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It took an immaculate and patient innings of 67 from Ashorne’s Paul Hedges to clinch the game in the face of Winchcombe’s late charge for victory. The omens were good for Winchcombe as they recovered from the early loss of Higgins to a beautiful yorker from Hendy to pile on the early runs thanks to Higgins (31) and Durston (30).
The lightening outfield meant the bowlers had to be accurate and it was the introduction of Frank Jones (3 for 29) that slowed the scoring. Esquillant’s offspin tied up the other end and Morris (21) became his first victim for his new club as the ball jumped and spat viciously off a length to give a fine catch to wicketkeeper Whitehead.Ashton (14) and Hobbs (19) tried valiantly to break free from Ashorne’s tight bowling. Hendy (3for32) bowled Winchcombe’s last batsmen Didcote (1) with the score on 162 and the visitors from Ashorne sensed victory as Winchcombe had posted over 300 runs in their previous encounter on their home ground. Phil Whitehead (2 for 52) and Paul Hedges (1 for 21) were the other wicket takers. Reading (2) went early and Sharples blazed away with 3 fours and a six before France (3 for36) extracted some extra bounce to have him caught behind. Esquillant (0) was bowled and Ashworth (14) and D Whitehead (10) fell in quick succession leaving Ashorne in dire straits at 70 for 5.Up stepped Hedges to mastermind victory with elegant stoke play and intelligent rotation of the strike with the dogged Moon(23).The partnership put on 67 to guide the visitors towards victory.
However the home side came roaring back with Ashton (2for27) taking Moon’s and Frank Jones’ wickets in successive balls. The drama intensified as Hobbs (3for23) dismissed the aggressive Freeman (8) and Hedges leaving the visitors to score 4 runs in the final over with the last pair at the crease. The fielders surrounded the batsmen like tigers around a wounded prey but the phlegmatic Hendy from Yorkshire showed true northern grit to dispatch the third ball of the final over for 4 and with it victory for Ashorne.
The victory by a solitary wicket left Ashorne’s supporters once again rushing to the bar to settle their shredded nerves. ASHORNE WON BY 1 WICKET
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