Thruxton back on track
10:25am Friday 11th July 2008
Thruxton CC got back to winning ways on Saturday when they beat a very young OT's and Romsey IV.
They lost the toss once again and were asked to field in good but very windy conditions at Hunts Farm. OT's started slowly against accurate bowling from Sean Yates and Adam Mills and Yates made the breakthrough after five overs with only 19 runs on the board. It was to be Yates' day with the ball as he ran through the innings finishing with 6-16 from his 11 overs.
Mills, although a little expensive, bowled his 12 overs straight off into the gale force wind, finishing with 2-43. Mick Clark claimed the other wicket and had 1-13 from his six overs as OT's were 76 all out.
Thruxton's innings started with the threat of rain but the openers were patient and batted steadily against the two accurate opening bowlers. They opened up after the sixth over and knocked the runs off in 14 overs for the loss of one wicket. Andy Mcgoo was 40 not out and Sean Yates was the only wicket to fall for 30. Credit must go to the young OT's side, whose average must have only been 16, for the way they battled right to the end of the game.
In excellent conditions, Chute won the toss and elected to bat, powering their way to 186-9.
Colin Shubrook and James Hopton stylishly led the way, with eight fours and six sixes between them and at the close, they were both on 50 not out. This is Chute's highest score since the club was reformed in 2006, further underlying the progress it is making. Inkpen shared the bowling honours around evenly, but ten-year old Max Hopton (on loan from Chute) was the true star, taking 2-20 from ten. Max also fielded superbly and was always in the game and is, surely, a star of the future. Sam Slater and Mark Pateman also took two each.
Coming back strongly in reply, Inkpen's innings was brought to a close on 135 by a brilliant boundary catch by Shubrook, off Jon Harries' bowling, removing Will Hopton (also on loan from Chute) on 81. Warren Bradbury, Jamie Harris, James Hopton, Christopher Hopton and Adam Banks all contributed to Chute's bowling success.
A well fought and closely contested game with the hosts achieving a 33 run win margin. Also notable for having four of the Hopton family playing, two for Chute and two on loan, all making major contributions.