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Four in a Row for Young Wherwell

Wherwell vs Eastliegh and Otterbourne

Once again Wherwell won the toss and decided to bowl first before the evening dew set.

Young bowled with serious pace and aggression keeping the runs down, but it wasn’t until Beckingham was introduced that Wherwell made the breakthrough. The opposition then showed Wherwell a skill that is unheard of indoors…. Something called tap and run!!!! The total soon racked up and it wasn’t till Gladwyn and Young came back on that the run rate plummeted back down. Eastliegh and Otterbourne  set Wherwell 116 to win.

After a brief tea, Wherwell strode out to the crease thinking that the chase would be easy. It proved completely the opposite. Gladwyn went on his first ball, Beckingham soon followed. Suddenly Wherwell were 10-2 from 3 overs! Trebbert soon followed them back to the hutch making it 15-3. Young standing at the non strikers end was thinking it could be the first loss for the season, But he dug deep and produced something special. Batting in a crucial partnership with Horne (16) they put on a 30-partnership taking Wherwell to 60-5 when Horne was caught. Then the returning Adam Cook stepped up to the crease for the first time in 4 months and knocked the ball around for Young to steel the limelight. Young finished the game in the last over with style hitting a four with a personal total of 55 not out.

Young said after the game that “their players inspired him to dig deep as they assumed they’d won”

Wherwell take the Honours with last ball win.

Wherwell took on top of the league in this weeks 8.30 super Sunday game. Wherwell won the toss and decided to do what they know best and bowl first. Young started well taking a wicket in his first over, some great fielding from both Paul Whyton and Luke Trebbert kept the runs low, Beckingham and Gladwyn also bowled great lines and length keeping the batsman honest. Young again took a wicket in his second over, Leaving Winchester University a uphill battle. But they kept there nerve and started knocking the ball about picking up easy runs and getting some lusty blows. The innings flew by and by the end of the 12 overs Wherwell where looking at there biggest chase of the season requiring 136 from 12 overs.

Inform Beckingham strode out to the crease full of confidence and returned very quickly without giving the scorers any trouble. This left Whyton and Gladwyn with a task of starting wherwells innings. They both took there time and got themselves in, then started to tee off with outstanding results. They both retired (25) and Young came out to the crease knowing that the run rate was now down to 12 a over after a poor start. He took no time to settle hitting the ball as hard as he possibly could with effective results, Trebbert added a few lusty blows before being caught, Horne soon followed back into the hutch without adding much to the scoreboard. Wherwell had Gladwyn back at the crease and he wasted no time in getting himself back in, hitting his first 2 balls to the boundary. Young then retired bringing Whyton back out to the crease, Wherwell now needed 14 off the last over... Gladwyn duly obliged, hitting 10 from 2 balls again. a single and quick running seen wherwell home with 2 balls to spare.

Batting wins Through

Wherwells latest indoor adventure was a very similar story to the first...

Once again Gladwyn Won the toss and decided to bowl first..

Wherwell bowled as a unit, poorly, and gave away to many extras (46 in total). Despite the lack of control Blackmore and Young managed to pick up 2 wickets a piece but not even that could hide the poor display as Wherwell let Sparshot score 134 from there 12 overs.

Wherwell went out to bat knowing they needed to score at a quick rate, Beckingham and Gladwyn teed off from the start setting up a now possible task as they seen us to 40 from 3 overs. Both fell in quick succession though, leaving Trebbert and Young at the crease, after a couple of lusty blows Trebbert got stumped trying to increase the ever climbing run rate. Blackmore soon followed him back to the hut, leaving Horne and Young needing 47 runs from 4 overs... Thanks to extras and some delicate batting and great running Horne and Young battered the bowling attack to leave them with a easy 9 runs from 2 overs.. Horne hit a glorious four runs from the last ball of the 11th over leaving Wherwell just 2 runs to win... Young then left a wide so Wherwell could keep up there 100% record indoors

Wherwell must cut down on extras if they want to considered as serious title contenders this season. However "Winning Badly" is a good sign.

Gladwyn, glad for win!

Wherwell vs Swanmore 2nds

Wherwells indoor season starts with a win but with a poor batting display.

This seasons captain Alex Gladwyn won the toss and following a quick glance at the wicket and the overhead conditions he elected to field first. On a hard bouncy firm track, With nobody even looking at a cricket ball for 7 weeks everyone feared the worst. But Nathan Young was asked to open the bowling and his second ball was a "beaut",in his own words, hitting the top of off stump. This set the tone for Wherwells bowling and fielding. Wherwell took every catch, every run out chance and bowled very very well to restrict Swanmore to 88-5. With the last 3 overs only going for 14 runs.

Then with such a low total Wherwell tried to finish the game within the first 4 overs hitting the ball as hard as they could. Losing wickets at regular intervals it was only Beckingham who kept his cool seeing Wherwell over the line in the 8th over. After losing 5 wickets cheaply Wherwell can feel this was a massive let off.

Horne, Young and Gladwyn it's a triple jug day!

For the final home game of the season the sun shone and Wherwell entertained themselves with both bat and ball.

Alex Gladwyn and Craig Beckingham opened the batting, Gladwyn in typical style raced away and soon passed 50 before a fine boundary catch terminated his fun. Beckingham played a waiting game for 18 and after the captain had been and gone Nathan Young came out to the crease to bat for the first time in weeks and looked really rusty. With the score at 94 for 3 Nigel Horne joined Young and the 2 started to knock the ball around the park, Young soon found some form and quickly raced past 50, Horne continued to look good in support, Young hit 8 sixes (one huge six and 22 runs of a over.) and 3 fours in his brief 71 before being falling to a comedy catch in the slips. Horne continued to knock the ball about for singles and soon reached his first ever 50 but was soon out after. It then fell to Mark Pettman, batting well again with the tail for 42 not out, to see the home side post a formidable 290-7.

Birthday boy Adam Cook was given the task of opening the bowling and in true Wherwell style took a wicket with the first ball with an excellent caught and bowled. Cook then took another wicket in his 3rd over and looked to be having a good birthday. The Captain then decided to change the bowling about giving everyone a chance noticeable bowling from A.Gladwyn 4-16. But after getting bored of standing in a field all day Scott finally asked Mark Pettman to bowl and he broke the stay of the two “senior batsmen” with an excellent caught behind. The home season finished when Gladwyn took his fourth. Newport gents finished 143 runs short.

Blackmore 50, icing on the cake.

With the football season well into it's stride and the cricket league fixtures complete Wherwell turned their focus to the remaining friendlys and on Sunday played host to Purbrook. With the strip looking good and the forcast set for a fine day batting looked to be a good option so the home side were suprised when Scott Blackmore chose to field.

The visitors sent in their talented youngsters who were immediately on the attack, however they were met by a fine opening spell from Blackmore (6 -12-1) and Mark Pettman (7-23-2) and despite the occasional flambouyant stroke never looked like posting a big score. The home captain was able to allow evey player, except the keeper, to have a bowl and they didn't let the opportunity pass as 7 of the 10 used took wickets, notable perfromances were Nathan Young (3-3-1) plus a fine steepling catch in the deep that effectively ended the visitors hopes and Adam Cook (3-5-1), Rob Gladwyn turned his arm over and was unlucky to see the ball hit the leg stump but the bails fall back into the slot. The Purbrook final total of 153 was thanks in part to a dogged 25 from W.Thomas and 21 from G.Carson but they were more concerned to use the overs rather than score the runs.

In reply the captain dropped down the order to allow Matt Guilfoyle to swing his arms, he responded well and in partnership with Alex Gladwyn attempted to finish the game in under 10 overs. Gladwyn went for 15 but after a quick wicket the skipper joined the explosive Guilfoyle and began to match him shot for shot, they took the score from 42 to 132 before Blackmore perished for a fine "maiden" 52 and shortly after Guilfoyle followed for a "jug avoiding" 49, it was then left to Paul Whyton (11 not out) to see the home side to victory with 14 overs to spare. For the visitors there was a good spell from James Biggins who looks like a talent for the future, he bowled a steady line and was rewarded with 2 wickets from his 3.2 overs.

Wherwell Finish with a flourish.

After a long season where Wherwell once again missed some great opportunities to turn defeat into victory the season came to an end with a fine win away to South Wilts.

Having practiced all season Dave Langford managed to win the toss and elected to bat on what looked a good strip.

Against some tight bowling wherwell made a slow start but after an early wicket Ian Whyton (14) and Adi Holdway (35) pushed the run rate and score up beyond the 50 with few scares, the loss of Whyton brought Bertie Redhead to the crease and so the tempo rose. He set about the bowling punishing anything lose and cruised towards 50 before over confidence and a slightly low bounce accounted for him for 43. Dave Langford, on the back of winning the coin toss, briefly looked set for a quick innings but fell on 18 another quick wicket brought Nathan Young to the crease and after Redhead went he was joined by his brother Ryan and they set about th bowling. Ryan rotated the bowling intelligently as Nathan bludgeoned the ball to all parts narrowly missing the church at long off with a 6. the pair pushed the score past 200 and Nathan drove the last ball for 2 to bring up an unbeaten 50 in a total of 207 for 6.

Following the break Nathan looked happy to have the ball and a wicket with bounce but for the second week running his openeing spell failed to yield a wicket despite the ball reguarly flying towards a fielder but always it seemed just out of reach. The change to Matt Guilfoyle again proved decisive as he opted for bowling at the stumps and was rewarded with 4 fro 32 from his 10 overs all victims bowled and 3 of them having their middle stump removed and sent towards the keeper at pace. Adi Holday (2 - 23 -10) including a sharp stumping from Nigel Horne and mark Pettman 1 - 20 -10 provided good support but with the home side rapidly falling towards defeat the most memorable over came from the captain as he realised that they could only take 36 from an over and needed over 100 to win, (1 over 4 for 0) he produced his best spell for the club!

As the light began to fade on a season that Wherwell will look back on and rue missed opportunities it fell to nathan Young to return and take the last wicket by clean bowling the 12 year old batting at number 10.

Wherwell Dent Dinton

In what has become a regular fixture over the past few seasons Wherwell crossed into Wiltshire to play Dinton who were once again pushing for promotion.

Nathan Young, as acting captain, won the toss and elected to bat and was rewarded by a solid team effort. Craig Beckingham at the top of the innings batted well for 51 as Wherwell chugged along at a steady rate, despite a couple of cheap wickets there was never any real “wobble” as John Jakeman 38, Matt Guilfoyle 44 took a liking to the home bowlers, following their Dismissals Bertie Redhead played an aggressive innings for 67 including 3 sixes and was supported well by Ed Marsh who finished 34 not out including 1 six. The final total of 265 for 6 was Wherwells’ highest league score of the season.

Following the break, and with a large total to defend Young chose to open the bowling with himself, his 5 overs had the home side pegged back in the crease but he couldn’t get the breakthrough so he took himself off and brought on Guilfoyle with immediate reward. Matt took 2 wickets in his first over and bowled well for figures of 5 overs taking 2 for 18, he supported Mark Pettman who was outstanding and was rewarded with 10 overs 2 for 19 and as the home batsmen rotated from pavilion to crease and back again it was good to see a fielding performance to match the batting. Both Adi Holdway (6-14-2) and Bertie Redhead (5.5 – 11 – 2) enjoyed the run out and with one player unable to bat through injury Dinton were dismissed for 85.

Wherwell win local derby

On a perfect sunny Sunday, rare in this summer, Wherwell and Longparish met in the regular derby match. Often memorable more for the banter than the cricket this game proved to be a well played, and well supported match, with good performances from both sides. Scott Blackmore lost the toss and was asked to field, with the new ball in hand and with friends in their sights Ben Gardner (7-17-2) and Sam Woodward (7-13-3) revelled in the competition. Wickets fell regularly and only Brad Aldridge with 56 ever looked truly comfortable until he missed a slower ball from Gardner that took his off stump. Alex Gladwyn bowling his leg breaks took 2 for 22 off 6 overs including the dangerous Bonathan as the visitors finally reached tea at 155 for 9.

Following the break Blackmore (31) and Nigel Horne (21) put on a solid 50 partnership before both were dismissed playing the big shot, the Wherwell mid-innings wobble returned as Mallen took 4 for 21 but Mark Pettman (36 not out) looked un-moveable and was joined by Paul Whyton (21 not out) for an unbeaten 45 run partnership for the 8th wicket that saw the home side to the win with 9 balls to spare as darkness descended.

Wherwell show Hunger for the fight.

Continuing the theme of his summer Dave Langford lost toss and were asked to bat on a hot day.

Craig Beckingham and Adi Holdway opened and started at a good rate only to lose Beckingham in the 9th over. Holdway soon followed unluckily caught at gully off of slips foot.

John Jakeman and Ian Whyton took there time, seeing off the opening bowlers and building a solid partnership, both batted until the last 10 overs and were rewarded as both passed there 50's in style. Dave Langford came in and scored a quick 34 but it was the extras that saw Wherwell to 228-9.

Following the break Matt Guilfoyle and Mark Pettman opened the bowling keeping the run rate down, it was however the introduction of spin in the guise of Ryan Young and Adi Holdway that really turned the screw. They really slowed the runs down and picked wickets up, Young took 2 wickets for 32, Holdway 3 wickets for 15. Backed up by some good fielding and useful support bowling from Norridge and Nathan Young who completed the victory with a final ball dismissal to see the visitors 128 all out.

Wherwell Back to winning ways

With the return of summer came a much needed Wherwell win.A away game with Sparsholt 3 gave a chance for some returning players to show whats been missed, after a couple of early wickets John Jakeman showed his endless talent with a sparkling 46 as Wherwell built a solid total of 181 for 5 from their 42 over. He shared good partnerships with Adi Holdway, Dave Langford and Nathan Young before top edging a catch.

Following the break the Sparsholt openers provided dogged resistance, it wasn't until the 15th over that Bertie Redhead took the first wicket, but this opened the flood gates, Mark Pettman (3 for 25) and Matt Gilfoyle (4 ofr 19) ripped through the Sparsholt defences supported by some fine feilding to leave the home side 102 all out with overs to spare.

Wherwell Sunday, Too strong for Sway

Acting captain Nathan Young elected to bat on a rare sunny day and was rewarded with a quickfire opening partnership between Jakeman and Gladwyn that had the home side cruising at 5 runs an over from the off. However a couple of quick wickets saw the captain at the crease earlier than expected, but, as has been the case this season he showed great discipline batting with the lower order. Milking the strike well he progressed past 50 supported by a patient 13 from Sam Woodward and was finally bowled in the last over for 64 as the home side posted 160 all out.

In reply Sway never really got going. The Wherwell bowlers shared the wickets with Gladwyn, Beckingham and Woodward all getting reward for tidy bowling. The visitors were finally bowled out for 108 to give the home side a comfortable victory.

Wherwell snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

With all the rain over the previous week it was a pleasant suprise to get a dry day for cricket. Wherwell away to high flying Breamore were bolstered by the return of Ed Marsh and Bertie Redhead, however, Captain Langford continued his fine consistent form with the coin and called wrong, he was promptly asked to bat.

Wherwell Started well scoring at 5 a over, Ian Whyton was first to fall and was soon followed by Holdway.. leaving Wherwell on 52-2, Bertie Redhead on his return to the side looked in good form scoring a quick 34, but then the usual Wherwell collapse started... from 85-2 to 90-6 within just 10 balls. But Matt Guilfoyle (27) and Craig Beckingham(19) put on a much need 40 partnership to take Wherwell to a reasonable score with only 4 or 5 overs left. Wherwell tail managed to nudge the ball about till the last over before being bowled out for 152 from 41.5 overs.

Wherwell openers Pettman & Guilfoyle started well keeping the run rate down, but yet again it was a familiar story for Wherwell failing to get that early wicket they needed. Several changes in the bowling line up couldn't break the partnership until the drinks break, 4 balls later Wherwell had there breakthrough with a run out, great piece of fielding seen Breamore's batsman only just half way down the track before being run out... Wherwell then sparked into life and made breamore fight hard for every single run! Wherwell kept picking up wickets here and there after that, but failed to get opener S.Marlow out. Wherwell got it down to the last over where Breamore needed 6 to win.. Bertie Redhead was given the ball and bowled brilliantly only allowing 3 runs from 5 balls, Breamore now needed only 3 runs from the last ball... serious field changes where made, but it wasn't to be a Marlow hit the ball towards the boundary only for a Wherwell fielder to misfield and allow the ball to travel over the boundary..

Breamore walked off delighted whilst Wherwell players fell to their knees in disbelief, After taking top of the league to the last ball of the game and having the chance to beat them it was an all too familiar result. It's a cruel game indeed.

Sunday gloom for Wherwell

Scott Blackmores sunday side entertained the youngsters from Burbage, with some talented ones of their own Wherwell elected to filed first and Ben "first ball" Gardner duly delivered a peach of an inswinger to the left handed opener that left him off the seam, found the edge and swung in again to clip off stump! wickets fell with regularity one due to an outstanding diving catch from Saturday skipper Dave Langford off the bowling of Sam Woodward. With everyone getting a bowl though runs came at an even rate and some lusty mid innings blows saw the visitors all out for 166.

After tea, with the light already fading due to the heavy cloud cover, Blackmore and Langford opened the batting, the Sunday skipper never looked settled and was bowled for 2 whilst langford struggled for timing on the slow strip, 3, 4 and 5 also failed to make any impression on the game and it was only when Mark Pettman joined Langford that the home side looked capable of make a game of it. Langfords timing started to come and Pettman picked off singles and punished anything short, they had taken the score towards the 100 when Langford was well caught for 45. Paul Whyton came in with clear intent and after a couple of sighter overs opened up with a couple of sixes, but having pushed the field back he failed to connect with a gentle inswinger and lost his off bail for 16. Mark Pettman carried on taking the game to the opposistion but with the scent of blood the visitors brought back their opening bowler who cleaend up the tail in 9 balls including the prize wicket of Pettman for a fine 52.

Wherwell finally finishing 14 runs short.

Wherwell Castled by Donnington

after a run of wins and having finally had enough players to make a selection Wherwell went into this match with confidence high, Dave Langford continued his good early season form and lost the toss! and the home side were duely asked to bat on a damp slow low pitch.

The senior opening pair of Holdway and Hitchings opened the batting but were soon back in the warmth of the pavillion. Against some tight bowling the top order never really got going, at 3rd wicket down Dave Langford came to the crease saying he was due a good innings. Dave and Craig Beckingham set about seeing the opening bowlers off and succeed. Langford began to slowly up the run rate as Wherwell were 40-3 from 27 overs. Langford began hitting fours to every part of the ground, whilst Beckingham held up a end. Beckingham was finally out for 13 from 85 balls when he tried a big shot and was bowled. This seemed to inspire Langford who then reached his first half century of the season, going on to end up 85not out. Wherwell 156-7

Rain started at tea and the game got reduced to 30 overs, revised target 126... Mark Pettman & Nathan Young opened the bowling and started well, but it wasn't long before the batsmen got there eyes in and started going for the big shots with the ball starting to act like a sponge. Pettman picked up a early wicket, which brought there Donningtons leading batsman, his 2nd ball trapped him square in front of all 3 but the tumultuous appeal was turned down to the amazement of all, including the batsman, this just gave him licence to hit out... and he did...with great success. Langford changed the bowlers without much success, a great catch in the deep from Stu Norridge and a smart run out by Nathan Young coupled with tight bowling from Adi Holdway kept there runs down, but Donnington looked set to get the target with ease.Unfortunately a couple of acceptable catches failed be held on to and cost the homeside the chance of getting into there tail. Donnington eventually reached the revised target with 2 overs and 7 wickets to spare.

Rain can’t Dampen the enthusiasm

On a typically damp July Saturday Wherwell travelled to Wellow & Plaitford on the back of consecutive wins. After a delay for the rain that was inevitable at some point this summer play commenced with Wherwell in the field with a new ball. This proved vitally important.

With their 1st teams match already postponed the home side had drafted a couple of openers who set about the bowlers as though it was a 20/20 match racing to 31 off the first 4 overs, but here was where things changed. Dave Langford introduced Stuart Norridge to the attack with instant effect. Bowling with a low “skiddy” action he cut balls through the defence of both openers and effectively ripped the initiative away from the home side. Norridge bowled a great line and returned the figures of 8 overs taking 5 wickets for 20 runs, he was supported well by Nathan Young 9 overs 3 wickets for 23 and the Wherwell fielders who for once accepted all the chances that came their way. Nathan wrapped up the innings with the home side on 94 all out.

Following tea and with the weather closing in Wherwell made a slow start with the ball like a bar of soap seemingly unable to roll more than 20 metres across the sodden outfield. The loss of Adi Holdway early on brought Craig Beckingham (33 not out) to the crease and he instantly made an impact with 2 boundaries off the openers to settle the nerves, another wicket fell and Ian Whyton joined the fray. A solid stand took the score toward 50 before Ian fell to a ball that jagged back about a foot and half off the rain swollen seam. Captain Dave Langford (22 not out) came to the crease and together with Beckingham steered his team home to a worthy win by 7 wickets with 12 overs to spare.

Chute fall to the youth policy

This was the Beckingham and Horne show... an excellent opening partnership of 112.. Batted with class and control!!! Craig 52, Nigel 47... nigel caught going for his first real big shot trying to get his first 50, that also brought Craig's stay to a end when next over he also got caught. A.Galdwyn came into bat with confidence hitting a quick fire 24 before getting caught. Then it was me left to bat with the youngsters Ollie and Ed for the last 5 overs.. I scored 18 whilst trying to rotate the strike and giving Ollie and Ed a chance... 186-6 from 40.

GREAT TEAS.

Scott opened with Ryan... Scott bowled great lines, and was rewarded with 6-12-2, but it was the return of the injured young who confused the batsman picking up there top 2 batsman within his first 3 overs. This gave the skipper the idea that spin was the way forward and introduced A.Gladwyn who bowled excellent. 6-17-3.. including a great one handed catch from L.Trebbert. We the introduced O.Dobson and E.Johnson into the attack... Ed was the star taking 2 wickets in his first over which ended the game, the first was smart glove work fro Nigel, and the second was a full stretch dive forward catch from Nathan Young. Bowled chute out for 99.

report courtesy of Nathan...

Steeple Langford truly "jacked"

Having battled their way through the holiday traffic there was the usual late start at Steeple Langford. Fortunately this was the only downer on the day, Captain Dave Langford managed to win the toss and duely elected to batt first. Ian Whyton & Adi Holdway started at great pace scoring 50 off the first 7 overs. Ian was first to fall on 14 when Bowled by Miles... the captain then got a golden caught behind, but this only served to bring Jez Holman to the crease faster, he set about hitting the ball to all parts of the ground with Holdway. Holdway went for one shot to many and was caught for 67 at mid off. Steeple briefly fought back and took 3 quick wickets inc jez (39), but Craig Beckingham and Stuart Norridge batted with patients and helped the score along to 198 from 34 overs. Craig(21) and Stuart(27) both went in quick succession going for glory shots but Wherwell, for the second week running passed the 200 mark to end 207 all out from 38.2 overs

Nathan Young & Mark Pettman opened bowling, Mark re-found his form taking 2 for 28 off 10. Matt Gillfoyle came on to replace me and bowled with pace, aggression and great lines taking 10-22-4, Adi Holdway 10-32-1 and Stuart Norridge 4.3-24-2, also bowled well. But, for a change, the story was Wherwell fielding, catches from hitchings, Beckingham and young set the tone with Nigel Horne producing 2 very very quick stumpings... Steeple Langford all out for 162 from 41.2 overs..

Wherwell Flaten Godshill

In the absence of the regular captain formalities for the day fell to Nathan Young, who kept consistency going by losing the toss and being asked to bat first. On a hot saturday with the wherwell ground looking wonderful as ever there was hope more than expectancy in the home dressing room.

Wherwell did continue to be consistent in the batting as they collapsed to 44 for 4 in the first 10 overs with only Adrian Holdway (21) showing any resistance to steady bowling. Jez Holman batting at 4 was joined by the captain who had "blogged" his intention to display a "captaincy masterpiece", the first job was to survive at least a couple of overs without a wicket and the pair duley obliged, they then set about a counterattack which took Wherwell from 44 for 4 in 10 upto 141 in the 28th over when Holman fell for a well crafted 38 with Young passing 50 and looking to continue. With fine lower order support from Craig Beckingham (10) and Nigel Horne (15 not out) young looked set for the Ton he deserved until tried 1 big hit too many and holed out at long off for 93. The score had already past 200 and Paul Whyton joined the inform Horne to bully the score upto a formidable 232 for 8 at tea. J Cooper 3-27 and A Pollard 3 - 48 were the pick of the visiting bowlers.

Tea went down well with homemade scones from the oven of Angela Rowles a particular treat!

Godshill never really got going in reply, Young continued his 1 man show with a wicket in his first over for the second week running and returned the figures of 2 for 24 from his 10, abley supported by Adrian Holdway with 3 for 14 from 10 including the big wicket of J Cooper who showed his allround value with a fine 61 to follow up his 3 wickets earlier. But the day belonged to Young who also managed to take 4 catches to go with wickets and runs and included the final wicket of the day which went to Scott Blackmore to produce the excellent figures of 4.3 overs 1 for 4 to leave the visitors 123 all out.

Whyton Whips up Wherwell Win!

On a lazy Sunday afternoon Scott Blackmore's team took to the field against South Newton with a young keen side.

The visitors got off to a steady start against good opening bowling with both Craig Beckingham and Ben Gardner getting rewards for bowling good lines, with the score on 100 for 3 with only 10 overs remaining it appeared to be job done, but the middle order took to young Sam Gardners’ bowling with some "agricultural" but effective shots. However to his credit he stuck to his game and was rewarded with a wicket that owed much to the athleticism and agility of Sam Woodward who produced a boundary catch, reminiscent of leaping Salmon, that would not have been out of place in the world T20. The visitors closed on 199 for 7 and tea was taken with thoughts of a big run chase looming.

The opening pair started steadily but it was the introduction of Ian Whyton that swung the game Wherwells’ way, he set about the visiting bowlers with gusto and raced past 50 with good support from fellow team members, Nigel Horne continuing his good form with 28, Nathan Young with 12, Craig Beckingham with 15 and 19 from Lee Burgess. But unlike his team mates Whyton stuck in there to finish off the innings with a win and a personal landmark score of 114 not out.

Back to Basics for the Wherwell Batsmen

will Wherwell learn their lesson? following another lost coin toss Wherwell were asked to bat. The strip looked good and with a senior opening partnership that looked to get early momentum things were rosey for a few overs, the loss of Colin Hitchings for 15 to a ball that he swore he didn't pick up brought captain Dave Langford to the crease. Thing turned suddenly bad as langford was trapped Leg Before by a good yorker and the in form Jez Holman followed him next ball without scoring. Scott Blackmore batted well for 14 and Nathan Young fell on the stroke of drinks for 18 leaving the home side 80 for 5 at the half way point. Stuart Norridge continued his good form with the bat crafting a quick 19 but the loss of opener Adrian Holdway for 39 signalled to start of the end as the homeside struglled to 155 all out with 10 overs still to play.

Following a formal tea the defense looked promising with Nathan Young picking up a wicket in his opening over, but although wickets fell reguarly there always seemed to be a 4 ball available to ease the pressure. Young returned the fine figures of 10 overs taking 3 for 24, but it was never enough as Shrewton edged their way to the target to win by 3 wickets with 6 overs to spare.

Wherwell Win At Last

on a hot day and with a changed side Wherwell travelled to Penton for what could be termed "a 6 pointer" with both sides struggling for early season form and consistency. Wherwell's skipper won the toss and elected to bat on what looked a good strip, this proved a fine choice as Adrian Holdway took root and batted through the innings for 66, he supported a nuber of fine knocks most notably Jez Holman with a boundary feast for an even 50 and then Nathan Young who's confidence and talent finally came together for a flambouyant 60. Young was eventually bowled by Alex Gladwyn who is a regular in the Wherwell Sunday team and had no doubt taken note of where to bowl to him. Wherwell finished the 42 overs on 222 for 5.

After the break the wherwell Bowlers set about the task at hand with relish, Nathan Young, bouyant from his innings bowled a tight first spell but it was his second in tandem with Matt Guilfoyle that ripped through the Penton defences, Nathan returned the jug-worthy figures of 5 for 34 whilst Matt produced 3 for 20 from his 7 overs. Only P Stanford (55) showed any meaningful residence as the home side were bowled out for 170.

This presented the Wherwell skipper, Dave Langford, with a much longed for first win, lets see if we can keep this going.

Wherwell cruise to a fine Sunday win

Whilst Wherwell were able to produce a strong side for this regular friendly, Clatford were struggling and eventually drafted in one of the Wherwell juniors, Kieran Sheldrake, to bolster their side. Having won the toss captain Scott Blackmore elected to bat first, this was the start of a long day for the visitors. Blackmore opened the batting with Alex Gladwyn, who had been on the recieving end for Penton on the previous day, Gladwyn set about "bullying" the Clatford attack. He cruised past 50 before drinks and was eventually bowled by Andy Cattle for 82. He shared a stand of 100 with the inform Nigel "better than James Foster" Horne who stroked a fine 44 before being bowled. A late onslaught from Ben Gardner (16 not out) and Paul Whyton (20 not out) took the score beyond 200.

With full stomachs and a large total to defend Wherwell took the field in good spirits, these were raised when Andy Cattle was sent back to the pavillion off the first ball of the game from Sam Woodward who produced figures of 2 for 11 from 5 overs, Alex Gladwyn bowled 2 overs and took 3 for 3 plus a run out which took the game totally away from the visitors. Sam Gardner bowled well taking 1 for 9 from 4 as the visitors succumed to 75 all out.

Wherwell pump esso dry

On a sunny sunday wherwell entertained a team from Esso Fawley. Inconsistent batting brought Mark Pettman to the crease at an elevated posistion of 6, coming on the back of some good previous weeks, and the faith of captain Scott Blackmore paid off as:

"STOP PRESS"

Pettman scores 58 Not out!

wherwell went on to record a fine win.

Wherwell lose the plot again...

on an overcast day with a strong wind and rain showers forecast Wherwell took to the field agains Andover IV needing a win to put the previous weeks 10 wicket defeat out of their minds.

Mark Pettman and Nathan Young opened the bowling and had the Andover openers immediately on the backfoot, for once it was Pettman ( 9 - 5 - 23 - 3) ( who got the luck with 3 quick wickets but the talk was about the ones' that got away, in particular the wicket that wasn't had the home side bemused, opening batsman gloved a ball down leg, the keeper took the catch and the batsman walked off, only to then be called back by the umpire who decided that he would give a wide!

Wickets fell reguarly but there was always a edge to the game and some lacklustre fielding allowed the Andover lower order to grind out useful runs in particular P Knight ( 43 not out) pushed the score up past the 100, John Holman ( 6 - 0 - 10 -2) took a superb return catch to remove the opener, J Halle-Smith, who had made his way to 35 but by this time Andover were pushing toward 120 and a couple of late blows took them to 134 for 8 off 42.

In reply Wherwell never really got going, apart from Colin Hitchings who was adjudged to have been caught behind off his pad poor shot selection was the downfall of the top order with none of the front 5 making double figures, once again Stuart Norridge batted agressively for 20 before being bowled by one that cut away and clipped off stump, Paul Whyton came to the crease and shortly after was joined by Nigel Horne, batting sensibly at 9 and 10 the pair dug in and looked to punish anything off-line. Runs started to flow with both batsmen scoring boundaries and the opposistion started to drop deeper offering more gaps, but with the score approaching the 100 and plenty of overs remaining whyton was trapped Leg Before, playing forward to a ball that was back of a length, for 27. John Holman batted well with Horne and the pair pushed on toward the target but it was too little too late when Holman clipped a ball to mid-wicket and was neatly caught leaving Horne 25 not out and wherwell 116 all out. P Knight followed up his batting with 10 overs taking 4 for 22.

The Young and Young show

Wherwell Vs Portway

On one of the hottest days of the year so far Portway were the visitors to an idyllic Wherwell and they started in the best of ways by winning the toss and elected to field.

The highly talented pairing of Ryan Young and Craig Beckingham opened and immediately tried to hit the ball to every part of the ground with varying degrees of success. Young was successful in hitting a six back over the bowlers head which will no doubt lengthen as the season progresses. Despite the early onslaught the Portway bowlers continued to stick to their lines and were rewarded with the dismissal of both openers in successive overs leaving Wherwell 47-2 from 10 overs.

The run rate slowed down and Wherwell tried to rebuild. The farther and son pairing of Andy and Sam Matthews was going well until Andy Matthews decided to run a quick a single and pulled his hamstring. This opened the flood gates and Wherwell soon found themselves at 60-6.

It was left to Nathan Young coming in down the order to approach the mini crisis with his usual attitude scoring 40 not out including 4 sixes to see Wherwell to 134-8 off 35 overs.

After a well enjoyed tea Wherwell decided to open with the interesting pairing of Stuart Norridge and Ryan young  and it paid off well, Ryan picked up a well taken caught behind by his brother Nathan, couldn’t walk under this one, for Ryan's first wicket in the first over. This really applied the pressure and with some smart fielding and tight bowling Wherwell took the game away from Portway and bowled them out for 100 from 33 overs. The pick of the bowlers was Ryan Young with the almost symmetrical figures of 7 overs 7 runs 5 wickets!

Norridge charged with assault!

Wherwell back to earth with a bump!

Following some good performances in previous weeks Wherwell visited the picturesque "Longford Park" ground overlooked by the home of the Earl of Radnor. With the sun beating down and the strip looking excellent the visiting side were asked to bat. The openers made steady progress against some tidy bowling with the ball nipping about, but it wasn't until the fall of the first wicket that Wherwell started to benefit from the fast outfield with both Dave Langford and Colin Hitchings easing the ball to the boundary.

looking to take the bowlers on Hitchings holed out at long on having hit consecutive boundaries, Langford though continued to look set but was joined briefly by the middle order who all came, saw and parted with the occasional good shot but lack of composure that has been visible in the early games of the season. Langford was dismissed on 30 and Stuart Norridge came to the crease, in a style reminiscent of a bar fight he set about assaulting the ball and carved a quick-fire 43 which in tandem with Mark Pettman (29 not out) took the visitors to a respectable 193 for 9 at the close.

After a pleasant tea Wherwell took to the field in anticipation of some early success, this unfortunately never materialized. Pettman as always bowled an excellent line and had both openers playing and missing but the edges were never found, a couple of very good LBW appeals were turned down and it started to look bleak for the visitors. The captain changed his bowlers around but without joy, edges fell into safe areas, batsmen chanced there arm and got away with it and when a couple of half chances came the fielders were unable to cling on. Eventually the reality of a 10 wicket defeat trundled over the horizon and much to everyone’s surprise the home side completed the victory with 7 overs to spare.

Holman leads the Wherwell charge

On a sunny and warm day with the Mayfly rising Wherwell finally achieved their first win of the league season.

With Captain Dave Langford taken ill during the night and rushed to hospital it was Nathan Young who took charge and promptly lost the toss, the visiting Amesbury captain took a look at the soft green strip and decided to bat. This looked a good choice as the top order moved to 76 for 2 at the drinks break, the only joy for Wherwell being 2 wickets for the Captain (N Young 8-22-2).

Having displayed some outsanding fielding talent during the previous home game Wherwell returned to the "slippery soap" school of catching with 8 chances in total going down! for the visiting team Gareth Dobson batted with good control and shot selection to score 53.

After a quick drink though Jez Holman turned the game on it's head, with his steady seam bowling he produced a spell of tremendous accuracy relying on that old ploy of aiming at the stumps, he was well rewarded for this with match figures of 8.4 overs 7 wickets for 39 runs, including 4 bowled 1 LBW and amazingly 2 caught. So from 76 for 2 at 21 overs the visitors were left 133 all out at 32.

the Wherwell run chase started slowly with the welcome return of Colin Hitchings to the opening spot, batting steadily with Ian Whyton they laid a foundation by batting to drinks with Wherwell 56 without loss. Hitchings though played on shortly after and this brought Holman to the crease, not content with his bowling he took to the challenge of batting and together with Whyton moved the home side quickly towards the target. Whyton completed his 50 before being comprehensively bowled but Holman remained solid and sealed a great day for the team and himself by hitting the winning runs and simultaneously bringing up his 50.

Wherwell ending up with an 8 wicket victory and more importantly maximum points.

Wherwell lose concentration

with a team resembling a scene from ER wherwell were totally outplayed by a well organised and disciplined Whiteparish team.

Least said i think...let's move on

next week home to Amesbury

Wherwell almost pull off remarkable win.

on a sunny Saturday in May Wherwell started their League fixtures by entertaining Hursley Park IV. On a very green strip it was only to be expected that bowlers may have the upper hand, and so they did but due to their quality rather than any "daemons" in the pitch.

Firstly Hursley Park won the toss and invited the home side to bat, Wherwell were soon in trouble loosing both openers inside the first 6 overs, by 20 overs wherwell were 5 down and only Nathan Young (15) had shown composure. Trevor Forman bowled 10 overs taking 3 for 8 and broke the back of the home tem top order, Dee Kenth also scored 15 but it was only a late flurry from Nigel Horne (10 not out) and Stuart Norridge (12) that enabled Wherwell to post a total, 71 all out, that would take more than 2 overs to get.

Following a lite tea Wherwell took to the field knowing that wickets were needed. Returning from a winter in the SU bar Mark Pettman soon found he had not forgotten how to bowl. Chances came frequently but it was disappointing to see some not being taken. Pettman though bowled well and was rewarded by 3 wickets in his 10 over spell, Nathan Young came on first change and picked up 2 wickets and with Paul Laker also taking 2 plus some thoroughly odd running from the batsmen Hursley found themselves at 55 for 9 with plenty of overs remaining. it was left for the number 11, Sumner, to defend an end as the one remaining batsman chipped away to eventually reach the target with only 10 balls remaining.

Despite the loss there were enough positives in the performance with the ball to suggest that this could be a good season for the home side.

Wherwell warm up with a narrow loss

On a sunny May afternoon Wherwell travelled to Damerham on the Hants/Dorset border. This was the first time the 2 sides had met and also their first game in the revamped National Village Knockout, Dave Langford captained the side for the first time and started well by winning his first toss and electing to bat.

things started poorly with the loss of Ryan Young without scoring in the second over, but the captain joined Craig Beckingham and together they forged a strong partnership. Langford scored a well crafted 36 and Beckingham fell for 49 when miss timing an atempted pull. Nathan Young batted with his usual flamboyance in scoring 31 but other than that it was a case of "what might have been" as wherwell were dismissed for 163 with 2 balls remaining. The home team bowlers shared the wickets with Gilbert 3 - 23 and Donovan 2 -33.

After tea Wherwell made immediate in roads into the batting line up, with Nathan Young 1 - 33 and Scott Blackmore 1 - 32 bowling good lines. Damerham though were always up with the run rate, P.Wilson survived a sharp chance at slip to make 38 and H.Gilbert also batted well for 30, but it was the first change of bowlers that made a difference, Jez Holmane bowled well 9 - 2 - 38 but it was Ryan Young who really made the home side struggle bowling 9 overs and taking 4 - 38, with chances in every over the game should have been wherwells by the end of his spell but they weren't taken and M.Colbourne having survived 3 mesmerising overs from Young took the game away from the visitors with a hard hitting 37 and saw his side home by 1 wicket with 2 overs to spare.

Despite the defeat it was agreed that the match was a good warmup for the league season which begins this Saturday at home to Hursley park. 2pm start.

Wherwell Get new Season underway with a win

Coming out of the long winter it was pleasing to see the April Sun. Wherwell started the new season with a new captain in the guise of Scott Blackmore. With an opening game against Pheonix from Southampton the new captain got the season underway in good style by winning the toss and electing to bat.

opening the innings himself he was highly active in a partnership of 86 scoring 31 in good time, he was followed to the wicket by Craig Beckingham who also batted well on a slow but even strip for his 39, unfortunatley until a quickfire 14 from Luke Trebbert batting at 11 this was the sum total of Wherwells' effort which saw 4 ducks. Wherwell were eventually dismissed in the final over for a respectable 167.

following a "traditional" cricket tea, scones and cream, Wherwell made steady in-roads into the Pheonix batting with Craig Beckingham following up his 39 runs by taking 4 wickets in 8 overs and looking more like the bowler who was amongst the best in the league 2 seasons ago.

With wickets falling consistently Blackmore shuffled his bowlers and he himself bowled an excellent line and despite a couple of dropped catches in the slips returned 2 wickets from his 5 overs.

Bradley Aldridge and Ben Gardner also bowled excellent early season lines and were rewarded with a wicket apeice.

Wherwell eventually finished off the Pheonix innings for 102 with 10 overs to spare.

Next home game, friendly, this Sunday v's West Meon 2 pm start.