they did with some aplomb scoring 21 and 31 respectively giving Charfield a solid seven wicket victory. It had been a good team performance, six bowlers were used, the remaining five players being the opening five batsmen who reached their target in some comfort. Charfield's next game is a big one against a talented Cheltenham St Stephens side.