Cricklade 1st XI continued their impressive start to their first season in the GCCL with a hard-earned win against Cam at Southam, moving up to 3rd place in Division 7.
Going into the game missing a number of key players, Cricklade lost another important toss and were asked to bat first on a wicket still recovering from the midweek rain. Nonetheless, they made a very good start thanks to skipper-for-the-day Paul Dewsbury (35) and returning Cricklade icon Paul Paginton, reaching 68 before losing the first wicket.
Another good partnership followed before Andy Cox was bowled for 25 with the score at 121 for 2 after 34 overs. Sadly that precipitated a collapse, including the wicket of Pagy for an excellent, hard-working 62, with the team falling to 140 for 8 before some late runs were added by the tail, taking the total to 159 for 9 after 45 overs.
Defending what was a below-par score on a now drying wicket, the Cricklade attack made a fantastic start thanks to Andy Cox (3 for 18) and Andy Lea (3 for 32), reducing Cam to 26 for 6 and putting Cricklade well on their way to another victory. However, a combination of good batting by their young opponents and the home team taking their foot off the gas left the game dangerously balanced at 105 for 6 before Angelo Rigali (Wiltshire’s best fat Italian slow bowler) stepped up to take 4 for 21 and finish the innings at 124 all out.
All in all, a very good win with a much-weakened team that keeps the Cricklade momentum in full flow going into next week’s home game against Hardwicke.
The BigVanWorld Cricklade Man of the Match was Paul Paginton, settling back into old ways with a match-winning knock of 62.