1st X1  v  Much Wenlock  24th May 2008

 Madeley won this game by what appears to be a comfortable 6 wicket margin but this in no way was a true reflection of the afternoons events. Chasing a modest total of 145 Madeley were soon in trouble with both Andy Lloyd and Steve Jones back in the pavilion with only 2 runs on the board.
Steve Faux puts a short one in


'Verbal' then strolled to the wicket and with the pressure of the situation weighing heavily on his mind (not) proceeded to plunder 33 off 27 balls. Unsurprisingly he perished when trying to hit another boundary but only succeeding in holing out to square leg.

(Steve Faux puts  his back into it) 

With Dinesh falling for a duck the score was a dodgy looking 56 - 4. However Steve Pugh was still there and he held the innings together with excellent support from John Fawcett at the other end. Both played sensibly and gradually built a match winning partnership. With the game looking reasonably safe they both accelerated and runs came freely. Both were still there at the end with Steve on 78 and John 28.

John Fawcett poses for camera

Earlier in the day Much Wenlock got off to the worst possible start with 3 wickets falling for just 7 runs. After a 53 run fourth wicket stand another 2 wickets fell but Madeley failed to push home their advantage and Much Wenlock managed to get to 145 - 8 at the end of their allotted overs.


(A classic drive from John Fawcett)

Scores were somewhat lower than expected but were probably due to a wicket which had unpredictable bounce and indeed gave assistance to the bowlers. There was plenty of movement off the wicket for seamers and spinners alike.