Two ‘impressive centuries’ lead Melksham to victory

Wootton Bassett 174 All out Melksham 289-5 – Wiltshire County Cricket League – Division 5, Saturday. 12th May.

The headline acts with impressive centuries were Russell Collins and Joe Veacock as Melksham continued their fine start to the season with another dominant display, this time away to Wootton Basset 3s.

Having been put into bat upon losing the toss, Basset’s opening bowlers were able to restrict Melksham’s opening pair of Matthew Hunt and Daniel Carpenter to just 4 and 15 respectively during the first 12 overs. However, their dismissals served only to bring Collins and Veacock to the crease, who upon arrival showed no mercy to some increasingly wayward bowling. Veacock was especially bombastic, bringing up his 111 in the space of 20 overs with 11 fours and 4 sixes.

Upon his partner’s dismissal, Collins continued to score with great freedom before being caught behind on the final ball of the innings, finishing on 112. Cameos from Chris Singh (14) and Steve Badger (11) helped to see Melksham to an impressive total of 289-5.

Basset knew that they had to score quickly from the get go if they were to have any chance of securing an unlikely victory, with opening batsman Yasir Irshad scoring a quick fire 42 from just 25 balls to keep his side in the hunt. James Smith (55 not out) continued to frustrate the Melksham bowling attack, yet in the end the fielding side were able to take wickets around him, with Gary Ings, Chris Long, Collins and Singh all taking 2 wickets a piece. Youngster Freddie Honeybone took the final wicket of the innings to leave the home side 174 all out, and Melksham top of Division 5 after two matches. Melksham would like to thank club sponsor Autotech for their continued support.