AFTER a hugely successful season Wanderers 2nd XI travelled to Bridgend for their final league fixture safe in the knowledge that they had already been promoted as Champions.

However, skipper Barnes gathered his troops in a huddle and gave a rallying speech about playing for pride.

Fielding first on a damp wicket, the Wanderers came across arguably the best batsman they had faced all year in Bridgend’s 2nd XI ex-captain P Cadogan who was in great form as he thrashed the bowling all around the park. It wasn’t completely faultless as numerous chances went begging but without Cadogan scoring 145 out of 217 for 8, the Bridgend total would have been considerably less.

Ashton, taking his 40th wicket of a magnificent campaign and Pathak bowled well during the middle of the innings and although catches went down the Wanderers plugged away to the end with good ground fielding.

The Wanderers knew it would be a tough ask but throughout the season they have shown the battling qualities which made them champions and with Thomas scoring a dogged 32 and Pathak (62) batting well at the other end the target was on for a while.

However, once these two were removed by the evergreen Morgan it was game over and as the middle order collapsed it was left to skipper Barnes, who has batted well all season to restore some pride with 22 not out and take the Wanderers to a score of 150 for 7 off their 45 overs.

As the players departed to the bar for well earned drinks it was time for both teams to celebrate with the Wanderers finishing Champions and Bridgend finishing 2nd. Both sides celebrated with champagne in their respective dressing rooms and on the booze bus back to Barry. A highly entertaining and celebratory night took part at the Wanderers clubhouse with the Wanderers 1sts also achieving promotion.

The fun continued long into the night as the Wanderers now prepare themselves for life in a higher division next year. A special award was presented to Paul Swannick for being the 2nd team scorer all year and all agreed he had done a marvellous job.

Bridgend IV’s: 217-8 off 45 overs. P Cadogan 145. D Pathak 4-36, M Ashton 1-40.

Barry Wanderers 150-7 off 45 overs. D Pathak 62, D Thomas 32, C Barnes 22 not out. Wanderers lose by 67 runs.

Barry Wanderers Dock View Auto Centre man of the match: Dev Pathak.

LANAGAN CENTURY

With the league business done and dusted and the Wanderers 1st and 2nd teams safely promoted, it was time to enjoy the end of season frivolities with a friendly against old foes Rogerstone.

Wanderers skip Barnes lost the toss and on a damp wicket and soggy outfield the home skipper elected to bat.

The Wanderers pic'n'mix team looked raring to go but it was to be a long afternoon in the field chasing leather.

First teamers Beckett and Blundell opened the bowling and immediately saw off Asif and Trinder. However, this was a false dawn as Green, Brew, Berry and Harris all plundered runs with Harris particularly aggressive top scoring with 57. Part time bowlers Lanagan, Ellis and Thomas all turned their arm over with Thomas taking his first wicket for the Wanderers (a jug on tour to look forward to).

The fielding looked a little jaded (some had obviously enjoyed the promotion party a little too much) but in the end, and with the quality of opposition a total of 225 all out was respectable enough and the sanctuary of the clubhouse was sought for a well earned cup of tea.

It was always going to be a tough total to chase especially on an outfield with long grass. Thomas departed quickly for 4, followed by Barnes and Wolfenden to leave the Wanderers on 28 for 3.

Simon Lane then joined Lanagan at the crease and steadied the ship with a well constructed 24 before being bowled by Asif.

Ellis lost sight of his first ball going for a golden to join the select motley crew battling it out for the Duck Cup – Fenton keen to polish it up and get rid after 3 years! However, Lanagan then showed his class and batted with immaculate concentration and skill to land his 4th century for the club and with a little more support from his colleagues the win might have been achieved.

Nevertheless, Lanagan deserved his man of the match award for his outstanding batting performance. Blundell batted out the last few overs in the gloom as the Wanderers fell 58 runs short. A workmanlike performance from the Wanderers and it goes to show the standard needed to be met as the respective first and second teams go up a level next year. Next up for the Wanderers is the eagerly awaited tour to Butlins, Minehead.

Carnage and mayhem awaits…..for those going don’t forget your 70’s Sports retro outfits for Saturday night’s shennanigans!

Rogerstone 225 all out. Harris 57, Berry 38, Green 34. P Beckett 3-48, N Blundell 3-41.

Barry Wanderers 167 for 6 off 40 overs. G Lanagan 104 not out, S.Lane 24. I Jarrett 3-26.

Wanderers lose by 58 runs.

Barry Wanderers Dock View Auto Centre man of the match: Gareth Lanagan.