HAVING had to concede a second game already this season, ironically Crickhowell were able to field quite a strong looking side for their home game against Wormelow last Saturday.

Lilly, Cornock and young Tom Norton were added to the ranks and Crickhowell won the toss and elected to field first.

The Castle Ground was bathed in sunshine and looked every bit worth its entry into Brian Levison’s glossy collection of ‘Remarkable Village Cricket Grounds’ across the country.

On a decent enough track, Wormelow made a hesitant start and whilst Tim Price bowled a steady line and length it was the slow off spin of Bowker which accounted for both openers. Lindley-Adams (3) was clearly not used to opening up against spin, and charged down the track early on, with the ever alert Wallace on hand to complete the stumping.

Paul Cornock then showed his worth to the team by completing a very low catch standing close at short mid wicket to remove Deem for nine. Jones (89) and Herbert (52) then set about rebuilding the innings for Wormelow and put together a 100 run partnership in very good time.

Phil Christie (2-54) then picked up two good wickets again thanks to two very good catches in the deep from Cornock. Skipper Francis (3 - 57) also chipped in, hitting the stumps twice, but his third wicket was down to a stunning, diving catch at mid on, from young Tom Norton, who showed maturity beyond his years as he is still not yet a teenager!

At the 35 over mark, Crickhowell seemed well placed, holding Wormelow to 208 for seven and might well have bowled the visitors out but for a few costly catches put down.

Inkin, having been dropped without scoring, went on to score 52 off 21 deliveries particularly taking a fancy to Bowker’s slow off spin. Bowker had two for 31 off seven overs but Inkin ruined his figures as the bowler finished with three for 80 off 10. Ironically, Bowker had the last laugh getting Inkin caught by Jenkins, but unfortunately the damage was already done!

Porter (15*) and Melly (20*) both then ran well together at the end to see Wormelow through to a creditable 300 for eight off their 45 overs.

After a delightful tea, Crickhowell set about their run chase in positive fashion putting the early loss of Jenkins (1) behind them with Tew (40) and Lilly (69) in particular, showing that there were no demons in the wicket.

With such a formidable target though batsmen couldn’t hang around and with Tew and Lilly departing it was Cornock (43) and Francis (55) who kept Crickhowell in contention, and comparing the sides at the 30 and 40 over marks, indeed Crickhowell were ahead of where Wormelow were. But with Cornock and Francis falling to catches it was left to Tim Price to try to see his side home scoring a quick 23 before the scoreboard pressure saw him fall to another catch in the deep. Hywel Price and Christie both fell cheaply so it was left to veterans Wallace (1*) and Bowker (0*) to ensure Crickhowell could register a loosing draw, which gave them extra points. Before that though it was good to see young Tom Norton shape up well batting at number seven and not in anyway daunted by proceedings. He can also count himself really unlucky being dismissed for two, chopping Cutter (3 - 36) on to his own stumps. Norton seems to be a star in the making, as he bowled and batted well, and of course he’ll remember that catch for some time, conjuring up images, for those who were old enough to remember, of his grandfather Des Norton, flying through the air in goal for Abergavenny Thursdays.

For Wormelow, Reading (3 - 35) also bowled well and Williams, Herbert, and Deem also had a wicket apiece. In the end, Crickhowell were only 30 runs short, and might easily have won this game, but in truth, the difference in the sides were Wormelow’s quick running between the wickets and sharper fielding which accounted for just enough extra runs being posted and saved, to ensure they took the greater share of the spoils, Wormelow taking 24 points and Crickhowell 13.

Crickhowell’s position though at the foot of the table seems already hopeless with substantial points deducted for two fixtures conceded but the side is determined to soldier on with an away fixture at Luctonians next week and then a home fixture against Builth, to follow.