Welney Croft Cricket Club

207 Match Reports

 Club pages provided by The Welney Website

at home against

WICKEN

WICKEN WINNERS

Wicken won by 71 runs, Wicken 196 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 125  (40 overs)

Wicken looked set for a 200 plus total with openers Josh Pope (71) and Richard Abbott (33) scoring freely, adding 120  for the first wicket partnership. They were well supported by No.3 Darren Bentick (29) but the remaining team members could only manage 33 with "Mr. Extras" as usual scoring well for the visitors with 30 runs - 21 wides and 5 no balls (far too many for a serious cricket team)? However on the plus side there were only 3 byes and 1 leg bye - well done to stand in keeper Ken Smart.

After a poor start, star performers in the field were Stephen Revett taking 4 for 34 and the catching in general, six good catches being held - 3 of them by Duncan Hobbs, one terrific diving catch at mid wicket. Sean Goodger (0 for 21), John Rowland (0 for 24), John Loveday (1 for 42), Percy Bulsara (2 for 31), Stephen Revett (4 for 34) and Mark Brown (2 for 29)

In reply the home side started slowly 14 for 2 after 10 overs - Stephen Revett held the innings together scoring top scoring with 37 in 99 minutes. Only Sean Goodger (10) and Stuart Singleterry (33) looked capable of reaching the target, both being caught in the outfield in the run chase. Stuart again treated the spectators to some amazing big hitting - two huge sixes! Stephen Revett  37 (4 x 4's) Stuart Singleterry (3 x 4's, 2 x 6's) Sean Goodger 10.

Wicken ran out easy winners by 71 runs.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart,  Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, John Rowland, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Ashley Hobbs, Mark Brown.

away against

LITTLEPORT

SINGLETERRY HALF CENTURY

Littleport won by 18 runs - Littleport 185 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 167 (40 overs)

Littleport won the toss and elected to bat first.

Openers Freestone and Kimsey got the home side off to a good start with an opening partnership of 51 before Neil Parkinson caught Freestone behind the stumps off Adrian Buxton's bowling.  Apart from a tight 8 over spell with both Bulsara & Buxton bowling the runs flowed freely, averaging 4.5 runs per over. N.Heaps top scored with 39 hitting 7 x fours.

Welney used six bowlers - Mark Brown (1 for 32), John Loveday (2 for 32), Adrian Buxton (1 for 32), Percy Bulsara (2 for 28), Stephen Kent (1 for 28), Duncan Hobbs  (0 for 27). 

In reply Croft lost  two quick wickets Stephen Kent and Duncan Hobbs, both being bowled by Frost. However Ken Smart and Adrian Buxton then added 43 for the third wicket  with the score at 63 off only 14 overs to keep the visitors on target. Opener Smart batted sensibly and was the mainstay of the innings for his 39 ((5 x 4's)  and while Stuart Singleterry was at the crease a winning total was still possible. Spectators were given a special treat, with a fine innings of big hitting, scoring 5 x 6's, all tremendous hits over very long boundaries. Is there a bigger hitter in local cricket - I doubt it? After Stuart's dismissal, with still 26 runs required, the innings petered out - the last 3 wickets adding only a further 7 runs in near darkness, the match finishing at  7.15 am due to the late start. Ken Smart 39 (4 x 4's), Stuart Singleterry 57 (5 x 6's, 3 x 4's), Adrian Buxton 15 (3 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 14 (3 x 4's).

Nevertheless a closely fought entertaining match when winning the toss was vital.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Duncan Hobbs, Stuart Singleterry,Neil Parkinson, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Mark Brown, Adrian Buxton.

at home against

HAMPTON

CROFT WIN AWAY MATCH AT HOME  

Welney won by 23 runs - Welney Croft 160 for 6 wkts  (40 overs), Hampton 137  (36 overs)

A late Saturday evening phone call saved this match -  Hampton being informed their home ground had been double booked, the fixture then being transferred to Welney.

The recent good form with the bat continued with the club recording a 160 plus score for the third consecutive match. Top four batsmen all did well especially against the opening bowlers. Ken Smart 37 (4 x 4's), Stephen Kent 16 ( 2 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 26, Sean Goodger 26 (4 x 4's).

In reply the visitors were soon in trouble losing 5 wickets for only 16 runs, Sean Goodger clean bowling three with John Loveday getting the other two.

However the visitors rallied at one point to 116 for 7 wkts and even the last pair added 21 - finishing on 137, just 23 runs short.

Sean Goodger (3 for 21), John Loveday (3 for 12), Percy Bulsara (3 for 38), Sean Smyth (0 for 21), Ashley Hobbs (0 for 16), Stephen Revett ( 1 for 25) 

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Ashley Hobbs. 

at home against

PARSON DROVE

ALL ROUNDER GOODGER 

Welney won by 38 runs - Welney Croft 170 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Parson Drove 132 (36.1 overs)

Parson Drove won the toss and decided to field first.

Highlights of Welney's innings - the second wicket partnership of 70 between Ken Smart (28) and Duncan Hobbs (31) and Sean Goodger's well deserved half century. Ken Smart 28 (2 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 31 ( 6 x 4's), Sean Goodger 50 (5 x 4's, 2 x 6's), Stephen Revett 17 ( 4 x 4's). 

In reply the visitors started slowly and at 77 for 4 after 22 overs looked well in contention due to the batting of Bourne (35) and later were 118 for 5. After the sixth wicket fell the tail collapsed with the remaining 4 wickets falling for only 14 runs.

Sean Goodger (1 for 14), Mark Brown (0 for 12) John Loveday (1 for 22), Percy Bulsara (3 for 37),Stephen Revett ( 2 for 25), Dennis Birch (3 for 14). 

A good all round performance from Sean Goodger was the main factor in this welcome home win. Special mention also for Mark Brown, who opened the bowling with Sean, and conceded only 12 runs off his 6 over spell.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Dennis Birch, Neil Parkinson, Sean Goodger, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Ashley Hobbs, Mark Brown

away against

NARBOROUGH

at home against

BRENTWOOD & HAVERING

for the

POP BEDFORD CUP

BRENTWOOD RETAIN BEDFORD CUP  

Brentwood won by 8 wkts - Welney Croft 165 for 5 wkts  (40 overs) BRENTWOOD LPCC 169 for 2 wkts  (30.2 overs)

The club once again failed to win back the Pop Bedford Cup after recording a competitive score of 165 off the allocated 40 overs. All batsmen contributed with the following scores - Ken Smart 14  (2 x 4's), Stephen Kent 34  (4 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 37 ( 3 x 4's), Sean Goodger 30 (3 x 4's), Stuart Singleterry 22 (3 x 4's, 1 x 6)

In reply Brentwood reached their target in only 30.2 overs. Openers Che Smith (18) and Mike Thornton (34) got the visitors off to a good start, with Smith being trapped lbw to John Rowland and Thornton caught and bowled by Dennis Birch. Batsmen No. 3 & 4, Keir Smith (52 n.o) and Almond (42 n.o) produced the match winning partnership with ease.

For Welney John Rowland bowled extremely well with little reward, conceding only 21 runs off his allocated 8 overs. Sean Goodger (0 for 45), John Rowland (1 for 21) John Loveday (0 for 19), Percy Bulsara (0 for 18), Stephen Kent (0 for 20), Dennis Birch (1 for 21), Duncan Hobbs (0 for 13) Stuart Singleterry (0 for 5)

Team - John Loveday (captain) Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Stuart Singleterry, Dennis Birch, Sean Goodger, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Ashley Hobbs, John Rowland.

away against

CRISHALL

Chrishall won by 9 wkts. Welney Croft 97  (38.5 overs), Chrishall 101 for 1 wkt (26.2 overs) 

Welney travelled to Chrishall with an under strength team, fielding only 10 players, four of which were under 16 years of age. Only stalwarts Ken Smart (21) and Stephen Kent (22), and young Gareth Kent (13) managed double figure scores - however under the circumstances the team recorded a fairly respectable total of 97 before being bowled out in the 39th over. Ken Smart  21  ( 2x 4's), Stephen Kent 22  (3 x 4's) Gareth Kent 13 (2 x 4's) 

In reply Chrishall reached the match winning score of 101 in only 26 overs, losing only one wicket - Sean Smyth claimed his first wicket for Welney, bowling opener Roberts and finished with figures of 1 for 16 off  his 4 overs.

A heavy defeat by 9 wickets, but on a positive note Mark Brown and Duncan Hobbs, made their bowling debuts and bowled well, whilst the younger players will only improve and hopefully soon be regulars? Welney's bowling -John Loveday (0 for 12), Stephen Kent (0 for 11), Duncan Hobbs (0 for 12),           Stephen Revett (0 for 19), Sean Smyth (1 for 16), Mark Brown (0 for 16),          Gareth Kent (0 for 5), Oliver Revett (0 for 5).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Revett, Stephen Kent, Sean Smyth, Duncan Hobbs, Mark Brown, Oliver Revett, Gareth Kent, Andrew Revett (10 players)           

at home against

GOODERSTONE

for the

BLOWS BROS CUP

GOODERSTONE CUP HAT TRICK 

Gooderstone won by 17 runs - Gooderstone 157 (36.2 overs), Welney Croft 140  (40 overs)

Gooderstone retained  the Blows Brothers Invitation Cup for the third successive year.

The Drohan brothers both scored half centuries A.L (59) and Ash. (53) with no other team member scoring more than 8 runs. After only 5 overs the visitors were struggling at 14 runs for 2 wkts. then the Drohans came together adding 93 for the third wicket partnership, enabling Gooderstone to set a match winning scoreof 157.

Welney's bowling - Sean Goodger (3 for 23), John Rowland (1 for 25) John Loveday (1 for 29), Stephen Kent (0 for 17), Ashley Hobbs (2 for 9), Stephen Revett (3 for 41). 

After the tea interval Welney lost 2 valuable wickets in the sixth over with the score at 18, Ken Smart and Stephen Kent both falling to the bowling of Frohawk. Main stay of the innings was Stephen Revett who top scored with 35, at the crease for 102 minutes. Revett and Singleterry scored  38 for the third wicket and only a seventh wicket partnership of 32 from Duncan Hobbs (19) and Rowland (18) got the Welney close to the target total. In the end the Croft fell 18 runs short of victory. Stephen Revett 35 (3 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 19, Stuart Singleterry  21 (2 x 4's, 1 x 6), John Rowland 18 (2 x 4's)

Man of the match was awarded to Ash Drohan, top scoring with 59 and bowled economically taking 1 for 15 from 7 overs.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart,Stephen Revett, Stephen Kent, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Ashley Hobbs, John Rowland, Pat Lynskey.   

away against

OLD WILHADS

GOODGER / ROWLAND PARTNERSHIP GET CROFT BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Welney won by 5 wkts, Old Wilhads 63 (27.3 overs), Welney Croft 64 for 5 wkts  (21 overs)

This friendly match was played in sunshine on a slow wet wicket - due to the previous days heavy rainfall.

Old Wilhads batted first and were soon in trouble to the bowling of Sean Goodger and veteran John Rowland, making his first appearance of the season. Both bowlers knocking the stumps down in their first overs - John with his very first ball of the season. They soon had Wilhads reduced to 23 for 5 wickets in just 9 overs with John finishing his first spell of 6 overs taking 2 wickets for only 3 runs. Briefly Nigel Baker  (24) and Braybrook (10) brought stability to the home sides innings until Sean returned to take a further 2 wickets in two maiden overs. Old Wilhads recovery slightly to finish on 63 all out in only 27 overs on what must be said - a very difficult wicket. Loveday, Revett and Kent all taking one wicket a piece. Bowling figures - Sean Goodger (8 - 3 - 25 - 4), John Rowland (8 - 3 - 7 - 2), John Loveday ( 1 for 5), Stephen Revett (1 for 26) and Stephen Kent (1 for 0).

After tea Welney got off to a good start Ken Smart and Stephen Kent adding 19 for the first wicket. Batting higher up the order Stuart Singleterry soon had the scoreboard ticking over with a massive six, before being caught at mid-off with the team score on 32 for 2 wickets, half way to the target of 64. Similarly Sean Goodger hit a mighty six and another boundary before returning to the pavilion on 14 with the total on 47 for 4 wkts - surely the Croft could not throw this match away? It was left to Stephen Revett (7 n.o) and Duncan Hobbs (5 n.o) to steer Welney home for a welcome 5 wicket victory after a run of four successive defeats.  

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, Sean Smyth, John Rowland, Duncan Hobbs & Stephen Revett (10 players)

at home against

WICKEN

BIG WIN FOR WICKEN 

Wicken won by 109 runs, Wicken 188 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 79  all out  (25.3 overs)

Although under strength this was a dismal all round performance from The Croft and never looked likely to repeat the early season win against Wicken.

Was it just an unlucky day? Shortly before the match the home team were reduced to just 9 players, Stuart Singleterry fortunately was home and able to respond to an emergency call and young David Goodwin filled the remaining place. Unfortunately Dennis Birch missed an hour of the match and finally Ken Smart was injured during fielding restricting his ability to bat – all this along with the poor short pitched bowling and woeful batting combined to give Wicken their biggest victory against the home side.

Wicken started the match with opener Frank Digman setting the standard scoring 44 runs in 42 balls with Roy St. John 32 runs in 57 balls, Darren Bentick 26 runs in 27 balls and Lee Beckett 38 in 30 balls - all attacking the poor home bowling. It has to be said, apart from a couple of overs, both Percy Bulsara and John Loveday bowled line & length, each getting 3 wickets. Welney bowlers – Percy Bulsara (3 for 33), John Loveday (3 for 34), Kevin Scarff (0 for 59) and Dennis Birch (2 for 58).

After tea, Welney’s reply started badly with the unusual quick departure of Neil Parkinson for only 1 in the second over. Only batsmen achieving double figures were Dennis Birch (16 - 2 x 4’s), Stuart Singleterry (27 in 34 balls including 3 x 4’s) and Ken Smart batting at number 6 getting 12. With a mere 58 runs being scored off the bat and ‘Mr Extras’ adding 21 to the score Welney could only manage a total of 79.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Dennis Birch, Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Stuart Singleterry, Kevin Scarff, Mark Brown, Sean Smyth and  David Goodwin.

at home against

CASTOR & AILSWORTH

III team

CASTOR DOUBLE OVER CROFT

Castor won by 6 wickets, Welney Croft 125 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Castor & Ailsworth III 126 for 4 wkts (30.3 overs)

After the opening match of the season’s 9 wicket defeat, Welney faired a little better at home against Castor’s third string - still losing by 6 wickets, although it has to be said due to bad fielding it should have been a lot closer. Welney batted first and started poorly losing Ken Smart for a ‘duck’ and scoring only 10 runs off the first 10 overs. Number 3 Stephen Kent was Croft's saviour batting through the remainder of the innings (36 overs) for 52 not out (5 x 4’s). Only Neil Parkinson (12), Sean Goodger (17 – including 2 x 4’s and a ‘six’) and debutant Ashley Hobbs (13 not out) had inning’s worthy of note. Ashley and Stephen adding 27 for the last wicket.

Castor’s batting line up were much too strong for the home bowlers and never looked in trouble, although hopes were briefly raised when Percy Bulsara bowled opener Akhtar in the second over. Rodgers (20), Bishop (21), Kawaley (52) and Baugh (18 not out) scored the required runs with 10 overs to spare. Welney bowlers – Sean Goodger (0 for 23), Percy Bulsara (2 for 41), Ashley Hobbs (1 for 17), John Loveday (1 for 29) and Stephen Kent (0 for 10).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Stephen Kent, Peter Scott, Duncan Hobbs, Ashley Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Smyth, Mark Brown & Sean Goodger (12 players).

The Peter Bedford Cup

at home against

Brentwood & Havering

at home against

OLD WILHADS

away against

WERRINGTON

Welney lost by 9 wkts, Welney Croft 68 (33.2 overs), Werrington 69 for 1 wkt (19.2 overs)

After the last four closely contested matches 'the Croft' suffered their second 9 wicket thrashing of the season on Sunday. The match was played in sunshine on a drying wicket after heavy showers on the Saturday. John Loveday won the toss and decided to bat. The ever reliable opener Ken Smart failed again, this time being bowled by quickie Faisal in the first over, scoring just 2 runs. Opening partner Stephen Revett managed to survive for 36 minutes, scoring two boundaries in his innings of 11. Only other batsmen on form were Neil Parkinson 15 (74 mins) and Kevin Scarff, top scoring with 16 (48 mins). Youngster Sean Smyth scored 7 batting at number 9, including a well hit boundary.

After the interval Kevin capped a good all round performance by bowling well and removing opener Ghafoor, caught by wicket keeper Parkinson. Opening bowlers Kevin Scarff (1 for 14) and Percy Bulsara (0 for 10) both bowled economically, restricting the home side to just 24 after 10 overs - after their spells it was just a matter of time as Wright (26 not out) and Smith (36 not out) both knocked off the required runs with ease. One notable feat for Welney was possibly for the first time ever - NO EXTRAS being conceded? Wides normally being good scorers for the opposition? Both trips to Peterborough this season have resulted in 9 wicket defeats - very disappointing after losing narrowly at home earlier in the season.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Kevin Scarff, Stephen Revett & Gareth Kent.

at home against

NARBOROUGH

Welney lost by 16 runs, Narborough II 132 for 7 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 116 for 8 wkts (40 overs)

Welney won the toss and invited Narborough to bat first.

The home bowlers were making steady progress, first 4 wickets falling for 50 runs until veteran David Turner (No.6) came to the crease. He finished on 55 not out (6x 4’s), a match winning score in the visitors final total of 132 for 7 wickets, in the allotted 40 overs. Home bowlers - Stephen Kent (2 for 28), John Loveday (2 for 12), Stephen Revett (1 for 32), Kevin Scarff (1 for 24), Dennis Birch (1 for 28). Kevin and Dennis were making their first appearances for the season, both bowling well, again the best performer with the ball was skipper John Loveday, returning match figures of (8–3–12–2).

After tea Welney started cautiously, Stephen Kent being caught behind the wicket in the fourth over and Ken Smart adding only 7 runs in 64 minutes. Stuart Singleterry top scored with only 19 runs , including a huge 6 into the car park. Three batsmen finished on 10 – Neil Parkinson, Dennis Birch & Kevin Scarff. Top scorer in Welney’s total of 116 were the extras (44).  In the end the young Narborough second string running out winners by 16 runs – yet another close match, the last 4 four fixtures have resulted in less than 21 runs separating the teams.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Ken Smart, Stephen Revett, Dennis Birch, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Kent, Pat Lynskey, Sean Smyth, Kevin Scarff, Gareth Kent.

away against

WICKEN

This fixture was played on the hottest day of the season at Littleport's Leisure Centre.

Wicken won the toss and decided to field. The pitch proved to be unpredictable with openers Ken Smart & Stephen Kent struggling against the tight bowling of Branch and French. With both being dismissed for a mere 6 runs, Welney were at one time 11 for 2 off 10 overs and it was left to the middle-order batsmen to get the scoreboard moving. Dick Carter and Neil Parkinson battled to restore respectability to the score. Carter (19) in 65 mins and Parkinson top scoring with (29) 3 x 4's in 104 mins. When Neil returned to the pavilion the score had progressed to 86 for 4 wickets. Big hitters Sean Goodger (26) 3 x 4's and Stuart Singleterry (21) added valuable runs, Stuart departing on 130 for 6 wickets. Despite taking a nasty ball on the nose skipper John Loveday was left stranded at the wicket not out, with the tail totally collapsing around him, the last 3 bats all getting ducks - adding only 5 more runs.

After tea, Wicken's openers quickly advanced to 41 for the first wicket in only 7 overs and another defeat looked on the cards?  However, Wicken's young run machine Josh Pope was caught out on 28 by Stephen Revett off Kent's bowling - a big break through! Another 2 wickets soon followed leaving Wicken on 53 for 3. No 4 & 5 bats, Abbott and Green, added 31 for the fourth wicket and were still looking favourites. Wicken's tail then struggled against the tight bowling of Revett and Loveday, finishing 21 runs short of their target. A 'gutsy' performance by John saw his team home and nearly finishing the match with a brilliant caught and bowled? John finished the match with the bowling analysis of 8.3 overs 3 maidens conceding only 9 runs and taking 3 wickets - all with a bloody nose!! On the whole a good all round fielding / bowling performance with catches being held by Revett (2), Pat Lynskey and Dick Carter. Welney's bowling - Sean Goodger (3 for 44) a double wicket maiden in his final 10th over, Stephen Kent (2 for 32) - removing both openers & Stephen Revett (2 for 20)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Ken Smart, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Richard Carter, Stephen Revett, Pat Lynskey, Mark Brown & Sean Smyth.

at home against

Chishall

at home against

Werrington

Welney lost by 15 runs, Werrington 101 (32 overs), Welney Croft 86 for 8 (40 overs).

For the first home fixture of the season, Peterborough side Werrington were the visitors, and having won the toss elected to bat.

Wright and Gill got the visitors off to a steady start, 28 off the first 8 overs and with Savage top scoring on 20, managed to total 101 runs. Although 6 of the visiting batsmen were caught other chances went begging – at least 5 relatively easy chances being put down and this in the end proved costly. Stephen Revett was the pick of the home bowlers taking 4 wickets (2 bowled + 2 caught) with Sean Goodger also bowling extremely well - having so many “near misses” for no return. Home bowlers - Sean Goodger (0 for 23), Stephen Kent (1 for 17), John Loveday (2 for 16), Percy Bulsara (2 for 18), Stephen Revett (4 for 23).

After the interval Kent (11) and Revett (11) opened the innings adding 21 for the first wicket. Progress was generally slow with only Stuart Singleterry (22) 3 x 4’s attacking the bowling with conviction. After the dismissal of early order batsmen Parkinson (7), Goodger (7) and Loveday (8) the runs dried up and all 40 overs were used in struggling to 86 for 8 wkts. Werrington’s opening bowler Nisar returned the remarkable figures of 7 overs 5 maidens 2 runs for 1 wicket.

This low scoring match produced only 10 boundaries - all 4’s , 5 from each side on a very slow strip. In the end another competitive match that was lost by only 15 runs - Welney counting the cost of those dropped catches.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Sean Goodger, Stephen Revett, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Kent, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Mark Brown, Gareth Kent & Oliver Revett.

away against

Gooderstone

away against

Harborough Hamtunes

away against

Parson Drove

Welney won by 8 runs - Welney Croft 131 (40 overs) Parson Drove 123 for 8 wkts (40 overs)

Welney Croft visited Parson Drove for the first time and edged home by only 8 runs - a nail biting finish in very poor light.

The Croft had Stephen Kent to thank for this victory, being unavoidably delayed through work, he arrived just in time to bat at number 9, scoring 20 valuable runs (3 x 4’s) and bowling his 8 overs for only 19 runs, removing opening bat Bussey in the process - a truly match winning performance on this occasion.

Welney batted first and at 81 for 3 wkts looked set for a good total. Ken Smart (36 – 3x 4’s) was still at the crease with only Carter (5), Parkinson (22) and Pritchard (17) back in the pavilion. Then Smart fell to a controversial catch behind the stumps with Ken declaring “he was at least 6” away from it”?  However, this started a minor collapse, until the late arrival of Stephen Kent, who soon set about the Drove’s bowling attack scoring a quick-fire 20 runs in only 17 minutes.

After tea the home side started very slowly, opener James Carter (16) in 115 mins. and only Scrimshaw (37) troubled the Welney bowlers. A good all round performance by the visiting attack helped Welney to victory

Sean Goodger (1 for 16), Stephen Kent (1 for 19), John Loveday (2 for 26), Percy Bulsara (1 for 15), Stephen Revett (1 for 24) and Neil Parkinson (1 for 8). A special mention for Neil who came from behind the stumps to bowl 2 economical overs in the tense last 3 overs of the match.

A very competitive match between two sides of equal strength and a good result for Welney as for most of the players it was their first experience of playing on an artifical / plastic wicket.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Kent, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Richard Carter & Carl Pritchard.

away

against Castor & Ailsworth III

Castor won by 9 wickets - Welney Croft 108 (37 overs), Castor & Ailesworth III 110 for 1 wkt (25 overs)

The first match of the season was played at Port Lane, Castor in the spring sunshine with little change from last season, Welney still struggling for runs.

Welney batted first and started cautiously with Ken Smart starting where he finished last season - with 23 (4 x 4's) in 81 minutes. Dick Carter helped Ken add 37 for the first wicket before being caught out on 12 (2 x 4's). Sean Goodger and skipper John Loveday briefly gave Welney hope of returning a reasonable total, Sean out on unlucky 13 (2 x4's) and John putting his new bat to good use - top scoring with 31 (4 x 4's). After John's dismissal the tail soon collapsed to 108 all out.

Castor started steadily only needing less than 3 runs per over for victory. The first wicket fell at 59 in the fifteenth over, Rogers being caught and bowled by John Loveday. Arthur later retired on reaching his half century leaving Aktaar and Cotton to knock off the required runs. John Loveday (1 for 20), Alec Lampard (0 for 13) and Percy Bulsara (0 for 27) all bowled economically with little success.

Castor coasted home with a 9 wicket victory in only 25 overs.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Colin Taylor, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Richard Carter, Alec Lampard.