Witney Swifts CC

Another glorious summers day (this may be a lie) greeted the crowds (so might this) as they poured into the home of cricket for the last contest at home of the 2011 season. Due to a surge in late season form the Swifts side were only looking to achieve a couple of points to avoid any possibility of demotion. Kennington on the other hand were still on the brink and would require a win to ensure safety.

In an almost miraculous occurrence Captain Woodenleg won a toss. The crowd went wild with excitement (I think you might be getting the hang of these by now) as he chose to bat.

The wicket, which was under water the previous week, looked a bit rubbish and the outfield could have done with a cut. Notwithstanding the difficult conditions openers Derek Errol Craig and Graeme Spinney Woodward strode to the middle ready to face the worst that could be thrown at them.

The pitch proved to be as bad as it looked with the ball misbehaving and the outfield being very slow. Scoring was an effort but Errol, The Wall Frosty, Legendary soul singer David Craig, Captain Woodenleg and Stretch Jonno all made starts without anyone pushing on to a big score. Swifts managed to achieve a 122 for 9 wickets. The two Liams’ managing to hold out the bowlers and deny Kennington a final point.

Tea was a splendid effort by Mrs. Claire Craig with a range of some superb home baked cakes. As always our gratitude goes to her and all those ladies who have served us some delightful teas this season.

Opening the Swifts bowling effort with under 15 seamer’s Liam Morris Minor and Liam “Its to late in the season to come up with a new nickname” Readhead was a master stroke. Both bowled well and were rewarded with their first senior wicket. They were also able to restrict the batsman to a mere 30 runs of their 12 overs.

Next up saw the appearance of ace tweakers Spinny Woodward and Victoria Apples Strudel. They ripped through the Kennington defences both picking up 4 wickets each. None of the Kennington team managed to get into the twenties.

Kennington all out for 80 a 42 run victory for Swifts.

Man of the match (and woman) is to be shared between Vikki and Graeme for a splendid bowling partnership.

Champagne moments were few, but my award this wicket goes to Graeme’s catch of the bowling of “To late in the seasons” bowling. This was the only catch of the day.

Next week we are hosting our final match of the seasons at Charlbury due to the Witney Feast taking part at the Leys.