Downs Downed in Village Cup

Robbie Eason
70* & 85*

Horspath’s first ‘competitive’ match of the season could not have gone much better as they overcame Oxford Downs by 9 wickets in the first round of the Cricketer National Village Cup. The Downs being the victors in 2012 and had won the bowl out in the County Final in 2010.

Electing to bat after winning the toss Downs proceeded cautiously against Mase and Will as they both bowled accurate spells.

The dangerous Wes Bartlett lifted the siege with a straight six off Will who quickly gained his revenge by bowling him. The Downs Australian captain, Justin Cantrill was quickly into his stride and the Downs looked well placed at drinks on 87- 2. However, as often happens drinks brought a wicket as Shabbaz immediately took the wicket of Cantrill for a well made 43, aided by a fine catch by Skelley.

Jimmy Phillips
33 v Downs

Krolly then brought on Jakey and himself and the Downs innings subsided as the pace was taken off the ball with both the spinners being rewarded with three wickets for 24 and 21runs respectively. They were helped by safe catching in the deep with Greeny confidently pouching two and Skelley another. The Downs innings closed on 142 in the 37th over as Mase bagged the final wicket.

Any jitters that Horspath may have had were quickly dispersed as Robbie and Jimmy found the excellent track and the Downs seam bowling much to their liking. The opening stand was worth 75 in the 17th over before Jimmy played a loose shot and departed for 33. Shab joined Robbie and they passed the Downs score with 9 overs to spare, with Robbie not out on 70 and Shabbaz on 34.

Horspath will meet Langford at home on the 19th May.

Andy Wynd
3 stumpings

The first eleven had been equally successful the previous day when they completed their pre league fixtures with a very satisfying victory against Great Tew. Krolly had the unusual experience of winning the toss and inserted Tew who were soon in all sorts of trouble against Horspath’s opening attack of Pat and Will. Will bowled out his 9 overs taking 3 – 30 whilst Pat completed 7 to return 3-24. Both were assisted by fine work behind the stumps by Wyndy who pouched 3 victims. With Skelley supplying a run out Tew were reduced to 55 for 7. A fine attacking innings by Lloyd Brock supported first by Josh Megson 22 and then by last man Josh Garrett 30 rallied the innings to close on 184 with Lloyd left not out on 68. Krolly, Jehan and Dan T each picking up a wicket.

Robbie and Jimmy faced testing spells from Matt Woods and Liam Manley and had taken the score to 24 in the seventh over before Jimmy was caught off Manley. Robbie was joined by Shabba and the pair had progressed the total to 118 before Shabba fell LBW to White for a well made 28. Pat joined Robbie and the scoring rate jumped as both batsmen regularly found the boundary boards. Pat was bowled for 20 with the score on 174 leaving Will to secure the victory with a six, with four overs to spare. Robbie ending not out for a fine 85 which included 10 fours and a six.