STOKE ROW secured survival in the Premier Division of the Berkshire Cricket League with a winning draw against local rivals WOODCOTE last Saturday.

Stoke Row were asked to bat first but captain Paddy Hennessy and Richard Armstrong applied themselves well despite probing early spells from Jonny Clark and Mark Pearson.

The introduction of Ryan van Heerden brought the opening breakthrough as Hennessy was trapped lbw to leave the hosts on 59-1.

Ashton hit a quick fire 31 before skying a catch to cover off the bowling of James Worsfold.

Sam Boughton joined Armstrong at the crease and the pair helped Stoke Row reach 130-2 after 35 overs.


Armstrong recorded his maiden Premier Division half century before Boughton and Charles Lamprecht began to score freely.

No bowler was safe as 123 runs were added in the final 10 overs, with Boughton reaching 77 and Lamprecht unbeaten on 31 from just 12 balls. Stoke Row ended on 253-4.

In reply Jez Mayo was run out by Jordan Walters but that was the sole joy for Stoke Row in the early stages.

The returning James Wheeler was in imperious form and raced past 50 as Woodcote eased to 76-1 after 15 overs.

Mike Stroker chipped in with 18 until he was stumped by Ashton off the bowling of Boughton. Wheeler went on to post his first century of the season.

Woodcote appeared on course for a win as they needed just 63 to win from the final 10 overs.

However, former captain Wheeler’s innings was ended on 131 when he hit a Lamprecht delivery to mid-wicket.

Lamprecht ripped out a further three of the middle order and as the Woodcote batsmen began to panic, Boughton and Hopper also helped themselves to wickets. Requiring 25 off the final two overs, the visitors eventually blocked out and settled for a losing draw, ending on 233-8.

STOKE ROW

P Hennessy, lbw, b van Heerden 25

R Armstrong, c Stroker, b Pearson 57

R Ashton, c Gordon, b Worsfold 31

S Boughton, b Pearson 77

C Lamprecht, not out 31

M Hopper, not out 0

Extras 32

—

TOTAL (4 wkts) 253

Best bowling: M Pearson 2-52.



WOODCOTE

J Mayo, run out 5

J Wheeler, c Hopper, b Lamprecht 131

M Storker, st Ashton, b Boughton 18

R van Heerden, c Walters,

b Boughton 23

J Clark, c Fletcher, b Lamprecht 12

J Worsfold, b Lamprecht 5

T Vickers, b Lamprecht 0

S Gordon, not out 6

M Pearson, b Hopper 0

JP Brouard, not out 2

Extras 31

—

TOTAL (8 wtks) 233

Best bowling: C Lamprecht 4-28, S Boughton 2-59.

Published 10/09/12