ON a breezy, sunny day at Hayes Point, Sully Barry Wanderers entertained local rivals Cardiff Casuals in a very friendly cricketing affair.

Losing the toss, skipper Andy Fenton was asked to field, and night owl Dafydd Howell was keeper for the day. Fenton and young Theo Richards opened up the attack and both were soon in the wickets, Fenton with a simple caught and bowled off a slower ball, and Richards with a wicket caught by Henry Dawson. Mason-Wickes for the Casuals dug in and was aggressive when the bowling was loose. Young Grant Buckingham was so unlucky not to have a wicket in his spell of 6-0-28-0 – the BWCC fielders not quite hanging on to a couple of touch chances. Sam Harris bowled from his nemesis end but took 2 wickets in his spell of 7-1-33-2. Guest West Ender Neil ‘Harry’ Holmes also was very tight with 7-4-17-0, and runs were hard to come by for the Casuals. With Dan Bowles chipping in with a wicket, excellently caught by the diving Paul Sawyer, and Dawson mopping up the tail with his under-used wicket to wicket medium pacers, the Casuals ended up on 151 all out with Mason-Wickes contributing 70, and Ed ‘Cheesy’ Stewart 29.

After an unrivalled tea (wonderful cake Caroline, even though Sooty gave his to the gulls!), BWCC opened their innings with Bowles and Sawyer who both needed an early bath due to work and musical commitments. Bowles went caught behind for 8, Sawyer for a swift 17 and when Sam Harris mis-timed his drive to cover, BWCC were in a bit of bother at 47 for 3. Another visiting West-Ender, Rhys ‘Banto’ Howell’s experience and aggressive stroke-play dominated the bowling. Skipper Fenton joined him at the crease, and with a little bit of luck and some well executed shots along the way, the total was chased down. Towards the end of the chase, Howell reached his 50 and ended on 57 not out. Fenton also achieved his 50 and won the game with his 3rd six into the trees – BWCC winning by 7 wickets.

Thanks to involved for making the day happen, and to the tea ladies for ensuring the chaps were fed and watered.