LAST Saturday saw a pre-season friendly between Glagrwyney CC and Warwickshire league visitors Stockingford CC.

Having one the toss the Glang elected to bat first and made a quick start with openers Ryan sharpe and Mike Devoy both reaching double figures. Both fell in quick succession, bringing the formidable pairing of Nathan Byrnes and Barry sharpe to the crease.

The results of Sharpe’s pre season training program were clear to see and an athletic Sharpe supported the gladiatorial Byrnes taking the score into the nineties at some pace.

Sharpe fell for 26, caught in the deep hitting down the ground. Byrnes went on to make an impressive 41 before missing a googly from Stockingford bowler Ian Astle. Notable contributions from Tom Miller and James Mcilroy helped the home side to 148 for seven.

Pick of the bowlers being Gaz Hughes and Stockingford spin king Ian Astle, both taking a brace of wickets. Unfortunately, Stockingford pace man Andy Astle broke a finger in a caught and bowled shocker.

In reply, Stockingford started slowly and after an early wicket, club stalwarts David Shaw and Mark Neale both reached quarter centuries before Neale perished. After a flurry of wickets, Liam Evans came into bat for what would prove to be a match winning innings. Aided well by Gaz Hughes, the ball disappeared to the boundary with regularity. After a tight penultimate over from Byrnes, Stockingford skipper Warren Percival won the game with a boundary and four balls left.