Sat 18th Aug Charlbury vs Brackley

Charlbury 100 (34.4 overs)

 

Brackley 104 (20.1 overs)

 

Charlbury won the toss and elected to bat first. The two Toms, Harris and Nash, opened the batting. The first over was good with a couple of runs pushed before Tom Nash hammered a free hit to the boundary, smashing the ball square of the wicket. Next over things started to go wrong. Tom Harris missed one and was bowled bringing captain, Ajit to the crease. Ajit was there a couple of overs, but when he edged one the wicket-keeper took the catch and Charlbury were 9-2 off of 4 overs. Ben Sinton now walked to the wicket. Tom flicked off of his pads and the ball rolled to the boundary, just making it over the white line. Tom was looking good, defending the many good deliveries, but always on the lookout for the quick single. Ben too started confidently, pushing a couple of singles, but looking to leave anything not on the stumps. Ben flicked a ball leg-side for four and then next over Tom hit two deliveries to the boundary, both of them teasing the fielders to stop them before trickling over the line. After ten overs Charlbury had reached 33-2. After 14 overs a double change in the bowling was made and this had an immediate impact. First over from one of the new bowlers and he wrapped Tom on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. Josh now entered the fray. The new bowlers had both dropped into a great line and length from the off and suddenly Charlbury found runs almost impossible to score. The overs ticked by with hardly a run being scored, then disaster struck. First Ben called for a quick single, but the Brackley fielder quickly got hold of the ball threw it at the stumps and a direct hit saw Ben run out. Then two balls later Josh edges one and the wicket-keeper took the catch. Steve and Charlie were both now at the crease and had to try and rebuild the innings. After 22 overs Charlbury had reached 48-5. Charlie then smashed one back over the bowler’s head and it ran away for four. Then disaster struck as Charlie got a fine edge and the wicket-keeper took another catch. Next over Steve was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW. Tom Eaton and Matt now came to the crease. Tom was quickly off and going when he smashed his second delivery to the boundary for four. Matt too was quickly off and going when he drilled one back passed the bowler for four. A change in the bowling was now made as the first change bowler left the attack and a spinner entered it. Matt now started to attack, launching one bowler for consecutive fours. Then next over Tom smashed the spinner for four to take Charlbury to 82-7 off of 29 overs. Matt hammered another delivery for four, but two deliveries later he got an edge and the wicket-keeper took a very low down catch. Ollie now came to the crease. Tom launched another boundary off of the spinner and so the spinner was taken out of the attack and one of the opening bowlers returned. Next over Tom tried to hit out at another delivery, missed the ball and was bowled. Dean now came to the crease. Dean pushed the ball for a two before playing a lovely lofted drive back over the bowler’s head for a one bounce four, taking Charlbury to 100. Two balls later Dean tried to play the same shot again, but did not quite catch it right and a fielder got underneath it and took a catch on the boundary.

 

Charlbury were going to have to bowl well if they were to stand any chance in this game. Matt and Ollie opened the bowling. The batsmen attacked in the first couple of overs to try and put the bowlers under pressure. The outfield was quick and a couple of early shots flew to the boundary for four. Then one batsman took a big swing at one of Matt’s deliveries, skied the ball and wicket-keeper Steve got underneath the ball and took the catch. After five overs Brackley were 21-1. After seven overs Ollie came out of the attack and Charlie entered it as Charlbury continued to search for wickets. The batsman was left handed and attacked from the off, hitting a couple of early boundaries. Brackley were pushing hard and with a low total to defend Charlbury could not have too many defensive fielders. Then Charlbury grabbed their second wicket when the left hander tried to hit Charlie for six, but could only find Josh on the boundary and he took the catch. Matt was bowling really well, getting some movement off of the pitch and with his height also getting a bit of bounce. Charlie too was bowling well, getting some turn and bounce and causing a few problems for the batsmen. Just before tea Matt left the attack and Dean entered it as Charlbury desperately searched for more wickets. The players went to team with Brackley 73-2 off of 13 overs. On the resumption Charlie and Dean continued to bowl. Dean had started slowly, but was now landing the ball in good areas and getting some turn out of the pitch. Charlie too was still bowling well and the batsmen were unable to get him away for many runs, he was also making the batsmen play a few false shots. The batsmen knew they had plenty of overs in which to get the runs so just contented themselves with pushing ones and twos around. Slowly but surely the target got closer and closer and when one batsman hit Dean for a four the game was over and Brackley had won by eight wickets.

 

Charlbury 3 points

Sat 11th Aug Charlbury 2nd vs Buckingham 4th

Buckingham Town 4th 191-9 (45 overs)

Matt Lyver 3-25

Ellie Norton 3-38

 

Charlbury 2nd 118-2 (26.1 overs)

Ajit Shah 39 not out

Andy Glass 44 not out

 

Buckingham won the toss and elected to bat first. Matt Doran and Emilia opened the bowling for Charlbury and got them off to a good start. Emilia dropped straight into a great line and length from the off, getting the ball to move around a bit off of the pitch and cause problems for both the opening batsmen. Matt too dropped into not a bad line and length, using his extra height to extract some bounce out of the hard wicket. Then one batsman got a leading edge and the ball flew up in the air and straight back to the bowler, Emilia and she took a good catch. Charlbury were backing their bowlers up with some great fielding, diving all over the place in a desperate bid to stop the ball flying to the boundary. The opening batsman was very cautious, just looking to push the odd single around whilst playing very defensively. The new batsman was slightly more attacking and found a couple of boundaries to get the score moving along. The overs ticked by and Charlbury were doing well in keeping the score down. After fifteen over a change in the bowling was made as Matt Doran was replaced by Matt Lyver. Matt quickly dropped into a great line and length and with a bit of movement off of the pitch started to cause some problems. A couple of overs later another change in the bowling was made as Emilia left the attack after her great spell and Barry entered it. Matt then found the edge of the bat and Ajit did the rest taking a good, low catch at slip. In his next over Matt grabbed another wicket when he clean bowled the new batsman to leave Buckingham three wickets down. Barry had settled into a good length and line and managed to get the batsmen playing and missing several times. Charlbury were in control, keeping the runs down and taking wickets. A few overs later and Matt grabbed his third victim when the new batsman took a step down the wicket and swung the bat, he missed the ball and quick as a flash Abi collected the ball and stumped him. Barry now left the attack An Ellie entered it. Ellie was straight on the money from the off, using her guile to get the batsmen playing and missing constantly. The opening batsman was still there and still playing defensively. The overs were ticking by and Charlbury wanted to try and bowl Buckingham out as the weather for the end of the day was not good. Matt came out of the attack and was replaced by his namesake. The change had a quick impact as Matt Doran found a way thru one batsman’s defences and clean bowled him. Ellie was bowling really well, but with no luck. Matt then left the attack and so Mark entered it to see if he could make an impact. Impact made when in his first over he wrapped one batsman on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. Then Buckingham really went for it. The new batsman attacked hard, finding several boundaries and took the score up quickly. Mark left the attack and Matt Doran re-entered it. The hard hitting batsman continued to try and play his shots, but in trying to hit Ellie he skied the ball and Tom Eaton got underneath it and took a fine catch. With only a few overs left the batsmen continued to attack hard, finding a few more boundaries. Ellie then bowled a big over. First she clean bowled one batsman leaving Buckingham eight wickets down, then before the end of the over she clean bowled the new batsman and ensured she set a new record for most wickets in a season by a second team player. Buckingham batted out the last couple of overs to finish on 191-4.

 

Charlbury now needed to bat well if they were to win the game. Richard and Ajit opened the batting and got Charlbury off to a reasonable start. Ajit started off in his usual fashion, defending the good deliveries, whilst also looking for a quick single at every opportunity. Richard too started slowly, just looking to push the ball around for the odd single. Then disaster struck as Richard edged one and was caught meaning Tom had to come to the crease. Both of the Buckingham bowlers had settled into a good length and line and were making run scoring difficult in the early stages. Tom started aggressively, hitting a couple of early boundaries to get the scoreboard moving along. Tom continued to try and hit out, but when he miss-hit one he was caught leaving Charlbury 28-2. Captain, Andy, now entered the fray. Both batsmen now just played out a couple of overs as they tried to make sure no more quick wickets were lost. A change in the bowling was then made as Buckingham continued to search for wickets. Andy started slowly, just looking to push a few singles around, but defending any good delivery. Ajit played a late cut and the ball flew to the boundary over the hard ground. Another change in the bowling was made and now Charlbury began to attack a bit more. Andy attacked the new bowler, hitting a couple of fours off of his first couple of overs. Ajit began running harder for every single as Charlbury began to push hard. Light rain now began to fall, but not enough to take the players off. Both batsmen tried to attack harder, running hard for everything and finding the odd boundary. Another change was made in the bowling as Buckingham now searched desperately for the breakthrough that might get them back into the game. The rain was getting harder. Andy was now looking in top form as he stroked th ball around on both sides of the wicket, pushing Charlbury passed the hundred mark with plenty of overs to go. Finally the rain came down even harder and now the players had to leave the field. Both teams tried to keep the game on, but eventually they had to relent to the rain and the game was abandoned as a draw.

 

Charlbury 2nd 11 points

 

Sat 11th Aug Charlbury vs Bletchley Town

Charlbury 124 (36.3 overs)

Ben Forrester 33

 

Bletchley Town 126-5 (22.5 overs)

 

Charlbury won the toss and elected to bat first. Ben Sinton and Graham opened the batting for Charlbury. Graham got off to a good start hitting a couple of early fours straight back passed the bowler. Ben started slowly, defending the good deliveries and pushing a few singles and twos around. Then disaster struck as Graham flicked one on the leg-side, but a fielder dived in and took a good catch just above the ground. Bimalka now entered the fray. Both bowlers had settled into a reasonable length and line and Charlbury were finding run scoring more difficult. Bimalka crashed a shot through the covers for four. Slowly the score started to move along as both players started to get their eye in. The outfield was still fairly quick and several shots that beat the infield flew towards the boundary. Ben was batting really well, stroking the ball around on both sides of the wicket and leaving anything he did not need to play at. Bimalka was more aggressive, looking for the single, but also pouncing on anything even slightly loose and hitting it away to the boundary. Ben then crashed a boundary four, flicking the ball through the leg-side. A change in the bowling was then made as one opening bowler left the attack and a new bowler entered it. The new bowler dropped straight into a great line and length and both batsmen found him hard to get away for any runs. Bimalka hit another couple of boundaries at the other end to ensure the score continued to move along. The fifty mark was reached and now Charlbury were looking to push on a bit harder to set a defendable total. Then disaster struck as Bimalka was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW. Ben Forrester now strode to the crease. Ben Forrester looked in top form from the off, pushing a quick two before stroking one off of his legs ands to the boundary for four. Ben Sinton was now starting to open up a bit and started to play a few more strokes, picking up several singles. Ben Forrester just continued to look in good form as he stroked the ball around, putting the ball wherever he wanted and finding a couple more boundaries through the off-side. The score was now starting to race along and Charlbury were looking to take charge of the game. After 20 overs a change in the bowling was made as the opening bowler finished his ten over spell and a spinner entered the attack. The spinner was on the mark from ball one and using his variations of pace and length started to cause some problems. Ben Sinton edged one and the wicket-keeper took the catch, the spinner had his first wicket. Stuart now joined Ben at the crease. Ben continued to smash the ball around on both sides of the wicket, if the bowler dropped it short he pulled the ball and if he bowled it wider then he cut it. Ben hit the spinner for a couple of boundaries to bring up the hundred mark. Then things went wrong. First Ben edged one and was caught at slip for a fine 33. Charlie now came to the wicket. Both bowlers had now settled into great lines and lengths and the batsmen were only able to push the odd single. A couple of overs later Stuart edged one and he too was caught at slip. Josh now came to the crease with Charlbury 105-5. A couple of overs went by, but then Josh was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW. Marcus now entered the fray. Then Bletchley had a big over as first Marcus hit the ball straight ot a fielder and was caught and then two balls later his replacement, Steve, missed the ball and was bowled. Ollie now joined Charlie at the wicket to try and repair the innings. Both batsmen now looked to use up a few overs and just see how many Charlbury could get. The overs ticked by with a a few ones and twos being pushed as Charlbury just could not find the boundary. Ollie hit out aat a couple of balls and managed a couple of twos. A change in the bowling was made as the first change bowler left the attack and a new one entered it. The new bowler struck quickly when he wrapped Ollie on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. Jake now came to the crease. A couple more overs went by with a few runs scored, but then Charlie skied one and was caught by the wicket-keeper and Charlbury were all out for 124.

 

Charlbury had to bowl for an hour before tea and so Stuart and Jake had to open the bowling. The batsmen knowing they had a low target to chase decided to go for it from the off and hit a couple of early fours to put the pressure on the bowling side. Stuart was bowling well, but struggled a little bit with his line. Jake too was bowling well, getting a little movement out of the pitch. The batsmen continued to attack and with the quick outfield found several boundaries. The score was rising quickly, but then Charlbury got the wicket they wanted when the Bletchley captain miss-hit one from Stuart straight to Marcus in the covers and the catch was taken. The batsmen continued to attack the ball and hit a couple more boundaries so a double change in the bowling was made as Charlie and Bimalka entered the attack to slow things down. Charlie dropped straight into a great line and length and found some turn out of the pitch. Bimalka too dropped into a good line and length, causing several problems for the batsmen. The new batsmen was more cautious, just looking to push the od single around. The opening batsman continued to attack and found a couple of boundaries to take the score passed 50. Then Charlbury got their second wicket when the opening batsman drilled one to Charlie stood at mid-off and he took a good catch. Next over Charlbury got another wicket when the other batsman edged one off of Charlie and the ball flew to Ben Forrester low down and he managed to get his fingers under it and take a fabulous catch. A few more runs came and tea was getting closer. Then Charlbury grabbed their fourth wicket when the new batsman edged one to Graham stood close in and he took a fine reaction catch leaving Bletchley 68-4. Stuart bowled the last over before tea, but did not get a wicket. On the resumption A change of bowling was made as Stuart made way for Charlie. This was an inspired choice as one batsman tried to smash Charlie out of the park, but could only find Ollie on the boundary and he took a great catch. Charlbury now thought they were in with a shout, but one batsman had other ideas. One batsman went on the attack and pulled a couple of deliveries rom Bimalka to the boundary for four. Stuart then replaced Charlie after only one over after tea. Stuart dropped straight into a great line and length, but the new batsman kept him out. Then a huge over from the other batsman took the game away from Charlbury as he smashed the ball to all parts. Bimalka came out of the attack and Jake joined it, but to no avail and the hard hitting batsman hit a boundary to win the game for Bletchley.

 

Charlbury 6 points

 

Sat 4th Aug Charlbury 2nd vs Shipton-Under-Wychwood 3rd

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 2nd 25 points

 

 

 

Sat 4th Aug Charlbury vs Tiddington 2nd

Tiddington 2nd 160 (33.5 overs)

Bimalka Liyanarachchi 3-48

Charlie Sinton 6-52

 

Charlbury 162-5 (43.3 overs)

Tom Harris 45

Ben Sinton 44

 

Tiddington won the toss and on a warm day elected to bat first. Bimalka and Matt opened the bowling for Charlbury and got them off to a reasonable start. After bowling two overs and not seeing much turn in the wicket Bimalka came out of the attack and Jake entered it. Matt quickly dropped into a great line and length and with his extra height managed to cause a few problems with some extra bounce. Jake started well, getting some movement off of the pitch and made the batsmen play and miss. Matt grabbed the first wicket when one batsman miss-hit him to mid-off and Charlie gratefully took the catch. After eight overs Tiddington were 24-1. The new batsman now started to attack, playing several powerful straight drives which flew to the boundary for four. The score now started to rise quickly. The outfield was still quick due to all of the recent hot weather and most shots that beat the infield went to the boundary. The opening batsman then started to play a few more shots and with the score rising Charlbury decided to change the bowling around by bringing Charlie on in place of Matt. Charlie dropped into a reasonable length and line quickly and found a little bit of turn to give the batsmen something to think about. Bimalka then returned to the attack in place of Jake. At drinks, after 17 overs, Tiddington had raced onto 85-1 and Charlbury were now looking at chasing a big total if they did not start taking some wickets. Bimalka had dropped into a good line and length which made it hard for the batsmen to get the ball away for many runs. Then Charlbury grabbed a wicket. Bimalka tossed one up and the opening batsman tried to hit him for six, but could only find young Ben Sinton on the boundary who took a good catch. Next over things got even better as the ne batsman walked passed one of Charlie’s deliveries and Steve whipped the bails off to stump him, Charlbury were back in the game. The new batsman took it upon himself to try and hit Tiddington out of any trouble they might be in and hit a couple of big sixes. The hard hitting number three was still there and Charlbury would need him out if they were to keep the total down. After 23 overs Tiddington were 121-3. A couple of overs later Charlbury got their man. The hard hitting number three hit the ball back at Bimalka, low down to his right, Bimalka dived and took a great catch to get his second victim of the innings and his 300th first team wicket. Next over the batsman who had been hitting sixes tried to sweep Charlie, but got a top edge and the ball lobbed straight up in the air and Matt ran round from slip to take the catch. In the next over one batsman tried to smash out at Bimalka, but just hit the ball straight to Tom and he took a good catch leaving Tiddington 138-6 off of 27 overs. With only half the overs batted The two new batsman now tried to just play a few overs out so as not to lose any more quick wickets. Charlbury were fielding well, backing up their bowlers and giving nothing away. Then Charlbury had a big over. First ball one batsman tried to hit Charlie for six, but could only find Ben Forrester who ran in from the boundary and took a good catch. Two balls later the new batman had a wild swing at Charlie, but could only hit the ball to Jake and he took a good tumbling catch. 150-8 off of 30 overs and Tiddington were now in trouble. The batsman now just pushed a few singles around for a couple of overs, but then Charlie struck again. One batsman tried to hit the ball leg side, but only skied the ball and Josh took the catch and then two balls later the last player edged the ball and Steve took the catch to mean all eight of the catches taken were by a different player and Tiddington were all out for 160.

 

Charlbury now had to bat for an hour before tea and so Tom and Ajit opened the batting. Tom started well flicking the first ball of the inning for four before hitting another one at the end of the over. Next over Tom drilled another shot back passed the bowler for four as Charlbury got off to a good start. Next over Ajit could not get his gloves out of the way and when the ball glanced them and the keeper took the catch Ajit was out meaning Ben Sinton had to come to the crease. One bowler now settled into a good line and length and made run scoring more difficult. The other end started to concede some runs though as both players hit boundary fours. A change of bowling was made, but to no avail as Ben went on the attack, pulling and driving the ball to the boundary three times in one over. After nine overs Charlbury had raced onto 53-1 and another change in bowling was made as Tiddington desperately tried to get back in the game. The new bowler was a spinner and after being hit for four in his first over he settled down into a good line and length. Another change was made as another spinner entered the attack as Tiddington sought to slow things down. Charlbury went to tea after 16 overs at 71-1. At the resumption the spinners continued. Ben was batting well, always on the lookout for the quick single, but also pouncing on anything loose and hitting it away for four. Tom too was looking good as he defended the good deliveries and looked to push ones and twos around. Both batsmen were running hard for every run, trying to keep the pressure on the fielding side. Another change in the bowling was made and this had an immediate impact. Second ball and Ben played at a wide one, got and edge and the keeper took the catch and Ben was out for a great 44. Ben Forrester now came to the wicket. Tom continued to bat on, pulling another delivery to the boundary for four to take Charlbury over the hundred mark. Then disaster struck as Tom miss-hit one and was caught for a good 45 leaving Charlbury 107-3 off of 26 overs. Bimalka now entered the fray. Both batsmen now just pushed the ball around for a few singles just to get themselves in. Charlbury were in no danger with the required rate as they had over sixty overs in their innings in which to get the runs. Bimalka hit a four and then Ben did likewise as Charlbury edged closer and closer to victory. Then Bimalka was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW. Charlie now came to the crease. Ben hammered two deliveries in one over to the boundary for four. Another change in the bowling was made as Tiddington desperately sought more wickets. The opening bowler returned, but only for a couple of overs and then he was replaced by a new bowler. Then when he was on 28 Ben had to retire hurt. Captain, Josh now joined Charlie at the crease. Another new bowler entered the attack and Josh quickly got off the mark by hammering him thru the off-side for four. Next over disaster struck when Charlie was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW meaning Marcus came to the wicket. 150-5 off of 41 overs, Charlbury were edging closer to victory. A few singles were pushed and then Josh hit a four. Next ball went for four byes and Charlbury had won by five wickets.

 

A great win by the lads started by some great bowling from Charlie and Bimalka and then followed up by some great batting from Tom and Ben – well played lads.

 

Charlbury 25 points

Sat 28th July Charlbury 2nd vs Cublington 2nd

Cublington 2nd 164 (35.3 overs)

Ellie Norton 6-50

Andy Glass 3-18

 

Charlbury 2nd 164-3 (31.1 overs)

Andy Glass 55 not out

 

Cublington won the toss and elected to bat first. With rain forecast for later in the day Cublington decided to bat first so Emilia and Matt opened the bowling for Charlbury. Emilia settled into a great line and length from ball one, getting the ball to nip around off of the pitch and causing problems for both batsmen. The outfield was very quick with all the dry weather around and when the ball broke thru the infield it sped to the boundary. Charlbury started fielding well from the off, diving all over the place and chasing every shot in order to keep the runs down. A few extras started to come and this lead to the score starting to mount. Matt was bowling a good line and length, but was getting less out of the wicket and with his extra pace a couple of edges flew for four. After eight overs a change in the bowling was made as Paul entered the attack in place of Emilia. The batsmen were growing in confidence and now started to play a few more shots as the fifty mark was passed. Paul started well, putting the ball in good places and causing some problems for the batsmen. Matt finished his spell of five overs and so Ellie entered the attack. The Cublington batsmen continued to attack hard as they sought to set a big score. Charlbury were starting to get desperate for the breakthrough wicket with every over that went by. The runs were coming quicker than Charlbury would have wanted and they needed wickets to slow things down. The hundred partnership was brought up and still no wickets down. Paul finished his six over spell and so the captain, Andy brought himself on. Finally the first wicket fell when one batsman tried to hit out at Ellie, but did not catch it right and Dean took a good, high catch. Next over things got even better for Charlbury as Andy clean bowled the new batsman. In Ellie’s next over she clean bowled the new batsman and Charlbury were right back in the game with Cublington 130-3. One of the opening batsmen was still there and Charlbury would need him out if they were to keep the score down. Ellie was bowling an immaculate line and length and causing all sorts of problems for the batsmen, who were really struggling to get her away. Andy too had settled into a great line and length and with a bit of movement off of the pitch they could hardly lay a bat on him. Then Charlbury got the wicket they wanted when the opening batsman hit the ball straight to Andy who made no mistake in taking a great catch. Charlbury were now starting to take control as the new batsmen really struggled to get the ball away for much more than the odd single here and there. Ellie clean bowled the new batsman to take her fourth victim of the innings. Next over Andy grabbed his second wicket when the new batsman hit the ball straight to Robert and he gratefully took the catch. Charlbury were now in total command and it was now about how quickly they would bowl Cublington out. The new batsman hit a boundary four, but that was all as in trying to repeat the feat Andy clean bowled him leaving Cublington 156-7. Ellie then wrought havoc in the Cublington innings. First she picked up her fifth wicket when one batsman skied the ball and Paul got under it to take a good catch. The next batsman hit the ball straight back at Elli, but she stuck her hands out and took a good catch off her own bowling. Last ball of the over a mix up in the calling saw the ball thrown to Nathan behind the stumps and the last man was run out leaving Cublington 164 all out.

 

Charlbury needed to bat well to reach their target so Simon and Michael opened the batting for Charlbury. One bowler for Cublington dropped straight into a great line and length and made run scoring quite difficult. The other bowler was slightly more loose and this gave both batsmen the opportunity to play some attacking shots and get scoreboard moving. Simon crashed one shot thru the covers for the first boundary of the innings before Michael followed it up with one in the following over. Slowly the score started to move along, aided by a few extras and Cublington knew they needed early wickets if they were to put Charlbury under pressure. Then disaster struck as Simon edged one and was caught. Robert now entered the fray. Michael was looking good, stroking the ball around and looking for the single when ever it was on offer. Robert started slowly, just looking to get himself in, but also looking to defend the many good deliveries. After 14 overs the bowling was changed around and a new bowler entered the attack. Then disaster struck as Michael hit out at the opening bowler, but miss-hit the ball and was caught meaning Andy had to come to the crease. Robert began attacking the new bowler and hit him for a couple of boundaries. Andy started slowly, just looking to make sure no more quick wickets fell. Robert continued to attack, pushing ones and twos around and making sure all the pressure stayed on the fielding side. Cublington now realised that their only chance of victory was to bowl Charlbury out. The fifty mark had been passed and Charlbury were racing on towards the hundred mark. The opening bowler finished his spell and so a new bowler entered the attack. Andy was by now playing a few more shots and running hard for every run. The outfield was still quick and Cublington were having to chase hard to stop the boundaries. Robert missed one and was bowled for a good 21. Paul now entered the fray. Another change in the bowling was made as the first change bowler left the attack and a new one entered it. The new bowler made little difference to the scoring rate as Andy went after him from the off. Charlbury were well on top of the required rate and as long as they did not lose wickets they would surely win the game. Paul started off slowly, but was always on the lookout for the quick single to get Andy on strike. Andy hit a couple of boundaries as Charlbury began to race towards their target. The extras were still coming at a quick rate and this was helping Charlbury out. Andy hit a four and brought up a well deserved fifty. The game was all but over and was when Paul pushed another single to take Charlbury to 165-3.

 

A great win for the seconds built on some great bowling by Ellie and Andy and then an all round batting display capped off by a captain’s fifty saw Charlbury home – well played lads and lasses.

 

Charlbury 2nd 25 points

 

Sat 28th July Charlbury vs Thame 2nd

Charlbury 161 (47.3 overs)

 

Thame 2nd 162-4 (31.3 overs)

Stuart Atkins 3-46

 

Charlbury won the toss and elected to bat first. The two Toms, Nash and Harris, opened the batting for Charlbury. In the first over Tom Nash edged a couple of deliveries and both shot to the boundary for four. The outfield was quick despite a shower before the game so good fielding was going to be the order of the day if scores were to be kept down. The bowlers quickly settled into a good line and length and both batsmen found scoring more difficult. Tom Nash then missed one and was bowled leaving Charlbury 14-1 off of seven overs. Ajit now came to the crease. Tom Harris was batting well, keeping the many good deliveries out whilst trying to get his eye in. Tom then flicked one of off his pads and the ball raced away for four. A couple of overs later things got even better for Charlbury as both batsmen hit the ball for four. Ajit was looking his usual self, defending when necessary, but also looking to score off of anything he felt was even slightly loose. A change in the bowling was then made as one of the opening bowlers made way for a slow bowler. After 16 overs Charlbury had reached 37-1. Thame were bowling and fielding well and both batsmen were struggling to get the ball away for many runs. Ajit attacked the new bowler and hit him to the boundary for four. A couple of overs later the other opening bowler left the attack and another slow bowler entered it. The new bowler made an immediate impact as he wrapped Ajit on the pads and he was given out adjudged LBW. Ben now came to the crease. Tom then attacked one of the bowlers hitting him for a couple of boundary fours and trying to put the pressure back onto the bowling side. Then just as the over was ending Tom was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW leaving Charlbury 72-3 off of 23 overs as Stuart came to the wicket. Stuart was quickly off of the mark with a two, but was not there too long as a couple of overs later he missed one and was bowled. Charlie now joined his son at the crease. Both batsmen now took a few overs just to try and get their eye in, but also to make sure no more quick wickets fell. Ben stroked one delivery thru the leg side for four to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Ben was looking good at the crease, defending the good deliveries, but still trying to pick up singles when they were on offer. Then disaster struck as Ben edged one and the wicket-keeper took the catch. Graham now entered the fray. Charlie was looking in no trouble at the wicket, but he too was struggling to score many runs. Both batsmen looked to now try and push on for a few runs as the overs were starting to run out  and there were some grey clouds in the sky. Graham tried to hit out at one, but miss-hit the ball and it flew high into the air and mid-on took the catch. Captain, Josh, now joined Charlie at the crease. Charlie then drilled one, low to the ground, but a fielder dived forward and took a great catch and Charlbury were 100-7. Matt now joined his captain at the crease. Josh hammered a couple of boundary fours as the rain started to fall. The over was finished and the players left the ground as heavier rain fell. After a short break and no overs lost the game resumed with Charlbury 113-7 off of 37 overs. Josh was looking comfortable as he pushed the ball around for a few singles. Matt did not look in much trouble as he pushed the ball around and powerfully hammered a boundary four. Then disaster struck as first Matt was caught by a low down catch and then next over Josh flicked one off of his pads only to see the ball carry to a leg-side fielder who took the catch. 123-9 off of 41 overs and Barry and Jake at the wicket, Charlbury had to try and bat as many overs as they could to try and set a total. Barry went on the attack and hit several deliveries powerfully to the boundary and all straight back passed the bowler. Jake pushed a couple of singles around before he too smashed one back over the bowler’s head and to the boundary for four. The 150 mark was reached and Barry continued to attack. A powerful hit saw the fielder get under the ball, but it burst thru his hands and flew over the boundary for four. Soon afterwards Barry was caught for 29 as he went for another bit hit and Charlbury were all out for 161.

 

Charlbury were going to have to bowl well if they were going to come close to defending their total. Barry and Stuart opened the bowling. The batsmen attacked from the off and with the boundary still being lightning quick the boundaries started to come. After five overs Thame had reached 40-0 and Charlbury were going to need to start taking wickets if they were to get back in the game. Then Stuart got Charlbury back in the game when he clean bowled one batsman. Barry left the attack and Matt entered it. Matt dropped straight into a great line and length and started to make run scoring more difficult. Stuart was now in the middle of a great spell and in his next over he found the edge of the bat and the new batsman was caught by wicket-keeper Graham. First ball of his next over and Stuart clean bowled the next batsman as suddenly Thame were 44-3 off of ten overs. Stuart was bowling a great spell, using his pace and height to get some bounce, but also getting some movement out of the pitch. Matt too was bowling a great spell, getting the ball to zip around off of the wicket. Charlbury were also fielding really well, diving and stopping many deliveries. Then just as it was looking interesting the rain came and the players left the pitch for an extended time. On their return Thame had been reduced to 40 overs. Matt now came out of the attack and Charlie entered it as Charlbury sought more wickets to keep the pressure on. The batsmen had now started to play a few more shots and run a bit harder to try and get their scoring rate back on track. Stuart left the attack and Tom Harris came on for an over to try and speed the over rate up a bit. Thame were now running hard for every single run in case more rain came and the game was abandoned. Tom only bowled one over and then Stuart re-entered the attack. Charlie was getting no turn and so Jake entered the attack to see if he could get something out of the wicket. The ball had by now got wet and was difficult to bowl with and although this had slowed the outfield down a lot it was still hard for the fielding side. With more black clouds threatening the batsmen really went for it and found several more boundaries. Then the rain came and again the players left the field. On their return Thame were reduced to 33 overs and the score was 115-3 off 26 overs. Stuart had now finished his allotted overs and so Matt replaced him in the attack. Thame are second in the table and fighting for promotion and so needing the win they really went for it with the bat, running for nearly everything, pushing and running as well as hitting the ball around. Jake left the attack and Barry entered it. Not many runs needed, but then Barry bowled one batsmen. Next over the game was over as a hard run three saw Thame to victory by six wickets.

 

Charlbury 7 points

Sat 21st July Charlbury 2nd vs Witney Mills 2nd

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

 

Sat 21st July Charlbury vs Witney Mills

Charlbury 205 (52 overs)

Charlie Sinton 69

 

Witney Mills 132 (39.3 overs)

Matt Lyver 4-13

Charlie Sinton 3-14

 

Charlbury won the toss and on a warm day elected to bat first. Graham and Ajit opened the batting, but things did not start off well. Graham faced the first over and got things going with a two before flicking a delivery off of his legs for four. Next ball Graham missed and it brushed his pads before going onto the stumps and he was bowled. Bimalka now came to the crease. Ajit played a late cut to the boundary for four. The outfield was quick due to all of the hot weather recently and most of the shots that beat the infield raced away from the fielders. Ajit played another late cut and found another boundary as Charlbury reached 25-1 off of five overs. Bimalka started off slowly, just looking to pick up the odd single here and there whilst also defending the many good deliveries. Ajit was playing a slightly more attacking role, but he too was leaving many good deliveries. The pitch had quite a bit of bounce in it due to being baked in the hot weather. Both Mills bowlers had by now settled into a good line and length and were starting to cause a few problems. After 13 overs Charlbury had reached 52-1 and were now looking to set a good base from which to build from. Ajit then lofted one over the bowler’s head and it raced away for four. Next over Bimalka smashed one thru the covers and that too flew off to the boundary. A change in the bowling was now made and a left arm seamer entered the attack. The new bowler made an immediate impact. Early in the over Ajit was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW. Ben now came to the crease. In the new bowler’s next over things got even worse for Charlbury as he bowled Bimalka to leave Charlbury 68-3 off of 17 overs. Stuart now joined Ben at the crease. Mills were bowling really well and both batsmen just tried to stay there and pick up the odd single to keep the scoreboard turning over. Another change in the bowling was made as a new bowler replaced the other opening bowler. The new bowler dropped straight into a great line and length and made run scoring virtually impossible. The overs ticked by with hardly a run being scored as both batsmen played very defensively against some tough bowling. The one thing that was helping the Charlbury score was the plethora of extras being given away. Then disaster struck as Stuart was wrapped on the pads and given out adjudged LBW. Charlie now entered the fray. Charlie was quickly off and going with a boundary four thru the covers. Next over he played a slog-sweep which flew out of the ground for a six to take Charlbury to 96-4 off of 30 overs. Then disaster struck for both sides. First Ben edged the ball and the wicket-keeper took the catch. The bowler bowled one more ball, but in doing so he pulled his hamstring and could no longer bowl so a new bowler came on to finish the over off. Matt had joined Charlie at the crease, but was not there too long as when he tried to hit out at one as he skied the ball and the catch was taken. Steve now entered the fray. Charlie was still looking good, playing many defensive shots at good deliveries, but always on the lookout for runs if there was a loose delivery. Steve started well smashing a delivery to the boundary for four and then followed it up with another one in the next over. Steve was looking in good shape as he stroked another boundary. Then disaster struck as Charlie called for a quick single, but the fielder quickly grabbed the ball and got it into the wicket-keeper who ran Steve out. Paul now came to the crease. A couple of overs now ticked by with very few runs scored. Charlie hit a four in the 40th over to take Charlbury to 125-7 and with the overs now running out Charlbury had to get a move on if they were going to set a defendable target. Mills were informed that they were slow bowling their overs and needed to get a move on and this started to benefit Charlbury. As the bowlers tried to get thru their overs quicker it meant they did not concentrate as hard where the ball was going and so started to give away a few more loose deliveries. Charlie took advantage hitting a couple of boundaries. A change in the bowling was made as a spinner entered the attack. Charlbury continued to attack hard with Charlie hitting the spinner for four. The extras were still coming at a good rate. Charlie hit a four and then Paul followed it up with another. Another four for Charlie saw him reach a well deserved fifty as Charlbury raced to 179-7 off of 47 overs. Next over a quick run was attempted, but Paul was just short of his ground and run out. Ollie came to the crease, but was not there too long as he edged one and the wicket-keeper took the catch. Last man Jake now joined Charlie at the crease. Charlie picked up a couple of twos before launching the spinner out of the ground for six, bringing up the 200 mark. Next over Charlie hit a four, but last ball of the over he was given out adjudged LBW for a great 69 and Charlbury were all out for 205.

 

Charlbury would have to bowl well if they were to win the game. Jake and Bimalka opened the bowling. The first couple of overs were tight, but then one batsman decided to play a few shots and with the outfield still being very fast the ball sped away for four. After six overs Mills had reached 31-0 and Charlbury were going to need wickets if they were to win the game. After eight overs a change in the bowling was made as Stuart replaced Jake in the attack, but one batsman continued to attack. Then Charlbury got their man as one shot too many against Bimalka saw him miss the ball and get bowled. Bimalka was bowling in his usual way, giving little away and making the batsmen play at everything. Stuart now started to find a better length and line with the ball and with the extra bounce in the pitch he started to become a handful. The run rate started to slow slightly as Charlbury started to settle. After 15 overs Mills had reached 64-1 and it looked like it might be a close game. Charlbury were fielding well, diving everywhere and chasing everything in order to stop the runs. The new batsman now played a couple of shots as Mills started to try and up the run rate. Stuart then got a wicket when he bowled one and it reared up on the batsman who tried to get his bat out of the way, but he could only hit the ball onto his stumps and was bowled. Matt now replaced Bimalka in the attack and this change had a massive impact on the game. In his first over one batsman miss-hit one off of Matt and Bimalka took a great catch low down at mid-off. Then last ball of the over Matt clean bowled the new batsman, Charlbury were right back in the game. Matt had dropped into a great line and length and none of the batsman could do anything but pad up to him. In his third over Matt grabbed another wicket when the new batsman skied the ball and Paul got under it to take a great catch, leaving Mills 99-5 off of 26 overs. Charlie now came on in place of Stuart and dropped into his usual great line and length from the off. Charlbury were really tying the Mills batsmen up as Matt bowled his fourth maiden in a row. In his fifth over Matt grabbed his fourth victim as the Mills captain drove the ball, low down at Paul who took another great catch leaving Matt with figures of 4-0. The number four batsman was still there and decided he had to play a few shots to try and get Mills back into the game. A few runs came as the batsman hit a couple of fours. The new batsman tried to hit out at Charlie, but hit the ball high into the air for Charlie’s son Ben to take a good catch. Matt now left the attack and Bimalka re-entered. Charlie then bowled a great over. First the number four batsman tried to hit Charlie for six, but could only find Ollie on the boundary who took a good catch. The new batsman was the bowler who had pulled his hamstring and so he had a runner, but the runner wasn’t required as three balls later the batsman tried to smash Charlie,  but skied the ball and Paul had his third catch of the day. One wicket left and eleven overs to get it. The last man hit a couple of boundaries, but when the other batsman played a tame shot at one of Bimalka’s deliveries, Matt took the catch and Charlbury had won by 73 runs.

 

A great win for the lads built on a fabulous knock from Charlie and then a great spells of bowling from Matt and Charlie won the game – well played lads.

 

Charlbury 25 points

Sat 14th July Charlbury 2nd vs Challow 3rd

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