Bathford CC 198-4 Melksham CC 255 – WCCL Division 5, Sat. 19th May.
Another commanding batting performance saw Melksham attain an 8 wicket win away to Bathford, with the opening partnership of Daniel Carpenter and Tom Wallis taking centre stage.
Having won the toss and electing to field, Melksham were able to restrict the flow of runs relatively well apart from regular wides from Jack Footner. Nevertheless, he was able to take an early wicket whilst Andy Footner bowled yet another remarkably economic spell of just 5 runs of his 9 overs.
However, Bathford batsmen Adam Brunton and Paul Merrett showed great patience and application to not give the Melksham attack a sniff of another dismissal, leading to a 37 over wicket drought for the visiting side. Merrett was able to chalk up a score of 83 whilst Brunton carried his bat for 69 until the last over before being ran out by Wallis. Freddie Honeybone was once again able to chip in with a late wicket, leaving Bathford with a respectable 198-4 to defend.
Carpenter and Wallis began their response cautiously, opting merely to punish any wayward bowling that came their way. However, after the first drinks break at 15 overs, the pair began to accelerate the scoring rate and after both reaching their half centuries, began to impose themselves upon the Bathford bowling, both now hitting regular boundaries to leave the home team utterly demoralised. Wallis departed in the 30th over for 75, cementing a partnership of 159 between himself and Carpenter. The remaining opening partner was able to complete the job for his side, finishing just short of a maiden century on 96 not out. Victory for Melksham means a continuation of an impressive start to the season with 3 wins out of 3.
Melksham CC would like to thank club sponsor Autotech for their continued support.
Reports by Ed Skippings
