Hurstbourne Priors v Winterslow.

Hurstbourne Priors gained sweet revenge for three seasons ago with an emphatic nine wicket win over Winterslow.

On a cloudy, muggy day Winterslow skipper Jamie Keys stunned everyone by winning the toss and batting first and his decision was proved to be the wrong one when openers James Miles and Mark Penny were removed by the rejuvenated Mark Matthews.

Matthews, elevated to opening the bowling in the absence of Ady Budd repaid his skipper with a pacey and accurate spell as his 4-7 ripped the top order apart and Winterslow were struggling to recover. Richard Carter (3-9) added more pressure to and was well supported by his fielders. When Steve Cady took a rasping slip catch to remove Hartley, Winterslow were in serious trouble with only 24 overs gone. Pete Pearce batted throughout the short innings but when Carter and Rajiv Kumar combined to run Bolam out the away side was skittled for 58.

Given Priors’ poor batting the week before, both openers played positively and looked to knock the total off quickly. Carter (23) hit two sublime fours through mid-off before veteran Mark Penny clean bowled him. Ashok Nautiyal (21no) carried his bat and with Jonathan Hopkinson (8no) looking in good touch with two classic drives the game was nearly won. Ashok hit a huge six to seal the game and Priors took 23 points.

Hurstbourne Priors would like to thank Peglers Specialist Cheese Products for sponsoring the match ball.