Sat. 28th July. WCCL – Division 5 Wanborough 65-3 Melksham CC 63 all
Melksham suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, with a calamitous batting display, forcing them to endure a comprehensive 7-wicket defeat away to league leaders, Wanborough.
Having lost the toss and forced to bat in unfavourable conditions, Melksham’s opening pair of Daniel Carpenter and Freddie Honeybone commenced the innings in reasonably quick fashion, reaching 17 in the first 3 overs. This partnership carried on until the 8th over when main run scorer Carpenter was bowled for 19, leaving his side 25-1. Honeybone maintained a good defensive display to keep out the pacey Wanborough attack, but sadly the rest of his teammates were not up to the challenge. Russell Collins (5), Joe Veacock (0) and Chris Singh (3) all met their demise in quick succession at the hands of Jarvis Noronha, to leave the visitors reeling on 35-4. Honeybone continued to defy the bowlers until the 18th over when he was bowled for 7. Wanborough duo Stanley Vas (2-20) and Noel Braganza (4-6) then ruthlessly swept aside the Melksham lower order, with none of the remaining batsmen making more than 5 as their side withered away to just 63 all out of just 26.5 overs.
Despite having such a small target to chase, Wanborough seemingly wanted to end the contest as quickly as possible with the threat of rain looming. In the process Chris Long was able to take 2 wickets, taking advantage of some loose stroke play, whilst Matt Lee capitalised on some suicidal running between the wickets to claim a run out. With the home side 35-3 after 10 overs, Melksham may have suddenly fancied their chances of making an ostensibly easy run chase at least somewhat interesting. Nevertheless Wanborough’s 4th wicket pairing was able to see their side home without too much more in the way of drama, claiming a thoroughly deserved 7-wicket win to extend their lead at the top of table. In contrast, a second successive defeat for Melksham sees an alarming slump in form continue, with hopes of promotion perhaps beginning to fade.
Melksham CC would like to thank Autotech for their continued support.
