2nd X1 v Welshpool 14th June 2008 Report from Chris Hodson
This week Madeley entertained Welshpool and with
our visitors lying one place below us in the table this game had quite a lot
riding on the outcome. Oddy won the toss for the first time in ages and
invited the opposition to first use of a fantastic looking strip and electric
outfield. Kieran Richards and debutant Lee Bowen bowled well without any real
luck, both bowlers regularly beating the outside edge. We did gain two early
wickets, one each to Kieran and Lee. Oddy bowled gaining one wicket as did Sam
Norman who really bowled well and is hopefully coming into some form at last.
Welshpool completed their innings on 184 - 6, this was helped by some woeful
fielding and dropped catches (a dolly at mid on springs to mind! Ed) and
this is part of the game that we must really tighten up on.
Madeley's reply was cool and calm and Seddy and
Woody got stuck in without any real problems, taking the score to the late
twenties when Seddy nibbled at a wide one and was caught behind. This brought Oddy
to the wicket and again the skipper and Woody put on over 40 runs in very few
overs taking the score to 60 odd for 2 when Woody flayed at a loose ball only
to see it go straight up and be caught in the covers. This then brought Steve
Maden to the wicket who along with the skipper put on over a 100 runs to
ensure that victory was in sight. Maden scored a good 52 striking the ball
well and to all parts and hopefully this will kick start his season and he
will continue to score runs no matter which team he plays in. When Oddy hit
the winning runs in the 39th over his personal score was 78 not out and again
he looked good playing shots all around the ground.
The pitch at Madeley was excellent and credit to
Loll and his team for all their work. The ground looks a picture and is a
credit to all who work on it week in week out. It was also nice to hear the
opposition comment on how good teas are at Madeley.
Madeley 20 points Welshpool 5 points
Albrighton at home again next week.