11:51am Wednesday 21st July 2010
Andover Sunday v Thatcham.
Andover entertained Thatcham in the Border League on Sunday.
Stand in skipper Phil Knight lost the toss but was pleased to be asked to bat first. Despite the early loss of Matt Knight for six, Harry Blackburn (33) built steadily on his innings of 70 the previous day and together with the attacking James O’Gorman (37) moved the score on nicely before O'Gorman tried one big shot too many and was bowled. Cillie Van Der Merwe found batting tricky to start with but after a few overs the boundaries started coming and he stroked a majestic 57 including three sixes. He was well supported by Alex Aldridge (34) who hit some lovely drives thenthe tail waggged tamely but a few late blows from Ali Hooper (16) and Ryan Ward (11) took the score to a creditable 240.
In reply the Thatcham openers began steadily against father and son Phil and James Knight. James was particularly unlucky to have Winfield dropped twice in the same over but the return of the mercurial spin of Hooper and Ben Knight failed to take the much needed wicket and Thatcham were cruising at 139-0 in the 29th over when Ryan Ward came to the rescue. His first ball was looped to mid wicket where O'Gorman took a fine running catch then the pace of Van Der Merwe was employed from the other end and he secured the wicket of the other opener Watts for 59. Ward then secured another wicket and a sharp run out by O'Gorman led to a dramatic collapse from 185-3.
Ward with 6-33 and O'Gorman 2-20 then ripped through to leave Thatcham all out for 207. It was Ward's career best bowling and showed his growing potential.
Full ACC round up with pictures in Friday's Advertiser
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