Third Team Lose Unbeaten Record

What started as a lovely afternoon in the sunshine turned into disaster for the 3rd team following shock home defeat to Tibberton.

Having won the toss Pitchy opted to field first. Opening bowlers Ben Pilkington and Alex Harris continued their fine form with the new ball with solid opening spells; Pilkers removing former Wellington player Salik Javed for just 4. It was to turn out to be very successful afternoon for young Pilkers who turned in figures of 5/33 off 14 very solid overs, but again he was indebted to the better Pilkington, younger brother Dan, for his fine catch to get Ben his fifth wicket. However, it must be said of Ben, that again there was NO JUG purchased in the bar after the game, the second time this season he has left his money in his pocket! The returning Rachael Howells bowled very well for her 1/15 off 7 (this included 6 wides) and was at times unplayable.

Tibbo's opening batsman carried his bat through the 45 overs scoring 81 having been dropped twice. The first of these chances was put down by Dicko, who must have taken the same juggling classes as myself, the ball eventually bouncing off the floor into his mouth, cutting inside of lip, OUCH! But this didn’t stop Dicko showing his bravery for the Wellington badge once more, taking one in the chest in gully later on in the innings. Tibbo ended on 190/8.

Wellington in typical fashion started like an express train, Richard Benting smacking a quick-fire 24 before being caught behind in just the 3rd over. More shockingly the umpire was not going to give him out, so he walked, obviously the taser he took at work is effecting the brain, as he has never walked before. Wickets tumbled quickly with Smasher, Al Taylor and Dan Pilks coming and going. Dicko and Smurf took the score on until the impressive Matt Dickenson walked in front of his stumps and was given out LBW. Smurf bludgeoned a couple more runs before getting out, thus bringing Pitchy and veteran Gary Davies to the wicket still needing 100 runs. Looking solid Gary eventually was bowled, young Alex Harris then looked very good hitting some nice shots for 18 before returning a catch to bowler. Rach Howells soon followed, leaving Pitchy and Ben Pilks needing 45 runs. A couple of 4s and 6s from Pitchy brought the score down to 23 needed off 7 overs until he missed the ball and was bowled, leaving Wellington 23 runs short.

All in all a disappointing loss but we now move on to Willey away; hopefully we can get back on track.

Match report by Steve Pitchford