Wickham & Stodmarsh

Match Report

Wickham & Stodmarsh came up against the full force of Smallwood cricketing power at Highland Court. Jasper (76) enjoyed a 121 run partnership with George Baker White (110); Al tucked in for a few in the last over; and then Smallwoods shared 6 catches in the field (Benny 3, Jasper 2 and Al one), while Jasper took 3 wickets. Paternal pride glowed from mid-off.

In spite of another rain interruption, the Straggler upper order dominated the W&S bowling, with Jasper and George leading the charge, supported by Alex Ross (24) and Tom Wood (22), to reach 244 for 5 from a reduced 35 overs. George’s maiden Straggler century included some wonderful timing and very effective use of a heavy plank.

The W&S openers set off with purpose, keeping Toby Snape and John Portal at bay, while managing to find a four ball every over. At the first change they were ahead of the pace and accelerating. However, taking the pace of the ball lured both into the standard Straggler Trapp, caught at mid-off by John P. Simon Mount did his best to fall the same way, but ended up being one of Jasper’s victims. Benny then came to the fore, taking two catches at fly slip in the other trap, and, having moved to mid-off when Simon was introduced, pouched a third hit high over his head. 78 without loss in 12 overs had become 109 for 7 in 23. Tom Wood came on to wrap up the tail, with 2 in 2 and both catches caught by Jasper, one at wide mid-on and the second with one hand at slip, very versatile field positioning. Tom will start his next over on a hat-trick ball! W&S subsided to 148 all out.