Wiltshire CCC played Berkshire CCC –in the Marlborough Cup at Marlborough CC, July 26.
Berkshire won the toss and elected to field, looking like a good decision as wickets began to tumble. Jake Goodwin 12, and Uzi Qureshi, 15, put on 26 for the first wicket, but the unpredictable bounce caused the batsmen problems.
Jake Lintott, 31, and Ben Draper, 10 put on 25 until Ben became the sixth wicket to fall with the score on just 75. Wiltshire lost a flurry of wickets to Luke Beaven who finished with 5 for 26.
Jake Lintott
At 82 for 9 the situation was looking bleak, but a last wicket partnership of 27 (the best of the innings!) between Luke Evans 15 and Joe King, 11 not out, added the respectability of a three figure score as Wiltshire were eventually bowled out for 109 in 32.1 overs.
Berkshire began their reply positively after a rain break. Jack Davies, 15, in particular looked aggressive and attempted to avoid the unpredictability of the pitch by meeting the ball several paces down the track. Carter was the first wicket to fall as he skied one from Luke Evans to be caught by wicketkeeper Ben Draper.
Luke Evans then claimed the wicket of Jack Davies as he knocked back his off stump. Berkshire were now 27 for 2 and Wiltshire’s hopes were raised. The introduction of spin helped Joe King and skipper Ed Young each take a wicket, but that was as good as it got for Wiltshire.
Luke Evans
Dan Lincoln 53 was not out, including two massive sixes (one of which landed on a car windscreen!) taking them safely home on 110 for 4 after just 19.2 overs.
Luke Evans was the pick of the Wiltshire bowlers with 2 for 22 from his five overs. Ed Young presented the Marlborough cup to Berkshire skipper Richard Morris. No disgrace in losing to a strong Berkshire side in a game which was probably decided on the toss.
Wiltshire CCC Socially Distanced Team photograph: BR L-R: Jake Lintott, Tahir Afridi, Luke Evans, Will Harries, Neil Clark, Tom Ewart-Grant, Ben Draper, Tom Morton (Manager/coach).