The story so far…

In issue 4 the Sherston Magna had sailed through it’s first 8 games, winning 6 and having 2 abandoned and we were marginally top over Poulton. In principle the only thing that has changed is that our unbeaten record has gone, as has Poulton’s; both teams losing to Avening and Cherington in the last month, with Sherston holding a narrow0.5 point lead over Poulton (on average points). Our record now reads played 13, won 9, lost 1, abandoned 3, average points 18.

The sciency bit…
June 29 – Andoversford Home (Win by 9 wickets)
This report could be a rewrite of the South Cerney game, just with some different bowlers. Another toss won and Andoversford were invited to bat first. A good start from them was brought to a halt by some tidy bowling from Pegg (4-21), before Hulance, the man with the most bizarre bowling action I have ever seen (well with the exception of Andre Adams), destroyed the lower order to finish with 5-7 and Andoversford all out for 82.Cartwright (28no) and Lovell (23no) made light work of the chase for the loss of only Goodwin and a 19 point win.

July 6 – Ashton Keynes Home (Win by 71 runs)
Another toss won, and Sherston batted first on a decent batting pitch. However batsmen got in and out which left it looking like we were going to end up short of a good score. However, a partnership from myself (63) and Kenny (33) pushed Sherston towards what looked like maximum batting points before a late collapse saw us fall just short on 191. A flying start to the Ashton innings resulted in the most shocking revelation of the season, a certain Ewen Kenny had giving his bat to the opposition to use, I hope he gets his cheque book out when the fines master comes a calling! He hit some lusty blows (some say further than Ewen could) but was dismissed by Pegg (2-22). Kenny reprieved himself somewhat with 3-30 and along with Kutchera (3-12) wrapped up the match for 19 more points!

July 13 – Boules Weekend
It was cracking the flagstones on Boules day so probably a reprieve for us fair skinned cricketers. Thanks to all who helped out on the bar during the clubs stint!

July 20 – Coates Home (won by 208 runs)
For the sixth time in a row, I won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. A decision welcomed by the opening pair, Goodwin and Jarvis, who on a batting paradise against some buffet bowling started slowly ;-p ……However that slowish start was only to lure them into a false sense of security, Sherston scoring 193 runs off the final 20 overs, Goodwin finishing on 109no, Jarvis scoring 72 and Matthews a swashbuckling 88 in 14 overs. Sherston losing their second wicket with one ball to go to finish on 283-2, their highest ever league score. Coates in reply were shell-shocked and some hostile bowling from Kenny (6-36) and Pegg (4-39)meant that Coates we dismissed for just 75 and a hammering! Yes you read that correctly – NO EXTRAS!

July 27 – Bibury Away (Match abandoned)
The weather forecast was always going to be the only winner, although a few hours of cricket and a couple of bright periods, the game nearly was completed. Sherston batted first and although lost wickets along the way, managed to get to a very competitive 217 thanks to some strong lower order batting from James “Pink Panther” Kutchera (40no) and Phil “Captain” Cavey (37no). With rain in the air, Sherston took to the field, Bibury knowing that a score of 109 or more after 20 overs could win the game. A couple of spells of rain put pay to the chase, which was in the balance, with Bibury 72-3 after 13 overs.

August 3 – Avening and Cherington Home (lost by 2 wickets)
Weather also played a factor in the 1st vs 3rd match up at Pinkney Park, both teams knowing that a Sherston win would pretty much secure promotion for the Magna. A good toss to win, but I lost, Avening and Cherington asking Sherston to bat first. A good start (Goodwin 49) looked like a total of 200 would be achievable but some loose shots left us short on a however competitive 178.

Runs came easily batting second as Sherston bowled in the rain, the pitch offering nothing in the wet. Kenny and Gould bowled well for a couple of wickets each but some wayward part time bowling, despite a couple of key run outs, allowed Avening and Cherington to hold on to win.

The run in…
Next Saturday sees another crunch game in the season, against Poulton, with both teams locked together at the top. After defeats to Avening and Cherington, both teams know victory leaves them one step closer to promotion, and the title!