Whitchurch-on-Thames Cricket Club

 A pleasant 20 degree day greeted our ex Whitchurch players the exiles. Whitchurch batted first and a fine 56 by Jimbo Shananigans, Wcc’s opener in his first game of the season got us off to a good start. He was supported by Nick Hill who got 71 and Sid 44 who once Jimbo got out stepped on the gas to get us to 223 from our 35 overs- special mention to oppo bowler Robbie Povey who bowled some of the best leg spin and googlies I’ve ever see in club cricket. Exiles in their reply lost an early wicket with Mike Scanlon getting a good ball from Frankie. Exiles consolidated with Nick Leadbeater and Neil Houldey but Whitchurch’s middle overs were tight forcing exiles into taking more risks to up the run rate. Sid took a great catch and Nick L went onto get 92 - enter R Povey who’s quick fire 51 meant that the final 2 overs were close - squeaky bum time! However, Exiles fell 10 runs short with Whitchurch retaining the Anna Scanlon cup which was presented to Whitchurch by the exiles captain...

A slightly damp wicket (more on that later) met the WCC openers after winning the toss and electing to bat on a humid but pleasant day. A solid foundation was laid by the top order anchored by Woody who scored a powerful 119 no and assisted by Lyn who scored a neat 39 and Nick H.     The Pangbourne reply faltered and good bowling by Tom Chappers, Jonny G, Riaz and Francis supported by sound catching ensured a regular clatter of wickets culminating in bowling the oppo out for 93. We dodged the weather today and we’re really lucky to get a full game in. Nice beers on the field after with the oppo and we even played a bit of pitch and put!  Groagie  

Match Report - 11 aside game at Whitchurch v Wokingham - Sunday 9 Aug Wokingham won the toss on a scorchio day and did not take any convincing to bat first on what was probably a 35 degree centigrade day - they lost 4 quick wickets and at one stage were 35- 4 with the oppo not being able to put bat on ball due to the excessive swing and seam movement. Their no 4 bided his time and saw off the openers and first change bowlers and waited for an opportunity and once he was in he took it and scored an almost chanceless century-in the end we bowled them all out for 212 with Jonny G, Malik and Tom Chappers in particular bowling fantastically well. Woody kept wicket brilliantly and Ronnie took a great catch- special mention to Ollie who took a great catch and Juggled with it 5 times before he pouched it! The Whitchurch reply stuttered and we lost most of the top order for only 30 runs on the board- we steadied with Andy M (35)and Tom Chappers (20) and at one stage we were keeping up with the ...

A lovely sunny day at Eastfield Lane saw Crazies Hill win the toss and bat first. Their openers got off to a quick start 45 from first 7 overs but good bowling and excellent juggling catches from Jonny G and Tom Chappers hauled the advantage back to WCC, finally bowling them all out for 124 - well bowled Jonny, Heardy, Lyn and Malik. WCC top order didn’t fire, and Sid was left playing the anchor with the tail that wagged. Sid made 30 but gloved a lifter to the keeper, leaving Grogie and Cormac, then Jonny G to see us home by 2 wickets. Corm hit a great 18 which in the context of a low scoring game was worth more than double. Grogie got 23 and Jonny 12. Tight finish - was really great game and  great oppo Grogie