Wiltshire CCC vs Dorset Cricket – NCCA Cluberly Championship, Western Division 2 at Corsham Cricket Club on Sunday, 10th August – Tuesday, 12th August. Match report by Roy Honeybone.
Day 1: Wiltshire Sets the Stage
On a warm summer’s day, Wiltshire won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that set the tone for an exciting match against a strong Dorset side, who were fresh off their success as 50-over champions.
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With a good crowd gathered, Wiltshire aimed to make a statement.
The team put together a solid total of 369 all out. The highlight was a fantastic partnership between skipper Ed Young (64 runs off 75 balls) and Josh Kelly (72 runs off 124 balls), who combined for a crucial 124 runs for the third wicket. Charan Chahal also made a significant contribution with a brisk 53 runs off 76 balls, while other batsmen like Chris Aubrey (39), Will Naish (24), Thomas Vermaak (20), and Archie Pascoe (30) chipped in with valuable runs.
For Dorset, Connor Smith was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 83 runs, and Ben Jack supported him well with 3 for 75.
As the day came to a close, Dorset faced 21 overs and ended at 74 for 1. The only wicket to fall was that of Dylan Church, who was caught off the bowling of Chris Aubrey on his very first ball.
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Captain Luke Webb (26 not out) and Joseph Eckland (40 not out) were at the crease, looking to build a solid foundation for the next day.
Josh Kelly 72 (Image: Roy Honeybone)Day 2: Dorset’s Dominance
Day two saw the Dorset batsmen take control.
Webb and Eckland pushed the score to 113 before Webb was bowled by debutant Thomas Vermaak, marking his first wicket in the match.
This brought in Will Tripcony, who joined forces with Eckland to form a remarkable partnership, adding 232 runs for the third wicket.
Eckland was in sensational form, scoring 166 runs off 224 balls, while Tripcony supported him with 114 runs off 151 balls. Their partnership was crucial in helping Dorset reach 392 for 9 by the end of their innings, giving them a 23-run lead over Wiltshire.
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Connor Smith added a quickfire 34 not out off just 20 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes, which further boosted Dorset’s total.
For Wiltshire, Joe King bowled impressively, taking 5 wickets for 109 runs in a marathon spell of 28 overs.
With 24 overs left to bat on Day 2, Wiltshire faced a tough challenge and unfortunately lost four wickets, finishing at 80 for 4. They held a slender lead of just 57 runs, but the loss of key batsmen, including two to Mohammad Abbas, left them in a precarious position.
Joe King 5 wickets (Image: Roy Honeybone)Day 3: Wiltshire’s Resilience
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The third day began with both teams eyeing victory, but Dorset had the upper hand after their late success on Day 2.
Wiltshire, however, showed great spirit and determination.
They extended their lead to 253 runs, thanks to Will Naish (78 runs off 92 balls) and Charan Chahal (62 not out off 77 balls), who were the standout performers.
Other contributions came from Ed Young (24), Jake Goodwin (22), and Archie Pascoe (20), leading Wiltshire to a total of 276 all out. Mohammad Abbas was again a thorn in their side, taking 4 for 117 in a long spell, while Connor Smith added 3 for 50.
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Dorset now had a target of 254 runs to chase down.
Dylan Church was determined to make amends for his earlier dismissal and scored a solid 76 runs off 118 balls, but unfortunately, he lacked support as wickets fell around him.
Wiltshire’s bowlers were relentless, with Ed Young taking 5 wickets for just 22 runs in 18 overs, and Charan Chahal adding 3 for 15 to his earlier batting exploits.
The final wicket fell with just five overs remaining, sealing a remarkable victory for Wiltshire.
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Conclusion: A Team Effort
Wiltshire’s win was a true team effort, showcasing the spirit and determination of every player involved.
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The smiles on the faces of the Wiltshire supporters contrasted sharply with the disappointment of the Dorset fans, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that cricket can provide.
In recognition of their collective performance, no individual Wadworth Man of the Match was awarded; instead, the entire team was celebrated as the Wadworth Team of the Day. With just one game left in the season against Shropshire at Bridgnorth CC, the team looks forward to carrying this momentum forward.
More thrilling cricket awaits, and if this match was anything to go by, fans can expect another exciting showdown!
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