Nailbiting win gives Melksham a relegation boost

MELKSHAM 1st XI pulled off a massive win at the weekend with a commanding 6-wicket win at Box against Corsham 3rd XI.

Chay Forester continued his relentless away form with yet another big score on the road.  

With the team languishing in the relegation zone and in urgent need of a win, Melksham began the day in the field after the skipper lost the toss. Corsham began their innings in solid fashion, scoring at a rate of more than 3-runs an over whilst keeping their wickets intact during the opening exchanges. 

Liam Merrett finally struck in the 11th over, a just reward for what had been an economical opening spell which, along with a further wicket from Rich Hemmings, ensured that the contest remained even after the first 3rd of the innings was complete.  

The game continued in a similar manner during the subsequent overs: the visitors continued to accumulate runs in a steady manner, whilst Melksham took 2 more wickets via captain Joe Veacock. As the innings entered the final 15 overs Corsham still had a healthy number of wickets in hand though, giving them license to up the run-rate considerably. 

Freddie Honeybone made a couple of further breakthroughs, 1 with the ball and another with a run-out, whilst skipper Veacock picked up a further wicket for himself, but in the end Corsham finished on a healthy total of 213-7; meaning Melksham would likely have to be at their best with the bat if they were to claim victory.   

Melksham’s opening pair of Forester and Mark Wiltshire provided their side with the perfect start to the 2nd innings, racking up a partnership of 84 inside 20 overs. Wiltshire was then bowled for 33 to finally get Corsham going in the innings, with Matt Hunt sadly unable to get going and following him back to the pavilion soon after with just 2 runs to his name.  

Forester did not allow himself to be stifled by these setbacks though. He was relentless in driving his side towards victory, pushing the score towards 148 before he was bowled for a score of 95; cruelly denied what would have been back-to-back centuries in away games. 

With the foundation to victory now set, it was up to the 4th wicket partnership of Veacock and Simon Turner to get the side over the line. Both batmen duly delivered, although Veacock was caught for 45 just as Melksham were closing in on victory.  

It was left to Turner to deliver the perfect finish, striking a six to claim the win and finishing with a personal score of 31 not out.    

Melksham 2s also ended the day victorious, claiming an epic 1-wicket win in their game against Trowbridge 3s. The bowlers, although economical through most of the innings were unable to make much of an impact; Trowbridge posted a competitive score of 154-3, with Tom Watling (2-15) and Martha Honeybone (1-4) the only bowlers to take any wickets. The chase went right down to the wire; but in the end, 

Melksham got over the line thanks to the efforts of Tony Trotman, who finished unbeaten on 52 as his side reached the target with just a wicket to spare.   

Melksham Cricket Club would like to thank DK Locksmiths for their kind sponsorship of the matchball used for the 2nd XI’s match vs Trowbridge 3s.