Wormelow 3rd XI played hosts to Woolhope 2nd XI at Kingstone School, looking for another good points haul after last Saturday’s big win at Kington.

The Wormelow side boasted a fine mix of youth and experience, with four players over the age of 60 (a combined age of 265) and four players not old enough to drive, in fact there was a 62 year age gap between the youngest and oldest player. Home skipper Mick Merrick won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first.

Merrick and youngster Ollie Langford (1-4) both struck early to leave Woolhope struggling on 8-2. Things were looking even better for the home side when Merrick (2-29) struck again and another youngster Lucas White (1-38) picked up a wicket to reduce Woolhope to 36-4. Wormelow’s all time leading wicket taker, 74 years young, Dave Verry produced a miserly nine over spell where he conceded just 10 runs as Wormelow continued to apply pressure.

A fine knock of 69 from Terry Spry held the Woolhope innings together whilst for Wormelow Steve Watkins (4-46) picked up some late wickets. When Chris Stonadge picked up a wicket with just his second delivery, the Woolhope innings came to a close on 138.

Wormelow were in need of a solid start to their reply and they got just that as the score reached 36 before Stonadge (2) was dismissed. Opener Owen Jones contributed a fine 43 before he was third man out with the score on 82. Wormelow managed to lose a further three wickets in their pursuit of victory before it was left to Chris Worsfold (27no) and Merrick (8no) to knock off the remaining required runs.

A fine four wicket victory secured in just the 28th over. Next Saturday the 3rd XI will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they travel to Luctonians CC.