Watchet Cricket Club

Temple Cloud 2nd XI v Watchet 2ndXI

Watchet 2nds made the long trip to Temple Cloud on Saturady for the first time in over a decade and came away with a comprehensive 7 wicket victory.

Skipper Pete Manley won the toss and inserted the opposition on a good batting strip. Opening bowlers Callum Knight and Chris Wookey made life tough for the home batsmen, Knight picking up three wickets in an accurate opening spell, and Wookey beating the edge of the bat frequently.

Veteran Dave Milton and youngster Taylor "Tank" Maddock were then introduced to the attack, bowling unchanged for 23 overs, and kept things tight during a period of consolidation for the home team, Maddock picking up the wicket of I Applyeard during his spell, caught behind by Pete Manley (who has now ditched the oven gloves, and is starting to catch the ball again.... occasionally).

Knight and Wookey were then reintroduced and proceeded to tear out the middle and lower order, with only P Flinders, using all of his experience, making a score, with a well judged 51. He was supported by R Appleyard with 26. The highlight of Watchet's fielding display was a spectacular one-handed catch by Chris Bishop, who has obviously been studying Paul Collingwood. Matt Bowden and Jack Foster backed up the bowlers with solid displays in the field. The pick of the Watchet attack was Callum Knight who took 5-54, bowling with swing and accuracy, picking up his first senior five wicket haul.

Set a target of 159 to win, Watchet made that perfect start as openers Warren Knight and Manley brought up the fifty in the 7th over, followed by the century stand in the 23rd, Manley passing his second fifty of the season in the process. Knight struck several classy boundaries before he departed for a slick 29. Manley continued hitting the ball cleanly and looked set for a maiden century before he was adjuged LBW by Taylor "Trigger" Maddock for a boundary laden 84. Ben Saddington hit some big shots to bring victory within reach, and although Chris "Calypso" Bishop departed trying to end the game in style, Wookey came in to finish the job, striking Trescothick for four through the covers off his first ball. Watchet won with over twelve overs remaining.

POINTS Temple Cloud 2^nd XI 10 WATCHET 2^nd XI 35

© Watchet Cricket Club 2005