AFTER their last two matches had been cancelled due to rain, Melksham had been desperate to get a game on, and after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, came out firing.
A brilliant display of bowling from openers Gary Ings and Andy Footner put Biddestone in huge trouble as they lost 4 wickets for just one run. Martin Hewitt came in and counter attacked for Biddestone with some big hitting, but when he was out for 28, the lower order could not withstand the Melksham bowlers for long, Biddestone eventually all out for 62. Ings and Footner both taking 3 wickets each from their 9 overs.
Melksham looked to be aggressive in their innings, with openers Matt Hunt and Dan Carpenter looking to punish any width given by the bowlers. Melksham were looking good for a comfortable win until Carpenter fell for 13, sparking a mini collapse, but with Matt Hunt (40 not out) standing firm whilst wickets fell around him, Melksham were able to chase down the needed runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 18.3 overs.
Melksham CC 90 for 2 (21 overs). Purton CC 84 all out from 31.3 overs. Melksham won by 8 wickets.
On a day when summer holidays took a toll on players availability for Melksham as four sets of father and sons took the field, Melksham looked to build on the previous game’s good work.
After winning the toss, stand-in skipper Matt Hunt chose to bowl first and was soon rewarded as the opening bowlers once again set the tone as Jack and Andy Footner, along with a run out, had Purton 6 wickets down with only 48 runs on the board.
Purton were never able to recover with Dan Carpenter coming on and bowling a stingy spell along with taking 3 wickets, and finally youngster Freddie Honeybone taking the final wicket with his third ball. Purton were all out for 84.
Melksham were looking for a more convincing batting performance in chasing a low total than the last game and it was once again Matt Hunt with a crisp display of batting on his way to an assured 50 not out that led the way for Melksham to an 8 wicket victory, with Joe Veacock sealing the win with a 6 in the 21st over.
Melksham would like to thank club sponsor Autotech.
