West Chiltington & Thakeham CC

Match Report

The match was played on a beautiful warm and sunny day in the idyllic setting of the West Chiltington ground. We were also fortunate enough to enjoy the magnificent new pavilion and it’s excellent facilities.

The Martlets with a well balanced side, won the toss and elected to bat. Our batting line up was strong and we anticipated another century from Andrew Hartridge (having scored four tons in the last four matches in this fixture). It was not to be however as he succumbed on eight!

There were some good knocks from Ben Speake 81 (Overseas player for Three Bridges), Michael Corrigan 36 (overseas player for Chichester), Steve Eke (Candidate) 39* and Derek Horsham 43. The Martlets declared on 277 for 7 off 56 overs.

West Chiltington & Thakeham found it difficult to score against a very good bowling attack consisting of Charles Davies – 14 overs 2 maidens 5 for 48; Derek Horsham – 10 overs 4 maidens 1 for 26; Paul Lack 14 overs 3 maidens 1 for 36; Ben Speake 6 overs 1 maiden 0 for 28 and Joe Waylett 10 overs 2 maidens 2 for 33. West Chiltington reached 177 for 9 off 54 overs in an exciting finish and although the Martlets failed to get the final wicket, it was a moral victory for them nonetheless!

As the non-playing Match Manager, I would like to let it be known that my team were a magnificent example of what Martlets cricket is all about. Eleven excellent cricketers who gelled well, creating a strong camaraderie and played the match in a competitive yet sportsman-like manner and an exemplary example of the spirit of cricket. I was delighted to be told by the Captain and Chairman of WC & T CC that they feel the Martlets play a wonderful standard of cricket to which their younger players can aspire to emulate and that we are rated by them as the best opponents they play in their season.