Match Reports    

Sheldwich 1st XI v Headcorn 1st XI
Saturday 16th August 2003

This was a vital match if Sheldwich had any aspirations of being Champions. Without their inspiration in-form skipper James Creed, other players would need to step up to the plate, and they did just that.

Stand in Captain Ron Brown lost the toss again and Headcorn decided to bat on another sunny day at the Lees. With such a long hot spell of weather the pitch was likely to be the same throughout the match and therefore it was vital that Sheldwich made good use of the new ball. Simon Smith (2-29) and Rob Perrett (2-26) didn`t let the team down and bowled excellent new ball spells. Apart from a few early edges for 4, good early in roads were made against classy batsmen. Rob Perrett had Phipps superbly caught at 1st slip by Darren Halls, and then Smith with his `well bowled` slower delivery had Lee caught at mid off by Danny Ray. Sheldwich were well on top at this stage with Perrett 1-9 off his 7 overs and Smith 1-22 off his 8 overs.Dave Prior immediately kept up the stanglehold and Brown (3-22) benefitted when he bowled the dangerous Westrop. Runs had almost dried up for Headcorn with the score crawling to 71-3 off 31 overs. Prior had bowled 8 overs for 8 runs!! Just as Headcorn were beginning to get back in the game at 100-3, Brown brought back his 2 openers and instantly they brought him rewards with a wicket each in their first few overs. At 101-5 Brown further tightened the screw by bringing back Prior who at last got rewards for his excellent bowling with 2 wickets to finish with 2-16. At the other end, the skipper picked up 2 more wickets with fine catches by Danny Ray and Headcorn struggled through to 129-9 in their 46 overs. A very fine team effort with tight bowling and good fielding throughout.

Darren Halls ably supported by Andy Carr (20) and Danny Ray (36*) quickly put bat to ball with a fine 38. Ray with some lovely strokes and a big straight six to win the match helped Sheldwich cruise to another 6 wicket win. and keep them on the tails of Meopham at the top the league. 2 wins from their last 2 matches and a cup final could yet put the icing on a terrific season. Scorecard

Sheldwich 2nd XI v Headcorn 2nd XI
Saturday 16th August 2003

Scorecard