Ross-on-Wye Cricket Club second team have begun the 2019 season, proudly sponsored by Now Storage, with two contrasting results. They lost the opening game by four wickets away to Burghill, Tillington and Weobley thirds, in a close game, although not as close as Saturday’s victory at home to Glangrwyney, where Ross eventually prevailed by a one wicket margin.

On Saturday, May 4th, Captain Theo Minnie led his side to Weobly High School where conditions were still a bit damp, Minnie was unfortunate to lose the toss and Ross were invited to bat first.  After openers Richard Jeffreys and Philip Davies’ steady start, Minnie massively accelerated the run rate with an entertaining 49 from just 22 deliveries, before being caught from the first defensive shot he played.  Wayne Husbands (14) and new Ross face, Ben Remington, contributed to the runs before Si Timewell, not out on 24, and Charlie Cole (22) took the total to 183 for the loss of eight wickets from the allotted 40 overs.  

Ross were confident they could defend that score, opening with the youthful attack of Cameron Hill’s pace and Charlie Cole’s left arm spin.  While Hill bowled accurately and economically, Cole was the first to strike, taking a fine return catch.  Captain Minnie was in the action shortly after, holding an overhead one hand catch from Wayne Husbands’ bowling.  From then on, however, Ross’ bowling, and particularly, fielding let them down and allowed BT&W get closer and closer to the winning target.

Ross should have won the game with ease, but kept losing wickets through some good Glangrwyney bowling and catching, and a moment of madness in between the wickets accounting for opener Jeffryes, who was run out by a direct hit from fine leg whilst concentrating on telling his partner not to risk the single.  Paul Morris and Si Timewell looked to be ensuring the victory with scores of 33 and 26, but a flurry of wickets left Tony Fletcher to come in as last man with the scores level. A welcome bye won the game for Ross, to great relief.

Next weekend, Theo returns as Captain to lead his side to Bishop’s Frome to face Malvern, hopefully for a less nail biting win. Many thanks to Now Storage for sponsoring Ross seconds.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here