1st X1  v Shelton  24th June 2006

Shelton won the toss and decided to bat. Terry Owen struck in his first over when he trapped L.Bayley in front  1 - 1.

The score then moved quickly on with Neil Salisbury striking several fours through covers and mid wicket. The total had reached 49 when Sam Hathaway's efforts were rewarded when he got one to lift a little and Salisbury was caught by Steve Maden. A good partnership followed and the next wicket didn't arrive until the score had reached 130, when Rico tempted the batsman down the wicket and Steve Maden took a straightforward stumping.

Steven Faux had replaced Sam Hathaway and he bowled a tidy spell with plenty of effort. Shelton looked to be heading for a decent score and it wasn't until the score had reached 212 that Steve struck having P.Davies caught by Rico for 58. He then added another three wickets to his tally with the skipper taking two catches in two balls on the deep long off boundary. The hat trick was very nearly achieved but the ball fell tantalisingly wide of the fielder.

With Terry taking another two wickets the innings closed on 262 - 9. Terry finished with figures of 3 -69 and Steven an impressive 4 - 55.  

 

                                Steven Faux in his first spell

 

Madeley's innings got off to a decent start with Rico getting 34 which included 7 fours before he was stumped off the bowling of C.Speake. After another decent partnership Verbal was adjudged, some think harshly, stumped having scored a patient 33. Steve Pugh was going along nicely at the other end although not seeing too much of the strike.

Shelton's keeper then decided to shed the pads and have a try bowling leg spinners, which were more a less an offer to help yourself to some runs. Pete Smith's face lit up as he smashed a rank long hop all the way to the square leg boundary where he managed to find the only fielder for miles.

Spikey came to the wicket and shortly after smashing a four over extra cover received a shortish ball that more or less went along the floor and he was out LBW.

                            Steve Pugh strikes another four

Meanwhile Steve Pugh had been pushing the score along but was troubled and somewhat restricted with cramps. He brought up his century with two consecutive sweetly timed strokes through the leg side. At this stage we needed 42 runs off the last seven overs.

Jason Willets had put last week's first baller out of his mind and hit an aggressive 17 before he was out trying another lusty blow.

Steve's innings came to an end when he tried another big hit  through mid wicket and he was bowled for 102 off only 106 balls which included 15 fours.

With Steve Maden being bowled for six and Terry Owen being out first ball trying to hit a six we were left with playing out the last couple of overs to ensure that we managed a draw. This the two young lads, Steve Faux and Sam Hathaway achieved and the innings closed on 235 - 8