After ten months cricket finally returns to Ross

Ross-on-Wye Cricketers put the facilities at The Park, Wilton Sports Centre, to the test on Saturday 18th July, partaking in an inter-club 40 over match organised by Captains, Theo Minnie and Tony Laws.

Stuart Mair has led the groundsman work on the square and the outfield to enable a good game to be played for the first time in a ten month period that saw two major floods, and the enforced coronavirus  lockdown. Special mention should go to five ladies, Michelle Timewell, Vikki Tingle, Jill Cook, Lesley Hill and Pam Springer – none of whom play the game – who have worked hard on the wonderful old pavilion, patio and garden to make the setting as attractive as possible.

Batting Team Minnie confidently faced Team Laws’ bowling attack initially comprising of Cameron Hill’s Pace and new Ross man Dave Bagg’s probing leg spin, the latter “Bagging” three wickets in his uninterrupted eight over spell. Second team stalwarts, Richard Jeffryes and Dee Springer, occupied the crease effectively making twenty-five and nineteen respectively, Springer contributing to a 65 run partnership with Andy Bevan who amassed 46 runs, including four sixes. Both were cleaned bowled during Hill’s very accurate second spell of 5-1-16-3 including a double wicket maiden.
Tony Laws finished the bowling restricting the tail so the innings finished on all out for 145 from 38 overs.

In reply, Si Timewell (23) was involved in two partnerships of over 30, firstly with Stu Mair (23) and then with Angus McIntyre (41), but four wickets from Andy Bevan, alongside braces from Theo Minnie and Adams Davies and Parkes, ensured Tony Laws’ side were not going to challenge for victory. Six of Tony Laws’ batsmen failed to score at all, so will be keen to practice more in the nets before the truncated season begins.

Thanks went to Malcolm Hill, whose score-book was reddened by the match ball from an Andy Bevan six; and to Ross’ sponsors Now Storage for their continued support.

Report supplied by Philip Davies