First game of the season this evening and Wiltshire Queries went down by 6 wickets and 1.4 overs to Erlestoke CC at the Walled Garden. We made 143 for 5 off 20, and Erlestoke chased it down at a canter. James Illingworth (37) and Thomas Whiting (19) had a good opening partnership of 61 and Jez Barnes (36) and Jack Bramwell (27) a 5th wkt stand of 65. We thought that was reasonably sturdy. Sturdier than Simon Cottle’s hamstring which gave way early (heal well, Simon). Rupert Bagnall braved a serious hand injury to replace him, and took a fine boundary catch. George (3-2-8-1) and James Stevenson (2-1-4-0) bowled miserly opening spells, with 3 maidens between them. George Lishman (3-0-30-0) and Thomas Whiting (4-0-46-0) were more expensive, although to be fair the outfield was lightening and the fielding a little geriatric at times. Jez Barnes (2.2-0-16-1) and your correspondent (4-0-29-1) tried to reel it in with some slower stuff with moderate success. Oscar Fox made a fine 50* for Erlestoke and Dom Spencer hit the winning runs over the wall. Joe Dorgan steered it all with panache. Chips and beer were consumed subsequently.
