Watchet 2nd XI v Ilminster A 2006

Watchet Cricket Club

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Watchet 2nd XI v Ilminster "A"

Watchet Seconds fell to defeat for the third consecutive week, but a much improved performance all round meant Ilminster A were pushed very close, eventually running out victors by three wickets.

Watchet batted first on a good looking track, but lost their first wicket in the sixth over, skipper Pete Manley caught behind for twelve. This brought Andrew Martin out to partner his father Edward, and the two had an excellent partnership, using their contrasting styles to dominate the bowling.

However, the brief introduction of N Warry’s spin brought the partnership to an end, with Andrew bowled by one that just clipped the top of off stump for a superb 37, missing out on a deserved half-century. As that partnership ended for a total of 74 another began, with Andy Norman walking out and getting into his stride straight away with a flurry of boundaries.

Unfortunately for Watchet both Edward Martin and Norman fell in quick succession, Martin falling for a solid 25 and Norman a quick-fire 33. With the loss of Paul Jones shortly afterwards a lot fell on the shoulders of David Milton, and despite a back injury sustained whilst batting he carried the side towards a decent total of 217 for 7 with an unbeaten 64. Dominic Bowden gave a good contribution again, running well between the wickets in a fifty-plus partnership with Milton.

As they looked to defend the total Watchet were faced with the task of reining in an experienced and hard-hitting Ilminster batting line-up, a task made more difficult as the side had only four bowlers with much experience of senior cricket. Nigel Merrick stepped up well, taking a wicket with his first ball. Bowden then got in on the act, forcing visiting captain Sainsbury to edge one that had some venom.

Brandon Walsh came into the attack for the first time, and was unfortunate not to get a wicket, with two difficult chances going down off his bowling. The dangerous Crawley was getting into his stride at this point, hitting some mighty boundaries as he got a composed fifty. However, just as he looked like getting away Milton came into the attack and, as has happened often this season, got a wicket in his first over, with Crawley edging a sharp low chance to Norman at slip.

With the score at 114 for 2 Watchet were still in with a shout, although the pace of Ilminster’s onslaught meant they had plenty of time to achieve the target. Knight was playing a sparkling innings and was given good support by Fowler until the latter chipped Milton to Manley at mid off for 25. Knight fell next for 74 as Merrick took a great return chance. With the bowler picking up another two wickets in consecutive balls to give him 4 for 47 the match was in the balance. However, with the experience of Lee and good strokeplay of C Warry Ilminster got over the line for the loss of no more wickets.

Watchet 2nd XI: 217-7 (D. Milton 64*, A. Martin 37, A. Norman 33)

Ilminster "A": 221-7 (P. Knight 74, T. Crawley 50, N Merrick 4-47)

Points: Chard A 32, Watchet II 17

WATCHET 2^nd XI INNINGS

PLAYER	HOW OUT	BOWLER	RUNS
P. Manley	Ct WkT	White	12
E. Martin	Bowled	White	25
A. Martin	Bowled	N. Warry	37
A. Norman	Bowled	Vining	33
P. Jones	LBW	Gray	0
D. Milton	Not	Out	64
M. Bowden	Ct	Knight	3
D. Bowden	Bowled	Vining	15
N. Merrick	Not	Out	0
C. Cooke
B. Walsh
EXTRA’S			28

FOR 7 217

BOWLER	OVERS	MAIDENS	RUNS	WICKETS
S. Fowler	12	2	40	0
A. White	12	4	36	2
L. Gray	7	0	50	1
N. Warry	3	0	11	1
D. Vining	6	1	24	2
P. Knight	5	0	46	1

ILMINSTER "A" INNINGS

PLAYER	HOW OUT	BOWLER	RUNS
M. Long	Bowled	Merrick	1
T. Crawley	Ct. Norman	Milton	50
J. Sainsbury	Ct. E. Martin	D. Bowden	8
P. Knight	Ct & B	Merrick	74
S. Fowler	Ct. Manley	Milton	25
C. Warry	Not	Out	21
L. Gray	Bowled	Merrick	10
D. Vining	Bowled	Merrick	0
I. Lee	Not	Out	3
N. Warry
A. White
EXTRA’S			29

For 7 221

BOWLER	OVERS	MAIDENS	RUNS	WICKETS
D. Bowden	10	1	54	1
N. Merrick	11.2	1	47	4
A. Martin	5	0	31	0
B. Walsh	4	0	31	0
D. Milton	11	0	38	2

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P. Manley

A. Martin

P. Jones

D. Milton

S. Fowler

P. Knight

M. Long