Charlbury 2nd 207-9 (45 overs)

Tom Eaton 85

 

Shipton-Under-Wychwood 3rd 132 (39 overs)

Emilia Bartram 4-31

Mark Fitzgerald 3-15

 

Charlbury travelled the short distance to Shipton-Under-Wychwood for their division 8 clash. Charlbury batted first and so Michael and Simon opened the batting. Things did not start well as Michael got an edge early on and was caught by the wicket keeper meaning Tom Eaton had to come to the crease. The wicket taking bowler settled into a reasonable length and line, but the other bowler was not quite as accurate. Tom started quickly hitting a couple of boundary fours to get going. Simon had started slowly, playing defensively when needed and looking for the quick single when he could. Tom was a bit more cautious than his usual self, but if the ball was there to be hit then he smashed it to the boundary. The outfield was quick due to all of the recent warm weather and anything that broke thru the infield flew to the boundary. The fifty mark was brought up when Tom hit a boundary four thru the covers. Charlbury were batting well putting all of the pressure onto the fielding side. A change in the bowling was made as Shipton looked to take a breakthrough wicket. The new bowler started off bowling a reasonable length and line, but as both players began to attack the runs started to come. Then disaster struck as Simon hit out at one, miss-hit the ball and was caught. Andy now entered the fray. The other opening bowler left the attack and a new one entered it. Tom was looking in prime form as he stroked the ball around on both sides of the wicket. Andy started slowly, just trying to make sure Charlbury did not lose another wicket whilst also trying to give Tom the strike. The hundred mark was brought up and Charlbury were looking in control of the innings. Another change in the bowling was made as the first change left the attack and the one opening bowler returned. Then disaster struck as Andy missed one and was bowled. Jon now entered the fray. Tom was still going well and one big hit for six took him to a well deserved fifty. The overs were now starting to run out and so Charlbury began pushing harder for runs. Then disaster struck first Jon hit the ball straight to a fielder and was caught. Next over, Matt, who had just come to the crease was caught when he hit one straight back at the bowler. Abi now joined Tom at the crease. Then a couple of overs later Tom threw the bat at one, edged the ball and was caught for a great 85, leaving Charlbury 135-6.Martyn now came out to bat. The batsmen now just looked to push a few singles and twos, running hard for everything. The score went passed 150 and Charlbury were still looking in control. Another change in the bowling was made as the opening bowler left the attack and a new bowler entered it. The new bowler settled straight into a good length and line. Abi missed one and was bowled and so Nathan had to come to the crease. The other opening bowler now returned to the attack to try and blow away the Charlbury tail. Martyn was looking good as he pushed the ball around for ones and twos, making sure the scoreboard kept on ticking over. Another new bowler entered the attack and Nathan hit the new bowler for four. Only a couple of over left and Nathan hit out at the new bowler, but was caught going for a boundary leaving Charlbury 190-8. Emilia now joined Martyn at the wicket. Both players ran hard and pushed the score over 200. In the last over Emilia missed one and was bowled meaning Mark had to come to the crease. Mark and Martyn saw the innings out and Charlbury finished on 207-9.

 

Emilia and Matt opened the bowling for Charlbury and go them off to a reasonable start. Both bowlers quickly settled into a good length and line and both bowlers started causing problems with some movement and bounce. Emilia was especially tight, giving nothing away. The outfield was still quick and a couple of early boundaries were hit to get the Shipton score moving. Slowly the score moved along, but then Charlbury grabbed their first wicket when one batsman hit out at Emilia, but could only find Martyn who took a great catch. The new batsman hit an early four as Shipton started to try and take the game back to Charlbury. Matt was bowling well, using his extra height to get some bounce out of the pitch. Then Emilia grabbed her second wicket when the new batsman edged the ball and the wicket-keeper took a good catch leaving Shipton 48-2. Matt had now finished his seven over spell and so captain, Andy, now entered the attack. Andy quickly dropped into a good line and length and now, backed up by some great fielding, Charlbury started to really put a squeeze on Shipton. One of the opening batsman was still there and Charlbury would need him out if they were going to make the game easier for themselves. A couple more overs ticked by and the runs were coming albeit slowly and the required rate was rising putting pressure on the batting side. Then Charlbury had a major breakthrough. First Andy wrapped the opening batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW, then next over the other batsman hit out at Emilia, skied the ball and Andy took a fantastic catch. Shipton were now 76-4 and were going to have to start attacking hard if they were to get anything out of the game. The overs ticked by and the score continued to rise slowly. Emilia was looking in great form with the ball and had caused problems for all of the batsmen and before Shipton managed to reach the hundred mark She had her fourth victim. The batsman tried to play an attacking shot, but missed the ball and Emilia had bowled the batsmen. The overs were now starting to run out and so Charlbury made a double change in the bowling with Matt returning to the attack and Mark entering it for the first time. Charlbury were in complete control as both new bowlers dropped into a good length and line. Then Charlbury struck again as a mix-up in the calling saw a direct smash the stumps and one batsman was run out. Then last ball of the over and Mark clean bowled the new batsman. One of the batsmen then just tried hitting out as Shipton tried to pick up a few more batting points. A couple of boundaries were hit and the running became more frenetic. The hitting batsman then tried to hit out at Mark, but he missed the ball and was bowled leaving Shipton 128-8. Matt then wrapped one batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. The game was nearly over and net over it was as Mark clean bowled one batsman and Shipton were all out for 132.

 

A great win for the seconds built on a brilliant innings from Tom and then backed up by some great bowling from Emilia and Mark.

 

Charlbury 2^nd 25 points

 

 

 

Witney Mills 2nd 199-7 (45 overs)

Ellie Norton 3-54

 

Charlbury 2nd 183-8 (45 overs)

Richard Nash 49

 

On a warm day Charlbury travelled the short distance to Witney for their division 8 clash. Charlbury bowled first and so Emilia and Ellie opened the bowling and got Charlbury off to a reasonable start. The outfield was quick due to the recent hot spell and any delivery that broke thru the infield flew to the boundary. A couple of early boundaries were hit, but then Emilia got the first breakthrough as one batsman tried to hit out, skied the ball and Mark took a good catch. Ellie had dropped into a great line and length, getting some movement off of the pitch and causing a few problems for the batsmen. Emilia too was bowling well, getting a bit of bounce as well as some movement off of the pitch. Ellie found the edge of the new batsman’s bat and Nathan did the rest behind the stumps when he took the catch. The new batsman did not cause too many problems for Charlbury as he tried to smash Ellie out of the ground, but could only find Dean who took a great catch in the deep leaving Mills 49-3. The two new batsmen now dug in for a few overs just to make sure no more early wickets fell. Slowly the opening batsman started to play a few more shots, finding a few singles and a couple of boundaries. The new batsman was more attacking and found a couple of fours as the score started to move along. A change in the bowling was made as Dean entered the attack in place of Ellie. Dean quickly dropped into a good line and length and was getting some turn out of the wicket. Charlbury were fielding well, diving all over the place in an attempt to stop the ball reaching the boundary. Emilia was still bowling a great spell and still causing problems for the batsmen, but she just could not get a wicket. The runs continued to come and the hundred mark was passed with still only three wickets down. Mills had set a good platform and now with the overs beginning to run out they would have to attack more if they were to set a defendable target. Emilia finished her great spell of bowling and Mark entered the attack. Now the batsmen started to attack the bowling harder, finding several boundaries and the score started to move along much quicker. Mark was bowling well and getting some turn out of the wicket, but the batsmen now had their eye in and were attacking hard. Then Charlbury got a bonus when a mix-up in the calling saw one batsman stranded half way down the wicket as the ball flew into Nathan who ran him out. Things got even better for Charlbury in the next over as Mark wrapped the new batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. Andy now came into the attack in place of Dean and was straight on the mark from ball one. In his second over Andy grabbed a wicket when the new batsman tried to hit him out of the park, but did not quite catch it and Dean took another catch in the deep. Ellie now re-entered the attack in place of Mark as Charlbury sought to bowl Mills out. The new batsman just looked to push a few singles around to get the set batsman on strike and let him do all the hard work. Only a few overs left and the running was frantic and with a couple of boundaries hit it looked like Mills might reach 200. Ellie had other ideas and clean bowled the new batsman. Mills eventually finished their innings on 199/8.

 

Charlbury would have to bat well if they were to get anywhere near their target and so Richard and Michael opened the batting. The Mills opening bowlers quickly settled into a good length and line and made run scoring awkward for both batsmen. Richard started in his customary fashion, defending the many good deliveries whilst also looking to push a few singles around. Michael was slightly more attacking and found a couple of early boundaries to get the Charlbury score moving along. Richard then found a boundary four, stroking the ball thru the covers. The score was moving along slowly, but Charlbury were just about up with the required rate and if they could keep this up then it would be a close game. Both players stroked the ball around and soon the fifty partnership was brought up, Mills were now getting desperate to take a wicket. A double change in the bowling was made. The change had a quick impact as one delivery from the new bowler wrapped Michael on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. Robert now strode to the crease. Robert looked confident from the off and decided to attack one of the new bowlers, finding a couple of early boundaries. Richard too found a boundary four as the score now started to accelerate. Both players attacked one of the new bowlers so much that he was taken out of the attack and a new bowler entered it as Mills tried to stem the flow of runs. Robert was looking in good form as he stroked the ball around and with Richard being a good foil Charlbury looked in good shape. Then disaster struck as Robert hit out at one too many and hit the ball straight to a fielder and was caught for a good 22. Andy now came to the crease. Andy played a bit more conservatory, just pushing a few singles and twos around, but still keeping Charlbury’s run rate up. Richard was looking better and better the longer he batted and hit another boundary to bring up the hundred mark. Just as it looked like Richard would make it to a well deserved fifty he missed the ball and was bowled for a good 49. Dean now joined his captain at the wicket. Both batsmen just looked to push the ball around and keep Charlbury in touch with the required rate, which was staring to rise as the overs began to run out. Dean hit a couple of boundary fours straight back passed the bowler as Charlbury tried to stay in the game. Then Dean missed one and was bowled meaning Neil had to enter the fray. Charlbury were now trying to make sure they did not lose the game before trying to win it. Both batsmen stroked the ball around and ran hard for every run, but by now the boundaries had started to dry up. One of the opening bowlers now re-entered the attack as Mills tried to go for the win. With the required rate rising Charlbury started to take some chances with their running and this led to Andy’s downfall as a direct hit saw him just short of his ground and run out for 22. Martin now came to the crease and continued to hard running. Charlbury were getting closer and closer to victory, but the overs were running out quickly. Martin tried to hit out at the opening bowler, missed the ball and was bowled. Nathan now came to the crease, but was not there too long as a quick run was called, but some quick fielding saw the ball thrown in and Nathan run out leaving Charlbury 170-7. Emilia now came to the crease. Charlbury were now looking at the draw as the required rate rose dramatically. With only a couple of over to go Emilia was caught when she hit the ball straight to a fielder meaning Mark had to come to the crease. Neil and Mark batted out the last few ball for a draw as Charlbury finished on 183-8.

 

Charlbury 2nd 14 points

 

Challow 3rd 248-8 (45 overs)

Matt Doran 3-50

Emilia Bartram 4-61

 

Charlbury 2nd 164-7 (45 overs)

Robert Jenkins 35

Andy Glass 54

 

A top of the table clash saw Charlbury entertain Challow. Charlbury won the toss and elected to bowl first. Liam and Matt opened the bowling for Charlbury and got them off to a good start. Liam bowled a great length and line from ball one, getting the ball to move around a bit off the pitch and causing lots of early problems. Matt too bowled a great line and length, getting some bounce off of the hard wicket. The outfield was fast and so any shot that broke the infield would shoot away to the boundary for four. Liam was getting the batsmen to play and miss at many deliveries, but just could not find the edge. Matt made the breakthru when he clean bowled one batsman, then in his next over he clean bowled the new batsman to leave Challow 28-2. Charlbury would need to keep taking wickets if they were to keep the Challow score down. The batsmen now started to try and attack slightly more and found another couple of boundaries. All the batsmen were running hard for their runs in order to maximise every shot. In his last over of his spell Matt grabbed his third victim of the day when he clean bowled the new batsman. Charlbury were going to need to get the opening Challow batsman out if they were to keep the score down and despite Liam getting him to play and miss quite a bit the batsman had not given a chance. Dean now replaced Matt in the attack. The batsmen sensed their chance to attack and started to go after Dean, trying not to let him settle. The runs now started to come at a much quicker rate and with the quick outfield in was tough chasing the ball around in the outfield. Liam finished his great spell and so Ellie entered the attack as Charlbury sought to get the wicket that could slow things down. The batsmen continued to attack and so Dean left the attack and debutant Emilia entered it. Ellie was bowling a great spell, getting a bit of movement off of the pitch, but also bowling a great line and length. Emilia started slowly, just trying to find a good length and line and not to give away many runs. The score had passed the hundred mark and the new batsman was attacking hard, finding a couple of boundaries and running hard. Then Charlbury got the wicket. The new batsman decided to try and attack Ellie and threw the bat at one of her deliveries, but he did not quite get hold of it and Dean took a wonderful catch on the boundary, Charlbury were back in the game. The new batsman went on the attack from ball one, thrashing a couple of fours early in his innings. The overs were now starting to run out and so the batsmen were looking to set a big total after their good start. Emilia then grabbed her first wicket when the new batsman hit the ball high into the air and Richard caught it. Things got even better for Charlbury next ball as Emilia wrapped the new batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW leaving Challow 149-6. The opening batsman was still there and now he started to take charge, constantly running hard and finding a couple of fours. Ellie left the attack and Matt re-entered it as Charlbury sought to bowl Challow out. Emilia then grabbed her third victim when she found the edge and wicket-keeper Neil took the catch. Charlbury were fielding well, diving all over the place, but they just could not stop the runs from coming. Emilia got her fourth victim when Matt took a good catch from a miss-timed shot. The opening batsman then really went for it in the last few overs taking Challow well over the 200 mark and try and Charlbury could they could not get another wicket as Challow finished their innings on an imposing 248-8.

 

Charlbury would have to bat really well if they were to get anywhere near their target. Michael and Richard opened the batting, but it did not go well. Early on Michael miss-hit one and the ball flew high into the air, the wicket-keeper got under it and took the catch. Robert now entered the fray. Richard just looked to bat in his normal way, defending the good stuff and looking for a single whenever he could. Robert played a more attacking role and hit a couple of early boundaries thru the covers. Slowly the runs started to come as both players started to attack more. Robert started to attack a bit harder and found another couple of boundaries and with Richard also finding one the score went passed 50. Charlbury were setting a good platform from where they could attack their target. A double change in the bowling was made. The new bowlers quickly settled into a good length and line and suddenly run scoring became more difficult. One bowler in particular was hard to score from and so both batsman concentrated on trying to score runs from the other end. Then disaster struck as Robert miss-hit one and was caught for a good 35. The captain, Andy, now arrived at the crease. Two overs later things got even worse for Charlbury as Richard missed one and was bowled for 25. Dean now joined his captain at the wicket. Charlbury only needed a draw to maintain their lead at the top of the table and so did not need to go hard at their target. Andy was looking good, keeping the many good deliveries out, but also always on the lookout for a single. Then disaster struck as Dean missed one and was bowled meaning Jon had to come to the wicket. Jon was quickly off and going with a boundary four. Andy cut a couple of deliveries to the boundary for four. Jon then attacked again, but this time he miss-hit the ball and it flew high into the air and the catch was taken leaving Charlbury 94-5 as Neil joined his captain at the crease. Both batsmen now just looked to bat time as the required rate was going up and half the team was out, better a draw than a defeat. Both batsmen played defensively, but were always on the lookout for a single. A double change in the bowling was made as Challow sought to get more wickets and this let Andy attack more. Andy smashed a couple more fours to get the score moving along. The overs were now starting to run out and Charlbury were not going to win so it was about how many points they could get. The two new bowlers were quickly removed from the attack as their attempt to buy a wicket had not come off and so both opening bowlers returned. Andy attacked and found the extra pace to his liking hitting more boundaries. A quick single saw Andy reach a well deserved fifty. Then disaster struck as Andy hit one straight to a fielder and was caught for a great 54. Emilia now came to the crease. Neil was still batting well, making sure he did not get out and by taking the bulk of the strike making sure Charlbury did not lose. Emilia edged a delivery to the boundary for four, but when she missed one she was bowled. Liam now came to the crease and hit an early four. Neil made sure there were no more dramas in the innings as he led Charlbury to 164-8 and the draw.

 

Charlbury 2nd 12 points

Charlbury 2nd 190-7 (45 overs)

Andy Glass 77 not out

 

Oxford Downs 3rd 181 (43 overs)

Matt Doran 5-44

Ellie Norton 3-54

 

On a hot day Charlbury batted first and so Richard and Michael opened the batting and got Charlbury off to a good start. Both batsmen started slowly in the first few overs as they just tried to get themselves in. Richard started cautiously, looking to defend the many good deliveries, but also looking for the single when he could. Michael attacked slightly more and found a couple of boundaries to get the score moving along. After eight overs a change in the bowling was made from one end. Both batsmen were looking comfortable, pushing singles and twos around to keep the scoreboard moving along. Then disaster struck as Michael miss-hit one and was caught. Matt Lyver now entered the fray. Richard was looking good at the crease and managed to find a boundary four. Next over Richard edged one and was caught meaning the captain, Andy had to enter the fray. Both batsmen now just looked to push a few singles around to keep the scoreboard ticking over whilst also trying to make sure Charlbury did not lose any more quick wickets. Downs were bowling well and with their fielders backing the bowlers up it was not going to be easy to score runs. Matt was looking confident at the wicket, defending anything on the stumps, but looking to attack anything else. Andy too was batting well, always looking for the single, but also hitting a couple of boundary fours. A change in the bowling was made from one end, but the new bowler did not settle as Matt decided to go on the attack. Matt hit a couple of fours off of the new bowler’s first over and then Andy hit a couple of off his second to get the score moving. The new bowler was quickly replaced by another new bowler. The new bowler dropped onto a much better length and line. Matt tried to attack the new bowler, but could only hit the ball straight to a fielder and was caught for a good 28. Then disaster struck as first new batsman Matt Doran was bowled and then before the end of the over his replacement, Neil was caught by the wicket-keeper. Nathan now came to the wicket as another change in the bowling was made. Nathan now entered the fray. Andy was still batting well and found another couple of fours. Nathan hit a boundary, but shortly afterwards he was caught and Charlbury were six wickets down as Paul Jenkins strode to the crease. Paul just looked to give Andy the strike and let him score the bulk of the runs. The overs were ticking by and the hundred mark had been passed. Andy was looking better and better with every over that went by. Both batsmen were running hard for every run. Andy hit another four and reached a well deserved fifty. The score had now moved along, but then Paul was hit and decided he needed to go off and so he retired hurt. The overs were now running out fast as Liam came to join his captain at the crease. Andy took the bulk of the strike and pushed hard for home so that Charlbury could set a defendable target. A change in the bowling was made as the first change bowler re-entered the attack. Liam hit a four off of the new bowler, but in trying to repeat the feat he was caught. Ian now came to the crease for the final few overs and Charlbury eventually finished on 190-8.

 

Charlbury would have to bowl well if they were to win the game and so Matt Doran and Liam opened the bowling. Liam started off well, bowling a good length and line and getting some movement off of the pitch. Matt too was bowling well, getting some bounce on the hard wicket. Both bowlers settled quickly and put some pressure onto the batsmen. One batsman hit a boundary four, but next over Matt got him when he found a way thru his defences and bowled him. Charlbury were fielding well, diving around trying to stop the ball going to the boundary on the fast outfield. Matt then clean bowled the new batsman and then in his next over he clean bowled his replacement as well. Charlbury were in charge with three early wickets and now it was time to keep the pressure on. A change in the bowling was made as Matt finished his seven over spell and was replaced by Paul. Paul as still feeling the effects of his earlier retirement and did not bowl for long and so a double change was made as Ellie and Andy entered the attack. Both bowlers quickly dropped into a great line and length and started to cause the batsmen a few problems. Downs were slightly behind where they needed to be and so would have to start attacking if they were to get close. One batsman started to hit out and found a couple of boundaries to start the fightback. The batsman tried one shot too many and Andy had his man when he clean bowled him. The opening batsman was still there and Charlbury would need him out if they were to win the game. Then Ellie grabbed a wicket when she clean bowled the new batsman, Charlbury were still in the game. The batsmen continued to attack and it was starting to look like Charlbury would have to bowl Downs out if they were to win the game. The overs were running out and Downs were getting closer to victory. Then Charlbury got the wicket they wanted when Ellie had the opening batsman caught. Six wickets down and Charlbury seemed to be wrestling control back, but the Downs batsman had other ideas and continued to attack. Andy left the attack and Matt re-entered it. Ellie then had another batsman caught and Charlbury thought they were finally in charge. Matt then picked up two quick wickets. First he had a batsman caught and then in his next over he clean bowled the new batsman. The last two batsmen at the crease and still plenty of runs required, but still Downs fought back. The runs continued to come and with a fast outfield a few boundaries were hit. The score was getting closer and closer and Charlbury now started to worry as Downs started to believe they could win. Matt finished his second spell and so Liam re-entered the attack. Ten runs needed for victory and still a couple of overs left so it was all to play for. Then the last man tried to play a big shot, missed the ball and Liam bowled meaning Charlbury won by nine runs.

 

A great win for the seconds built on a fabulous innings from Andy and then Ellie and Matt took the wickets to win the game – well played lads and ladies.

 

Charlbury 2nd 25 points

Long Marston 3rd 225-7 (45overs)

Matt Doran 3-44

Ellie Norton 4-57

 

Charlbury 2nd 226-2 (39.4 overs)

Michael Rae 102 not out

Robert Jenkins 46

Simon Smith 49

 

Charlbury won the toss and on a hot day they decided to field first. The annual Charlbury Beer Festival was on the main pitch and so the second team had to play their game on the nursery ground. Matt and Ellie opened the bowling for Charlbury. Both bowlers quickly settled into a good line and length and started to cause a few problems for the batsmen. The nursery pitch is much smaller than the main pitch and so any deliveries that broke thru the inner circle shot off for four. Ellie was bowling well, getting a bit of movement of the pitch and causing a few problems for the batsmen. Matt too was bowling a good spell, getting a bit of bounce and movement. The overs ticked by and Charlbury could not get a wicket. Charlbury had started the game one short and when the last man arrived they finally had a full complement and could block one hole in the field. As the overs went by the batsmen grew in confidence and started to play a few more shots. Charlbury were fielding well, making several diving stops to back their bowlers up. Matt came out of the attack and Mark entered it as Charlbury sought the breakthrough wicket. The runs continued to come and one batsman in particular was scoring heavily, Charlbury would need him out if they were to keep Marston to a gettable target. A double change in the bowling was then made as Ellie and Mark left the attack and Josh and Liam entered it. Both bowlers settled into good lines and lengths, but by now the batsmen had their eye in and so only took a couple of overs just to see what the new bowlers were like before they started to try and attack them. Liam started well, getting the ball to nip off the seam a bit and causing a problem or two at the start. Josh too bowled well, getting the ball to swing around in the sultry conditions. The hundred mark had been passed and still no wicket, Charlbury were getting desperate. The batsmen were both now starting to play a few more shots and the score was starting to mount quickly, it looked like Charlbury might have to chase a big score. 30 overs in and still no wicket down and the score was now starting to go towards the 200 mark. Another change in the bowling was then made as Ellie returned to the attack in place of Liam. In her first over back Ellie got the breakthrough when she clean bowled one batsman. Next ball the new batsman hit the ball straight to Neil and he took a catch. Then last ball of the over things got even better for Charlbury as Ellie found the edge of the bat and wicket-keeper Adam caught the new batsman out leaving Long Marston 171-3. Ellie had dropped into a great line and length and now all of the batsmen were struggling to lay a bat on her. Matt now re-entered the attack in place of Josh. His first over was a good one too when he clean bowled the new batsman. Charlbury were now right back in the game and with the overs running out Marston had to keep trying to press hard. The opening batsman was still there and Charlbury would need to get him out if they were to win the game. A couple of overs ticked by and the batsmen again seemed to be getting the upper hand, but then Charlbury got the wicket they wanted most. The opening batsman tried to hit out at Ellie, but did not catch it right and the ball flew high in the air, Liam came round and got underneath it and took a great catch. The 200 mark was now reached as the new batsman hit a couple of fours, but when Matt bowled his quicker one he found a way thru his defences and the batsman was bowled. Only a couple of overs left and the batsmen were running for everything and throwing the bat in order to try and pick up a few boundaries. Matt clean bowled another batsman to pick up his third victim of the day as Long Marston finished on 225-7.

 

Charlbury were going to have to bat well if they were to reach their target. Michael and Robert opened the batting for Charlbury and got them off to a brisk start. One of the bowlers settled into a good line and length and made run scoring hard, but the other did not settle at all. Robert took a liking to one bowler and flayed him for several boundaries and with a few wides thrown in as well the score started to race along. Robert was playing the more attacking role, throwing the bat and finding a few boundaries. Michael was playing a more defensive role, keeping out the good deliveries, but also making sure he got himself in. Robert crashed one delivery for six and so this prompted an early change in the bowling. The new bowler settled quicker than the previous, but Robert still thrashed an early delivery over the boundary for six. The fifty mark had been reached and in quick time, Marston were already looking desperate for a wicket to try and take back some control of the game. Then disaster struck as Robert tried to hit out at one delivery from the new bowler, miss-hit it and was caught for a quick fire 46. Simon now strode to the crease. Both batsmen now contented themselves with pushing a few singles and the odd two around as Charlbury were well ahead of the required rate. Michael was slowly getting into form and managed to stroke a couple of deliveries to the boundary for four. Simon started confidently, hitting one early delivery to the boundary to get himself going and also pushing runs on both sides of the wicket. Both the Marston bowlers had by now settled into good lines and lengths and Charlbury were finding it slightly harder to score runs. Then a double change in the bowling was made as Marston sought to get the breakthrough wicket. Charlbury took this as a time to start accelerating the innings and Michael in particular hit a few boundaries to ensure the score started to move quickly. The hundred mark had been reached and only one wicket down and plenty of overs left. Both batsmen were running hard, pushing the ball around on both sides of the wicket and looking for the quick single. Simon hit of back to back fours to ensure the score started to race along. Michael then pushed a quick single to reach a well deserved fifty. The 150 mark had now been reached and still with fifteen overs to go and so Marston again changed their bowling around as they desperately searched to break this blossoming partnership. Two new bowlers entered the attack, but neither batsman gave them any time to settle attacking right from the off. Simon was looking in top form now as he stroked the ball around and looked destined to reach his fifty. Then disaster struck. Another change in the bowling was made and in the new bowler’s first over he had Simon caught for a great 49. Josh now came to the wicket with the score 191-2 and still many overs left. Michael now took control smashing the ball to all parts and running hard for every run. Josh just looked to give Michael the strike as he pushed a few singles around. One bowler came out of the attack and the expensive opening bowler returned to it. Six needed for victory and Michael launched him back over his head and out of the ground to not only bring up victory, but also his own century on debut for the seconds.

 

A great win for the seconds built on great bowling displays from Matt and Ellie and then Robert and Simon batted around Michael who completed a fine century – well played lads and lasses.

 

Charlbury 2nd 25 points

 

Brackley 2nd 172 (44.1 overs)

Matt Doran 3-25

Ellie Norton 3-46

 

Charlbury 2nd 154 (37.2 overs)

Charlie Sinton 54

Simon Smith 30

 

On a hot day Charlbury travelled to Brackley for their division 8 clash and bowled first. Matt and Paul opened the bowling for Charlbury. Both bowlers quickly dropped into a good length and line. A couple of boundaries were hit by one batsman early on to get the scoreboard moving. A double change in the bowling was then made as Ellie and Andy entered the attack as Charlbury looked for the breakthrough wicket. The batsmen had settled quickly and were on the constant lookout for the quick single as well as finding a couple more boundaries. The overs ticked by and Charlbury were starting to get desperate for a wicket. Ellie was bowling a great spell, getting the ball to move around a bit and causing the batsmen some problems. Andy too was bowling a good spell and made the batsmen play and miss a couple of times. Andy then left the attack and so Charlie decided to bring himself on to bowl some leg-spin. Charlie dropped into a good length and line from the off, getting the ball to turn and bounce, but still no wickets. The batsmen were growing in confidence and they were starting to play a few more shots, especially one of the batsmen who was playing a more attacking role. Finally Charlbury got a wicket when one batsman tried to attack Charlie, but hit the ball up into the air and debutant Simon Smith took a good catch. Ellie had been bowling well, but she now made way for Mark in the attack. The batsmen saw their chance with two spinners on and started to attack more and the runs now started tom come a bit quicker. Charlbury were fielding well and backing their bowlers up by making several diving stops. Mark then left the attack and Ellie re-entered it. This proved a good move as Ellie grabbed a wicket when she found the edge of the bat and the catch was taken. Charlie was still bowling well and causing problems for all the batsmen. A couple of overs later things got even better for Charlbury when Ellie managed to get her second victim, also courtesy of a good catch. Next over Charlbury were right back in the game as Charlie clean bowled the new batsman. Brackley were now four wickets down and the game was finely placed. Charlie now left the attack and Andy re-entered it as Charlbury looked to go for the kill. The new batsman hit Andy to the boundary for four, but before the over’s end Andy had his revenge when he wrapped the batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. The overs were now beginning to run out and this is when Charlbury got the wicket they wanted. In her last over before finishing her spell Ellie managed to bowl the opening batsman. Matt now re-entered the attack as Charlbury looked to bowl ten man Brackley out. The overs just ticked by now as the batsmen just looked to push a few singles around and bat their overs out to see how many they could amass. Matt then found a way thru one batsman’s defences and clean bowled him. Charlbury were now in a good position and looking to end the Brackley innings early. Matt then managed to clean bowl the new batsman leaving the last two at the crease. Brackley nearly managed to bat their 45 overs out, but Matt had other ideas and clean bowled one batsman to pick up his third victim and leave Brackley 172 all out.

 

Charlbury would need to bat well if they were to win the game. Charlie and Simon opened the batting and got Charlbury off to a great start. Both batsmen started off slowly, just seeing what the opening bowlers did and making sure they did not get out. Charlie hit the first boundary when he smashed one delivery thru the covers and then in the next over Simon hit his first boundary, driving the ball back passed the bowler for four. Both batsmen were looking for the quick single and the score started to mount. Charlbury were up and over the required rate and if they could keep this up then they were in with a great chance of winning. The fifty partnership was put up and no wickets down, Brackley were going to have to do something if they were to get back into the game. A change in the bowling was made and then a couple of overs later the other opening bowler left the attack. Two slow bowlers had now entered the attack and this started to slow the run rate down. Charlie was batting really well, stroking the ball around on both sides of the wicket. Simon too was batting well, keeping the good balls out, but also on a constant lookout for a quick single. Then disaster struck as Simon played one shot too many, missed th ball and was bowled. Tom Eaton now joined his captain at the wicket. Tom attacked one of the slow bowlers from the off and found a couple of early boundary fours. Charlie also began attacking this bowler and the score continued to mount at a good rate. Charlie hit another boundary four and brought up a well deserved fifty. Then disaster struck as Charlie miss-hit one and the ball flew up into the air and he was caught for a great 54. Matt now entered the fray. Tom was still looking good as he stroked the ball around. Matt hit a four, but soon afterwards hit one straight at a fielder and was caught meaning Paul had to come to the crease. Brackley were slowly getting back into the game as the run rate began to slow slightly. Paul hit a four, but as then bowled in the next over. Martin now came to the crease with Charlbury four wickets down. Charlbury still had plenty of time to score the runs, but seemed to want to do it too quickly. Tom hit out at one, but just succeeded in hitting the ball straight back to the bowler who took the catch. Andy now came to the crease. Martin hit a couple of fours off of one bowler and so he was replaced in the attack by another slow bowler. Andy had hurt himself whilst fielding and struggled with the bat and when he was wrapped on the pads he was given out adjudged LBW. Mark came to the crease, but was not there too long as he was clean bowled. Ian now joined Martin at the wicket. Charlbury only needed just over twenty runs to win with more than enough overs to get them. Martin hit out at one, but hit the ball straight to a fielder and was caught. Nathan now came to the wicket. Nathan quickly hit out at one delivery, skied the ball and was caught meaning Ellie had to come to the crease. Ellie and Ian saw off a couple of overs and picked up a couple of runs, but when Ian was caught Charlbury were all out for 154.

 

Charlbury 2nd 13 points

 

Charlbury 2nd 214-9 dec (44.3 overs)

Tom Harris 45

Charlie Sinton 40

 

Abingdon Vale 3rd 140 (35.3 overs)

Matt Doran 3-33

Ellie Norton 4-41

 

Abingdon Vale won the toss and so Charlbury were asked to bat first. Tom Harris and Andy opened the batting and got Charlbury off to a good start. Tom started well, hitting a couple of early boundaries and kept on making sure the scoreboard moving ticking over. Andy started off more defensively, keeping out the good deliveries whilst also looking to push a few singles around. The Abingdon bowlers took a couple of overs to find their lengths and lines, but slowly they managed to settle down. Tom was by far the more aggressive batsman as he played his shots on both sides of the wicket, finding another boundary. The runs were coming at a good rate and Charlbury needed to maintain the pressure on the fielding side. The fifty mark was reached without either batsman looking in too many problems so Abingdon decided to make a double change in the bowling as they began to get desperate for the breakthrough wicket. Tom attacked one of the new bowlers from the off and with Andy also finding a boundary the score started to move along. Then disaster struck as Andy hit out at one delivery, but the ball flew straight to a fielder and he was caught. Charlie now entered the fray. One bowler had settled well, but the other not so much. Charlie started well, pushing a few quick singles around to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Another change in the bowling was made as a new bowler entered the attack as Abingdon looked to stem the flow of runs. Then disaster struck as Tom missed one delivery and he was bowled for a great 45. Robert now joined his captain at the crease. Robert was quickly off the mark with a boundary four, but then next over he too missed one and was bowled leaving Charlbury 89-3. Neil now strode to the crease. Abingdon were changing their bowling around as they kept searching for wickets and so one of the opening bowlers now re-entered the attack. Charlie was looking in good form as he stroked the ball around, pushing a few ones and twos and also the odd boundary. Neil was just looking to stay there and give Charlie the strike. Then just after the hundred mark had been reached Neil was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW. Rob now came to the wicket and was quickly off the mark with a single. As the overs now began to run out another change of bowling was made as the other opening bowler re-entered the attack. Charlbury were pushing on hard now for runs, running hard for every single to see if they could turn it into a two. Rob hit a couple of boundary fours thru the covers. Charlie then hit one in the air and was caught for a great 40. Matt now came to the crease. Both batsmen now threw the bat at just about everything as they tried to push Charlbury to a defendable score. The score raced passed 150, but then Rob played one shot too many and he was caught. Paul now joined Matt at the crease. Paul started quickly with a boundary four. Matt was looking good as he pushed the ball around for a few singles and with a few extras as well the score started to rise quickly towards 200. Another change in the bowling was made as the second change bowler replaced one of the opening bowlers. Paul was then wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW and Charlbury had lost their seventh wicket. Ian came to the crease. Next over Matt hit out at one, but skied the ball and was caught and so Mark joined Ian at the wicket. Both batsmen now ran hard for every run in the closing couple of overs. Mark managed to launch one shot over the infield and it flew away to the boundary for four. Shortly afterwards Ian called for a two, but Mark was not quite quick enough to make his ground and so was run out and Charlbury declared on 214-9.

 

Charlbury opened the bowling with Paul and Matt and they got Charlbury off to a great start. In only his second over Paul found the edge of the bat and Andy took the catch in the slips. The new batsman decided to play a defensive innings, defending the many good deliveries being bowled and just looking for the odd single. The other opening batsman began to try and attack the bowling and he found a couple of early boundaries to get the Abingdon score moving along. A change in the bowling was then made as Paul left the attack and Ellie entered it. Matt was bowling a good line and length, getting the batsmen to play and miss at several deliveries. Ellie dropped straight into a great line and length from the off and with a little bit of movement off the pitch she was starting to cause some problems. The run rate started to slow a bit as both bowlers started to bowl well and with some great fielding backing up the bowlers Charlbury were in control. Then Ellie got the breakthrough as she clean bowled one batsman. Things got even better for Charlbury a couple of overs later when Ellie again clean bowled the new batsman to leave Abingdon 48-3. Matt had now finished his great spell and so Mark entered the attack. Mark quickly dropped into his usual line and length and continued to put all of the pressure onto the batsmen. Then Charlbury got a bonus as Ellie clean bowled the opening batsman, who had scored most of the runs. A few overs ticked by and Abingdon were now falling behind the required rate, but Charlbury were desperate for more wickets to secure a victory. Mark came out of the attack and Paul re-entered it as Charlbury continued to put pressure on the batsmen. Ellie was bowling a magnificent spell, causing problems for all of the batsmen with her guile and swing. Paul was hit for a boundary, but got his revenge later in the over when the batsman tried to hit him again, missed the ball and was bowled. The batsmen now tried to get back in the game and hit a couple of boundaries and started to run harder for every run. The hundred mark was reached and still only five wickets down and the overs were beginning to run out. Paul left the attack and Andy entered it. Then Ellie got the breakthrough when the set batsman tried to hit out, but could only find Robert and he gratefully took the catch, Charlbury were once again in control. Ellie now left the attack and Charlie came on for a bowl. Andy then got amongst the wickets when he clean bowled one batsman leaving Abingdon 116-7. Matt then came on to replace Charlie as Charlbury looked to finish off the innings. Ellie then re-entered the attack. Charlbury were in total control and even more so when one batsman tried to hit out at Matt, but hit the ball into the air and Mark took the catch. In his next over Matt clean bowled the new batsman as Charlbury raced towards victory. One wicket left and still plenty of overs to bat. The last two batsmen put on a few runs, but when Matt clean bowled him the game was over leaving Abingdon all out for 140 and Charlbury the victors.

 

A great win for the seconds built on two great innings from Tom and Charlie and then some excellent bowling from Ellie and Matt to finish the game off – well played lads and lasses.

 

Charlbury 2nd 25 points

 

Shipton-Under-Wychwood 3^rd 39 (26.4 overs)

Andy Glass 4-21

Mark Fitzgerald 5-11

 

Charlbury 2^nd 41-4 (12 overs)

 

On a hot day Charlbury entertained local rivals Shipton-Under-Wychwood. After heavy rain on Thursday the wicket was still a bit damp and so Shipton batted first. Matt Doran and Andy opened the bowling and got Charlbury off to a great start. First ball of the match and Matt clean bowled the opening batsman. Andy quickly settled into a great line and length and with a bit of movement off of the pitch he started to cause all sorts of problems for the batsmen. Matt was also bowling well, getting the ball to nip around a bit and using his pace to rush the batsmen. The batsmen were finding run scoring very difficult and with some excellent fielding backing the bowlers up Charlbury were in control. One batsman tried to hit out and found a couple of boundaries. Then Andy wrapped one batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. Matt now came out of the attack and slow bowler Mark entered it. The Shipton team were a fairly young side and so Charlbury brought on Mark to try and tease them out with his variations of spin. A couple of overs passed by with not a run being scored, but them Andy grabbed the third wicket of the game when the batsman lobbed the ball back at him and he gratefully took the return catch. Mark had dropped into a great line and length and with a little bit of movement off of the pitch he was causing lots of problems for all of the batsmen. The new batsman managed to find a way thru the inner ring of fielders and the ball made its way to the boundary for four a couple of times. The new batsman then took a step down the wicket to try and hit Mark out of the park, but he missed the ball and quick as a flash wicket-keeper Abi collected the ball, whipped the bails off and stumped him. The score was hardly moving at all as Andy bowled maiden after maiden. In Mark’s next over he wrapped the new batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW, leaving Shipton 34-5. Things got even better for Charlbury in the next over as Andy grabbed another victim by clean bowling him. Charlbury were now in complete control and were just trying to bowl Shipton out as quickly as possible. Then Mark bowled a decisive over. First he had one batsman caught when he tried to hit out, skied the ball and Rob took a great catch and then next ball he clean bowled the new batsman to leave the Shipton innings in disarray. The batsmen were now just looking to see how long they could bat and were playing very defensively, only pushing the odd single around. Andy then grabbed his fourth victim of the innings when he clean bowled one batsman. The end was not long in coming as when one batsman tried to hit out at Mark the ball flew in the air straight to Charlie who took a good catch to give Mark his fifth wicket and to leave Shipton all out for 39.

 

Charlbury were going to have to bat well to get the runs as the pitch was still difficult to bat on. New batsman Tom Harris and Neil opened the batting for Charlbury. Things got off to a poor start as first ball Thom mis-hit the ball straight back to the bowler and was caught. Ben now strode to the wicket. Ben has now picked up a bat in nearly two years, but from the off he looked in good form. Ben hit a couple of early boundary fours to get the scoreboard moving along. Then disaster struck as Neil missed one and was bowled leaving Charlbury 10-2. Martin now joined Ben at the crease. The wicket was tough to bat on and both of the Shipton bowlers had dropped into a good line and length and were causing lost of problems. Ben hit another couple of boundaries as the score started to get closer and closer to the victory mark. After eight overs Shipton decided to change the bowling around. Martin hit out at one from the new bowler, but the ball flew straight to a fielder and was caught. Rob now came to the crease, but was not there long as one kept a bit low in the next over and he was bowled. Andy now joined Ben at the crease with nine runs still needed for victory. Both batsmen pushed a couple of singles around and with some hard running the game was nearly over. When Ben hammered his fifth boundary four of the innings Charlbury had reached their target and won by six wickets.

 

A great win for the seconds built on a brilliant bowling display from Andy and Mark and the Ben’s hard-hitting finished the game off – well played lads and lasses.

 

Charlbury 2^nd 25 points

 

Charlbury 197-2 declared (39 overs)

Charlie Sinton 70

Matt Lyver 41 not out

 

Cublington 2nd 91 (37 overs)

Matt Doran 3-16

Matt Lyver 4-26

 

Charlbury travelled to second place Cublington for their division eight clash. Charlbury batted first and so Paul and Ajit opened the batting and got Charlbury off to a good start. Both batsmen just looked to see what the bowling was like in the first couple of overs. Ajit quickly settled into his usual style, defending the good deliveries while looking to push ones and twos whenever possible. Paul started off slowly, but became the more attacking batsmen and found a couple of early boundary fours. Slowly the score started to increase as Paul attacked the ball more and backed up with some quick running from Ajit. Ajit then played a late cut which sent the ball to the boundary for four. Paul was looking good as he stroked the ball around on both sides of the wicket. Then disaster struck as Paul was hit by the ball and after a few minutes decided to retire hurt and so Charlie now entered the fray. At the same time Cublington changed the bowling around from one end. The new bowler quickly dropped into a good line and length and started to make scoring slightly more difficult. The opening bowler too had settled down by now and was bowling a better line and length. Charlie started slowly, just looking to push a few singles around to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Then disaster struck as the new bowler found the edge of Ajit’s bat and the catch was taken in the slips. Matt now entered the fray. After twenty overs another change in the bowling was made as the new bowler left the attack and a new bowler entered it. Both batsmen gave themselves a couple of overs to look at the bowling and make sure Charlbury did not lose any more quick wickets. Charlie hit another couple of boundaries to keep the score moving along. After thirty overs Cublington had to change their bowling around as the opening bowler had finished his allotted fifteen over spell and so a new bowler entered the attack. With the overs now starting to run out both batsmen started to attack harder. Both batsmen ran hard for every run and with a couple of boundaries hit the score started to rise quickly. The overs were by now starting to run out so Charlbury had to push hard if they were to set a defendable target. Charlie hit a massive six and followed it up with another boundary. Matt too now started to hit out and found a couple of boundaries. The score was rising quickly now and Cublington did not seem able to slow the rate down. Both batsmen targeted the new bowler and found several boundaries off of him. Then disaster struck as Charlie, going for a big shot, missed the ball and was bowled for a good 70. Andy now entered the fray. Andy just looked to give Matt the strike and let him hammer the ball around. The score was rising quickly, but then the shout came from the captain that he was going to declare. A couple more big shots were played and Matt hit another boundary as Charlbury declared on 197-2.

 

Charlbury now had an extra six overs in which to bowl Cublington out. Matt Doran and Andy opened the bowling. The Cublington batsmen took their time in the first few overs, but then one hit out and hit a couple of boundaries. A quick change in the bowling was made as Matt Lyver replaced Andy in the attack. Then Charlbury got the breakthru when Matt Doran had one opener caught after finding the edge of the bat. A couple of overs later and things got even better for Charlbury as Matt Doran had the new batsman caught and Cublington were two wickets down. Charlbury were bowling really well with Matt Doran settling into a fantastic line and length and Matt Lyver causing some problems with his extra bounce. the new batsman tried attacking and found a couple of boundaries and with a few singles from the opening batsman the score started to rise. Cublington were going to have to bat well if they were going to get anywhere near their target after the start they had made. Matt Lyver then got amongst the wickets when he clean bowled the opening batsman. Matt then came out of the attack and was replaced by Ellie. Matt Doran was still bowling a fantastic line and length and was causing real problems for all of the batsmen. Ellie was her normal accurate self, giving the batsmen nothing to play at and as always bowling an immaculate line and length. The runs now dried up a bit as Charlbury took complete control. The overs ticked by with only the only single or two coming. Finally Matt got his third victim when he clean bowled the new batsman. The new batsman was not there too long as he tried to hit one of Ellie’s deliveries, but was caught by Liam. Matt Doran then finished his great spell and so Matt Lyver re-entered the attack. One batsman was leading the fightback and was using many deliveries up as he tried to help Cublington to a draw. The overs ticked by with the score not moving much, but then Matt got the breakthru when he bowled one batsman. The new batsman got a couple of runs, but when Ellie got him caught Cublington were seven wickets down. Liam now replaced Ellie in the attack. Matt was bowling a fantastic spell, but came out of the attack and Charlie brought himself on as Charlbury looked to take the last couple of wickets. Liam bowled well, quickly settling into a good line and length and making run scoring difficult. Slowly the score started to rise as a couple of boundaries were hit. Then Liam got amongst the wickets as he clean bowled one batsman. The new batsman played a few shots and hit a couple of boundaries as Cublington looked to try and get back into the game. A double change in the bowling was made as Matt Lyver and Paul came into the attack. A few more runs followed, but the end was not long in coming as first Matt caught and bowled the new batsman and then before then end of the over he clean bowled the last man and Cublington were all out for 91.

 

A great win for the 2nds built on a great innings from Charlie backed up by Matt and then the two Matts tore thru the Cublington innings to see Charlbury to victory – well played lads and lasses.

 

Charlbury 2nd 25 points

Witney Mills 2nd 141-8 (45 overs)

 

 

Charlbury 2nd 142-5 (35 overs)

Charlie Sinton 42

 

On a sunny day Charlbury entertained Witney Mills. Mills batted first and so it was up to the two Matts, Doran and Lyver, to open the bowling for Charlbury. Both bowlers dropped straight into great lines and lengths, using their extra height to get some extra bounce and a bit of movement off the wicket. Charlbury backed up this great start with the ball with some good fielding as the Mills batsmen found things tough from the off. Matt Doran was bowling a good spell, getting the ball to move around a bit and getting the batsmen to play and miss. Matt Lyver was using his height to extract some bounce out of the wicket whilst also bowling a fabulous line and length. The overs ticked by with few runs being added to the score. Matt Doran then came out of the attack and so Ellie entered it. Ellie was right on the mark from ball one, getting the ball to move around a bit while also bowling a good line and length. Finally Charlbury got the breakthru wicket they wanted when Matt clean bowled one of the opening batsmen. Things got even better for Charlbury in the next over when the other opening batsman hit the ball in the air off Ellie’s bowling and Jon took a good catch. Both bowlers were causing problems for the batsmen and none of them were able to get the ball away for runs on a regular basis. A couple of boundaries had been hit. The overs ticked by and the score was moving along very slowly. Then Matt grabbed another wicket when he again clean bowled one batsmen. Three wickets down and only 38 runs scored. Ellie was bowling a fabulous spell and all of the batsmen were struggling to score runs off of her. Matt Lyver came out of the attack and Matt Doran re-entered it as Charlbury really looked to turn the screw on the Mills batsmen. Matt was straight on the mark in his second spell, putting the ball in good areas and giving nothing away. The runs were slowly coming, but with the overs beginning to run out the batsmen were going to have to be more attacking if they were to set a defendable target. Then Charlbury got the breakthru when Ellie bowled one batsman. Things got even better in the next over when Matt bowled the other set batsman and now Mills had two new batsmen at the crease as the overs began to run out. The two new batsmen just tried to stay there for a few overs before they launched their attack. Charlbury were bowling well and still fielding really well, stopping many boundary bound balls from reaching their target. A double change was made as Ellie and Matt made way for Liam and Andy. With the overs now running out fast the running was harder and the score started to rise at the quickest it had all match. The hundred mark was reached, but soon afterwards Charlbury were back amongst the wickets. One batsman tried to hit out at one of Andy’s deliveries, but hit the ball straight to Matt Doran who gratefully took the catch. Next over things got even better for Charlbury as a mix-up in the calling saw one batsmen short of his ground as Matt Lyver threw the stumps down. Soon afterwards things got even better as Liam clean bowled a batsmen to leave Mills 110-8. The new batsman hurt himself taking a run early on and so retired hurt. The last two batsmen then threw the bat at everything and ran as hard as they could as Witney Mills finished on 141-8 off their 45 overs.

 

Charlbury were going to have to bat well if they were going to win the game. Martin and Carla opened the batting as both of them had somewhere to be, this meant they could throw caution to the wind and attack the bowling hard from the off. Both players found an early boundary to put the pressure onto the Mills bowlers. Slowly but surely the bowlers started to find their length and line. Martin smashed another couple of quick fours to keep the scoreboard moving along quickly. Carla was taking a more defensive attitude, keeping out the good deliveries, but also looking to run hard and score singles when she could. Then disaster struck as Martin hit out at one too many and was caught. Charlie now came to the crease. A few overs ticked by while both batsmen tried to make sure no more quick wickets fell and to give Charlie time to get his eye in. Carla struck a second boundary four to keep things moving along. A change in the bowling was made as Mills searched for the wickets that might get them back in the game. Charlie was batting well just looking to push the ball around for ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Then disaster struck when Carla was wrapped on the pads by the new bowler and given out adjudged LBW. Andy now joined his captain at the crease as another bowling change was made. Charlie took a liking to the new bowler and hit him for an early boundary four. Andy just spent some time just trying to get his eye in whilst letting Charlie do the bulk of the scoring. Charlie then hit a massive six and followed it up with another in the new bowler’s next over. Charlbury were on a bit of a charge and Mills were going to need to take wickets if they were to get back in the game. A change in the bowling was made as an opening bowler returned to the attack. Charlie hit his third six of the innings as Charlbury started to pile on the pressure. Then disaster struck as the returning opening bowler found the edge of Charlie’s bat and had him caught by the wicket-keeper for a good 42. Matt Lyver entered the fray. Matt as never going to die wondering as he attacked the ball from the off and hit an early boundary. With some hard running the score rushed over the hundred mark and with plenty of overs left Mills only chance of winning was to bowl Charlbury out. Matt launched one bowler out of the ground for a big six as Charlbury seemed to be racing to victory. Then disaster struck as Matt hit one straight to a fielder and was caught. Robert now joined Andy at the wicket. Andy now took on the responsibility of winning the game as he stroked the ball around for ones and twos and made sure Charlbury did not look like losing another wicket. Charlbury needed just two runs for victory when Andy edged one to the keeper and was caught for a good 29. Jon now came to the crease and first ball he pushed it for two runs and Charlbury had won by five wickets.

 

A great win for the seconds built on a great all round bowling and fielding display and then a good batting display saw them home – well played lads and lasses.

 

Charlbury 2nd 25 points