On paper, Cricklade’s encounter with Bourton Vale looked a likely straightforward win for the home side, currently sitting pretty at the top of GCCL Division 7. Things didn’t quite pan out that way!

On another warm summer’s day, skipper Danny Lloyd lost yet another toss and Cricklade were asked to field in the heat. As ever, Andy Cox was immediately in the game, taking a wicket with his first ball (his patented top-spinner) and then another in his second over. However, Cricklade’s thoughts of another quick win were premature and a good innings by Adam Tarrant (65) helped Bourton Vale to a respectable total of 187 for 9. The bowlers worked hard on a wicket that wasn’t providing much assistance (or bounce) and the fielders worked hard in the heat to keep the score respectable. After Andy Cox’s excellent opening spell (9-6-12-2) Angelo Rigali’s mystery spin (well, it’s a mystery to him anyway) provided a measure of control, and Andy McGrath picked up useful wickets at the death (2 for 3).

Cricklade’s response got off to a hesitant start with the early loss of Paul Paginton and Sam Pinchin and, although VC Rhys Mills was in good touch and found the boundary regularly, wickets continued to fall around him. After 29 overs, the home team were perilously poised at 112 for 5 before an excellent partnership between Mills (92) and Andy McGrath (27) took Cricklade to the brink of victory at 170 for 5 after 37 overs. For some reason, the batsmen then decided to press the self-destruct button and within 4 overs the score had collapsed to 178 for 9. Luckily for Cricklade, the last pair of Mike Mabbatt and Angelo Rigali (hardly the worst last pair in the league) held their nerve (mostly) to see the team home by one wicket, sealed by a trademark Rigali cover drive in the 42nd over.

Cricklade stay top of the league, with an increased lead of 13 points prior to the visit of bottom of the table Woodmancote for an early start this Saturday, prior to the football.

The BigVan World man of the match was Rhys Mills for his match winning innings of 92, compiled with excellent timing and solid defence.

It’s coming home.