Old Wilsonians 1st XI Vs Offham

Old Wilsonians 1st XI Vs Offham 1st XI

Old Wilsonians 1st XI Won by 6 wickets

Offham arrived at Hayes Road for this bottom of the table clash, knowing a win would vastly improve their position in the league and after inspecting the wicket, felt confident this could be achieved.

Offham won the toss and chose to bat on a decent looking wicket, but good opening spells from Suminda Balage-Don and Oliver Lovelock reduced Offham to 40/3 after 13 overs. However, Ben Gittings and Jason Waitt started to rebuild the innings, and took the score to 85 before Jason was adjudged LBW for 22. This brought Adam Kent to the wicket and a partnership of 37 was built with Ben before Suminda was re-introduced and struck with his 5^th ball, removing Ben for 41. 122/5 off 35 overs. Offham realised that quick runs were needed but with only five wickets in hand, this was going to be difficult. Adam Kent (30) skied a slower ball in the 38^th over, but some lusty blows from Mervyn Brooker (28), Anthony Rajaratnum (22) and Andrew Prescott (12*) ensured a total of 195 was something to bowl at on a pitch that was still very good.

Old Wilsonians reply got off to a rocket start and were 75/0 after 15 overs. This was largely due to a shot a ball innings from Ramakrishna Prabu who was given a life on 20 when a difficult chance was shelled in the outfield. At the drinks interval, they found themselves 95/3 after Andy Prescott, ably assisted by Anthony Rajaratnum made the breakthrough, taking 3 wickets in 3 overs. Offham felt they were in with a chance if they were able to press home their momentum. Unfortunately, a stubborn innings of 59* by Pasan Weeraratne supported by Jay Yewale (29) swung the pendulum back towards Old Wilsonians.

Offham did manage to pick up another wicket with the score on 148, but this was their only success as Old Wilsonians cruised home with no further hiccups to win in the 45^th over. Offham now find themselves rock bottom of the Kent League with only one more game to the mid -point of the season. If the team does not improve during the second half, the feeder league beckons!!!