Junior Cup Final Report by Mark Hall

What a relief, in this summer of washouts, to get a fine dry day for our first final of the season. Cookley B v Arley was hosted by Chester road despite Worcestershire CCC commandeering the main square as emergency reserve for their approaching T20 games.

Arley won the toss and inserted Cookley on the side pitch. Cookley soon lost Grant Morris but skipper Luke Groves got them going with 24 before being dismissed to a good catch by Richard Tromans. There followed a partnership between Cyril Ramsey (29) and Ricki Keenan before Keenan was run out for 22. Tight bowling and fielding by Arley restricted Cookley to 116 for 5 in their 12 eight ball overs, with Gary Williams taking 2 catches.

Arley’s reply started rapidly thanks to Matt Watkins who powered his way to 31 before chopping on. Cookley were not helped by a plethora of wides which kept wicketkeeper Colin O’Brien busy. After the opening partnership of 71 it was a case of holding their nerve for Arley and with opener Will Rodenhurst batting through the result was never really in doubt, Arley completing the victory by 8 wickets.

Watkins’ 2 for 15 put him in the picture for the man of the match but Rodenhurst’s contribution was deemed to be the most telling and he picked up the champagne at the after match presentation in the club bar.

Mark Hall
Chairman of Wilden Industrial Estates Cricket League