Witney Swifts CC

It was difficult to decide which was more miserable Derek Errol Craig or the weather. On balance the weather just won through as the youthful exuberance of the Swifts youngest side of the season lifted the mood of the team.

Debutant and star of the future Liam Readhead joined the youthful ranks of Witney Swifts whom included 3 under 15’s in a depleted side of 9 players.

On a day which winning the toss would be a massive help stand in skipper Spinney Woodward maintained family tradition and Chesterton chose to bat.

Opening with the two Liam’s Morris and Readhead was a bold move and neither let the side down. Readhead bowled with decent pace and Morris also showed accuracy. Let’s hope these guys continue to play for Swifts because in a couple of year’s time they will be match winners. Dan Tiger Frosty also bowled a good spell later on even against the inform batsman who were looking to push on.

Sadly the batsman gave few chances and although Swifts toiled hard for wickets the openers managed to put on 166 for the first wicket. Opener Appleton scoring 108 and carrying his bat. Chestycough managed a very respectable 265 runs for only 3 wickets.

Tea was taken in the local pub and Cromwell was delighted to join the team for a very pleasant meal with an excellent cup of tea.

Not expecting a miracle Swifts commenced their innings with veteran Errol Craig and Spinney putting on 58 for the first wicket until Errol was dismissed. Without wishing to make excuses and also understanding that umpiring is difficult some of the decisions made by the officials were poor to awful. VJ Sujendren who took 4 wickets should have been taken off for the number of full beamers that he bowled although he was only no balled once.

However, what was very pleasing for Swifts was the partnership between Alan The Wall Frost and legendry soul singer David Craig who put on 107 for the fourth wicket. David contributing 76 of those before eventually getting caught. Which it seemed from your reporter's viewpoint to have been clearly carried over the boundary.

Alan the wall Frosty (27 not out) and Dan Tiger Frosty (3 not out) timed their partnership to perfection managing to get to 200 of the last ball.

The quality of the Umpiring might be judged by the fact that at least 6 overs were 5 or 7 ball overs.

Never the less this was still a substantial win for Chestycough, but given the circumstance both sides should be proud that they managed to get the match played and to produce an enjoyable game.

Champagne moment was the direct hit by Alan the wall Frosty to run out VJ.

Man of the match goes to David Craig who batted superbly for his 76 with some resounding blows and some delicate touches.