Wharton and Pykett star as Horspath 4th open account

SKIPPER Craig Wharton hit a superb unbeaten century and veteran left-arm spinner Robin Pykett picked up five wickets as Horspath 4th chalked up their first win of the season in Cherwell League Division 5C with a 48-run victory at Wootton and Boars Hill.

Craig Wharton hit a terrific ton

Wharton led the way with 100 not out off 146 balls at the top of the order as the visitors posted 203-5 after choosing to bat.

His maiden century for the club included eight fours, and beat his previous best of 99 when he was run out playing for Horspath 3rd against Chearsley in 2018. 

He was well supported in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand by Jamie Hicks (30no).

Peter Wheeler (2-39) and Euan Barrett, who took 1-17 off 13 overs with six maidens, made early inroads into the Wootton batting, before Pykett worked his way through the rest of the order.

His haul of 5-36 included top-scorer Robyn Gill (30) as Wootton were sent spinning to 155 all out, with John Perkins taking the last wicket.

It was Pykett's first five-wicket haul in the league since he took 5-21 for Horspath 3rd against Wolverton Town 2nd in 2014.

Posted by: Russ