Melksham’s bad run continues

Saturday 19th June 

Erlestoke 147 all out Melksham 88 all out

MELKSHAM’S bad run of form continued with a 59-run defeat against Erlestoke, with an excellent display with the ball in the first innings undermined by yet another disappointing showing with the bat. 

Erlestoke suffered an early set back when Gary Ings claimed the first wicket inside three overs in a spell of 1-7 of 9 overs. 

Skipper Joe Veacock had a double-wicket maiden in his first over and repeated the feat 3 overs later, putting Melksham in firm control with Erlestoke in the precarious position of 54-5 off 18: Veacock finishing his 9 over spell with fine figures of 4-29.  

Erlestoke’s main man Joe Dorgan and Jonny Marion, guided their side past the hundred mark without losing any further wickets. Dorgan was removed for 40 at the hands of Rich Hemmings. Marion continued for a while longer, helping his side reach 147, before Melksham finally bowled their opponents all-out; with Chris Singh (2-23) and Liam Merrett (2-16) rounding of an accomplished performance in the field. 

Melksham would certainly have felt confident going into bat after dismissing their opponents for a significantly below-par total, but a chaotic start to the 2nd innings quickly swept any confidence aside. Mark Wiltshire (4) was dismissed just two balls in; and when Tom Wallis (3) and Chay Forester (14) joined him back in the pavilion soon after, Melksham were against the ropes on 21-3 after 9 overs. Sadly, worse was still to come. Matt Hunt (1) and debutant Simon Turner (0) were also dismissed without making an impact on the total, and the home side were now stuck on 30-5 off 12 overs.   

The sixth wicket partnership of Joe Veacock and Chris Singh dragged their side to a score of 82-5 but the wicket of Veacock (20) triggering a tail end collapse. Within 4 overs Melksham were all out for 88, with Singh finishing on 36. 

Melksham 2s also finished a comfortable second best, suffering a 98-run defeat away at Chippenham 5s. The hosts wracked up an impressive total of 230-5, and Melksham finished well short on 132 all out; with Ian Doyle top scoring for the 2s with 26.    

‘Damaging defeat’

Saturday 12th June 

Melksham 92 all out

Wanborough 98-3 

Wanborough win by 7 wickets 

MELKSHAM suffered a damaging 4th defeat of the season at home against Wanborough, thanks mostly to a poor display with the bat which saw them skittled for less three figures.  

The hosts went into bat after losing the toss, and found themselves on the back foot. Top order batsmen Mark Wiltshire (0) and Chay Forester (5) were both back in the pavilion by the 4th over, leaving Melksham exposed on a score of 5-2. 

Skipper Joe Veacock was able to get the score moving more quickly but Daniel Carpenter was dismissed for a meagre 10 runs off 19 overs, with Melksham still struggling on 39-3. Veacock was joined by Matt Hunt. Over the next 7 overs the two batsmen were able to push the score towards a secure footing of 73-3 but at this point the innings would begin to unravel though, with the wicket of Veacock (40) signalling the start of a middle order collapse. 

Among those to fall was Hunt (15), and out of the rest of the batting order only Liam Merrett (9) was able to make a noteworthy contribution. In the end Melksham were skittled out for a mere 92. 

Wanborough were reduced to 28-3 off 11 overs – despite the loss of veteran bowler Andy Footner to injury just 2 balls into the innings – thanks to the efforts of Gary Ings (2-28) and Liam Merrett (1-19). This brief spell of superiority did kindle some hopes that Melksham could perhaps pull off a shock victory, but Wanborough’s 4th wicket pairing was able to chase down the target by the 20th over, condemning Melksham to 7-wicket defeat.   

Melksham 2s were also put to the sword, suffering a heavy 114-run defeat in their away match against Calne 2s. The damage was done in the first innings, which saw Calne smash a mammoth total of 240-6; with Chris Long (3-36) emerging as the pick of the bowlers for the visitors. Melksham never looked likely to reach their lofty target, in the end finishing on 126 all out; with Ian Doyle the only batsman to make a notable contribution with 44.  

Melksham Cricket Club would like to thank LW Roofing for sponsoring the matchball used in the 1st XI’s match against Wanborough.