Weybridge 5XI v Hampton Hill 4XI

June 26, 2021

Andrew Bellwood was crowned king of Coronation rec. on Saturday as he starred with bat and ball in the Weybridge 5XI win over promotion favourites Hampton Hill.

Weybridge gave senior debuts to two under 15’s in Jasper Maple and Georgia Van Hoffen and added new recruits Martin Fent and Mark “Phoenix Kitchen’ Dainty to help create an ideal blend of experience, youth and energy(!).

Winning the toss on an interesting pitch with a thick outfield Weybridge elected to bat and saw Anthony Van Hoffen (25) start a decent foundation with 5 off the keeper’s helmet. Supported by Steve (3) and Luke McCarthy (11) and an aggressive return for Simon Dunlop (26), Weybridge were 48/4 when Bellwood arrived at the crease. Adding a top score of 33 from 48 balls the enigmatic Bellwood pushed hard when runs were hard to find to post a below par but still competitive 112 … Bellwood looked calm and managed to see off some decent and tricky leg spin from William Aust and took advantage of every run scoring opportunity on a very variable pitch.

Fent opened the bowling in his first competitive game for many years and quickly found rhythm and pace using the surprising and changeable bounce to good effect. He was supported by the always ‘Lively Luca” Brooks leaving Hampton Hill at 18/1 when Bellwood took the ball.

What followed was a master class in variation and control with low rollers, full bungers, and funky lengths. He took five wickets and could have had eight with two superb running catches from inform keeper Luke McCarthy who again was imperious behind the stumps.
Maple added to the mix with some fine length bowling and Faircliff held down one end with a very economical display of off spin.

Georgia Van Hoffen and Steve McCarthy, Maple and Dainty were energetic and lively in the field adding to a pressure led bowling attack. Steve McCarthy at one point overtook the veteran Dunlop in a chase for a ball with a 35-metre head start!
Bellwood rightly took the match ball with his superb 5/14 with support from the excellent Fent 4/6 and Faircliff 1/8 off 7 overs.

This second win provided a welcome celebration for the team as they continue to attempt to create this blended eleven allowing opportunities for both senior members and talented juniors getting a chance to showcase their talents.
A road trip away to bottom club Camberley awaits next Saturday.