Weakened side win (From Barry And District News)

Weakened side win

ON a scorching day at Hayes Point, the Wanderers entertained Girlings Centurions, from Newport, in their weekly League game.

The Wanderers were significantly weakened due to holidays etc, and indeed only three first team regulars were in the starting eleven.

Girlings started off like the proverbial train, with both openers getting 50s. But some great resilience from the Wanderers paid off, especially in sweltering conditions, and restricted the opposition to 233 off their allotted 45 overs.

Chris Sanders was the pick of the bowlers, taking his second five-for of the season, but a mention must go to Joel Cross, who bowled superbly, taking three wickets, too.

After a good tea prepared by Linda Richards and Gladys Swannick, the Wanderers began their innings.

A good knock of 33 from Paul George meant a fine start, and with Man of the Day Joel Cross in next, the excellent start was maintained.

Cross hit his second ball for four through the covers and was particularly aggressive on anything over-pitched, especially with a towering six! He was unlucky to be given out for 47.

With Mark Ellis chipping in, as did Andrew Ferguson, the score was always there or thereabouts.

Chris Barnes and Chris Sanders put on a stand of more than 60 to win the game for the Wanderers - a great victory.

The Seconds were at Mountain Ash and didn't get under way until after 2.30pm, when only six of the home side turned up. Gradually, through the afternoon, three more showed and tried to make a game of it.

Ash batted first in the humid conditions and with some tight bowling by Walters (3 for 27) and Morgan (0 for 3) the score was kept at a minimum with just 28 off the first 13 overs with 1 wicket falling to Walters.

J Lewis tried to move the score on, but when he was trapped for 27 by Ashton (3 for 19), the writing was on the wall and Ash were all out for 80, with Toozer chipping in with 2 for 19.

In the reply, skipper Dave Smith was in a hurry and cracked the ball to all parts, ably assisted by Steve Norman (12 not out).

Just prior to achieving the target, Smith completed his 50 and ended on 55 not out.

All in all, a great day for the Sully-based Barry Wanderers Cricket Club.

On an absolute belter of a day the Wanderers travelled to Monkswood, just outside Usk, for a friendly game.

The away side were nursing a few injuries from the day before and again availability was poor, but 11 men went forth into battle.

To save the skipper's bacon, he had to win the toss, which he did for a change. Fenton asked Monkswood to field and Dave Smith and the improving Anthony Barratt opened the batting for the Wanderers.

An excellent start ensued, with 88 being added for the first wicket, until the now weary Smith went for 52 - his second half century of the weekend. He was soon followed by Ferguson, who hit the biggest six seen all season and then Barratt for a superb 48.

With notable contributions from Gist (15) and Stuart Jones (24), the Wanderers limped to 179 for 9 off 40 overs - 50 runs short of the skipper's target.

After an excellent, if lengthy, tea break, the home side set about their task. It didn't get off too well, with Storey caught by Ferguson off Collins with just the third ball of the innings.

With Ashton in on the action in the 10th over and Collins in the 11th, Monkswood were struggling on 39 for 3.

Then came a very contentious decision which went against the Wanderers with their star man caught behind, but the appeal was ignored.

He went on to score an impressive 57. However, debutant John Pugh got him caught one-handed and brilliantly by Ferguson - Collingwood style!

Now the Wanderers had victory in their sights. Charles had other ideas and added 38 runs for the 8th wicket with Monkswood now only needing 27 runs to win off 11 overs.

Fenton was in inspired form on a dream wicket and returned figures of 8-3-9-3, and with Stuart Jones taking 2 for 11 the Wanderers ran out victorious by 8 runs. A great game, played in great spirit.