THE
ASHTON
UNDER HILL v DORRIDGE
Ashton
138
Dorridge
142 -7 won by 3 wickets.
On a glorious sunny day in the depths of the Cotswold countryside
Dorridge 3rd's were looking for a hat trick of victories against an in-form
Ashton under Hill at their picturesque ground. Stand-in Captain John Wright won
the toss and elected to field, something of a risk on such a hot day.
Ashton got off to a strong start with Captain Rose leading the
way. With 52 posted after 11 overs without loss the Captain's decision to field
looked even more suspect. But the early introduction of Keith Wing’s F&G
steadied the show and with good support from Rob Moran and sharp fielding and
catching Dorridge gained the upper hand.
Rose went for a dashing 40 but Ashton slipped to 105 for 9. Once
again a last wicket partnership held up proceedings with Banks putting together
a useful 41 NO and guarding the tail well. However a good all-round effort saw
Ashton all out for 138 in only the 36th over. Moran with 4 - 18 was leading
wicket taker but
The Dorridge reply was immediately on the back foot with Dave Paul
gone in the first over. James McNeillie saw the team to 20 when he found the
only legside fielder with a firm shot. Mark Hewston by this time was in full
flow moving sweetly to 40 when he was unexpectedly bowled by
Dorridge 57 for 4.
John Wright and debutant Ian Mason then dug deep going 12 overs at
one stage without troubling the scorer. However the partnership finally moved
the total to 90 before Mason went bowled for 11. An abrasive Matt
Johnson joined John Wright who finally went for 24 with 36 still needed.
Johnson batted extremely well and with lusty blows from Wing (a 6
and 2x4) took us to the brink of victory when Wing went LBW with 4 still
needed. Abdul stepped forward, was immediately dropped from a sitter and
the two batsman in the hutch chewed their nails.
Matt Johnson however, has an old head on young
shoulders, and saw us home to take the Dorridge Man of the Match award.
An excellent game of cricket, played in a competitive but friendly
spirit, what more could you ask for on a sunny June day ?
Oh yes, a nice cold pint of Fosters.