James Illingworth writes: “Another happy WQs cricketing day with victory by 23 runs, thanks mainly to solid partnerships (batting and bowling), terrifically tight fielding, excellent running between the wickets, and no end of jolly banter on the field – mainly aimed across the WQs team I hasten to add!!!! The batting highlights included an excellent father-son opening stand between Giles and Freddie Malec (their first opening partnership together); a strong, well-paced partnership on an unforgiving and slow pitch between Jack Campbell (47) & Ollie Illingworth (30) – yes, Ollie up the order (he apparently threatened not to drive his father home); and some strong hits from Sean McClure, Savin Banumugama and Seb Woodford (including a very classy reverse paddle sweep off his first ball (what do they teach at Marlborough?).
With 174 from 35 overs this looked a low score, but then the bowlers did us proud from the off. James ‘the Rocket’ Stephenson and Tom Sutthery bowled superbly for figures of 1-24 and 1-33. Each kept it very tight, and took the crucial wickets of the Urchfont openers (including the wonderfully talented Oshadho Ranasinghe (Potterne’s overseas female pro’)). Their pace, variation and control was a joy to watch. Savin (1-16) and Seb (2-29) then produced beguilingly good spells to remove Oscar Fox (always a threat), Jenson Greenstreet (33) and Alfie Doran (32). And then the wily spin of Gabriel Williams (1-34) at the end ensured that Urchfont never really threatened. Thanks to Andy Palmer for umpiring and Jakki Knight for scoring, with Barry’s assistance (we wish him a speedy recovery from his knee ailment). And a final thanks to Tony Fox, Drew Cummine and the Urchfont team for their hospitality and a really good competitive afternoon’s cricket.”
