Catch up with everything that happened in round three of the National Village Cup...
Catch up with everything that happened in round three of the National Village Cup...
As the competition progresses one sees fewer scores exceeding 300 as sides’ abilities tend to level out. High scores are not always a reflection on the opposition, individual brilliance counts for just as much.
Read posted 357 for two against Tarleton with youngster Bradley Graham walloping 184 not out from 110 balls. There were as many as 17 fours and 10 sixes hit in his knock. He was ably supported by his three team-mates who all contributed scores of 46 or more. Thomas Turner the most able support with a 26-ball 54 to finish the innings off.
Fifteen-year-old Sophia Turner, who has been making local headlines, opened the bowling as Tarleton set about chasing the target. No.3 Paul Higham attempted his own theatrics – he matched Graham’s 17 fours in his 102 but it was all in vain as his side finished their 40 overs on 209 for nine. Read face Lindal Moor in the regional final, who overcame Shireshead & Forton by eight runs.
Hearts of all journalists sank on Sunday as dreams of headlines reading ‘Silverstone in pole position’ or ‘Silverstone race past opposition’ were dashed as the cricket club lost to Barby. Barby posted an imposing 264 for four after good contributions from the batting order. Silverstone were not able to move through the gears in their chase; they were dismissed for 134.
There was a lot of acrimony when these two met in the league last year. No need to rake over that again. The clubs met this time with Carew visiting and batting first. Their 168 was self-described as below par and it was brushed aside by the Cresselly batsmen who lost only one wicket on their way to 171 to beat Carew for the second successive year in the competition.
Cresselly face Bronwydd in the regional final.
Last year’s quarter-finalists Bledlow Village were caught out by Westbury on Sunday after posting 144 on their home track. Having only lost seven wickets in their first two matches they would have expected more, especially after the 413 they blasted past Mursley. It was not an easy ride for Westbury however. Will Woodward took 4-40 to ensure Westbury crossed the line seven wickets down.
Elsewhere…
• Champion-slayers Langleybury moved into the regional final after overcoming Sawbridgeworth by 78 runs.
• Two Counties competitors Worlington and East Bergholt will compete in the Essex & Suffolk regional final
• Liphook & Ripsley made successive regional finals in the Hampshire group
• Robbie Mouland hit 117 from 58 balls as Glynde & Beddingham eased past Newenden. Mouland won GM Performance of the Round for his efforts
The regional finals take place on June 10.
NATIONAL VILLAGE CUP: Catch up with what's happened in previous rounds