Winterton v Drayton 16th August 2008

Drayton 110 Winterton 112-5 Whilst there was no doubting that losing the toss had a significant bearing in Drayton's defeat to table toppers Winterton, there could also be little doubt that some very ordinary cricket also contributed to their downfall. Drayton were, unsurprisingly, asked to bat first and it soon became clear why - as the wet pitch behaved unpredictably, albeit never dangerously.

Following the early loss of Andy Hawes - caught behind off the third chance he offered in the first four overs - Drayton set about building, what they hoped would be a challenging total. Much of the hard work was undone when Paul Eggett, Philip Wright and James Kay fell in consecutive overs to reduce Drayton to 47-4. Gary Smith and Michael Mario-Ghae added 36 for the 5th wicket - both hitting out, which seemed to be the most successful to play. After Smith's departure for 24, Andy Denny and Nigel Armitage steadily increased the total before Armitage's departure was prelude to a final clatter of wickets and a final total of 110. Interestingly, Drayton's three tallest batsmen noted, independently that they lost the ball from the bowlers hand whilst they were batting.

As Drayton's innings closed with nearly 10 overs to spare, a brief session was held before tea in which Drayton appeared to blow any chance they had of winning as Winterton raced to 49-0. Only one half chance was offered, which saw the ball spoon over Phil Soanes' head at mid off and away to safety.

After tea, it was a different game - and Drayton took charge. Left armer Gary Smith who had bowled one over before tea, which included a huge wide, discovered a probing line, and most importantly, length, whilst Phil Soanes extracted some genuine turn from the helpful pitch. Smith, bowling his best spell in years, removed both openers, which brought Winterton's best players Roper and Witheridge to the crease. Despite some fine bowling and fielding Winterton were able to progress to 95-2 and seemingly to a comfortable victory. However, Andy Denny, who had replaced Soanes, dismissed Witheridge - well caught in the deep by Smith. Whilst Smith removed Roper, to a spectacular running catch from Andy Hawes (who been the outstanding performer in the pre-match fielding practice), and then Winterton captain Percival next ball. From 95-2, it was 95-5 and no doubt some nerve jangling in the home camp. Boylan and Utting sensibly decided to chance their arm and get the game finished as quickly as possible - and secure a five wicket victory for their side. For Drayton, Gary Smith returned outstanding figures of 9-3-28-4.