Wargarve prevail in a great game of cricket

Wargrave v Theale & Tilehurst, away

A desperate climax for Wargrave was the reward for a bewildering collapse from around 150-2 to roughly 200-8, but a match-saving 6-run blockade from Emma Walker and Rajeev Krishnamurthy saw Wargrave through by the tightest of margins.

Bowling first, Wargrave weren't at their best again in the bowling department, with Scott Morton (3-60 off 10) and every economical Scott Walker (3-69 off 16) claiming the majority of wickets. Kev Replay, until the previous week the world's unluckiest bowler, kept a usual steady line and Dan Colbourne chipped in with two. A couple of mid-order partnerships helped Theale set 223 all out.

Wargrave responded with Moss carving out 75 in familiar direct manner – send it – and Colbourne partnered Moss until a high-tossed off break did Moss for lack of pace. A flurry of cheap wickets went with top edges or misjudgements of pace before Colbourne fell for 53. Wargrave looked in real trouble, suddenly 8 down, after Rapley tickled behind – only confirmed after a long wait from the umpire.

Useful opening bowler Jamil claimed 3 wickets but repeatedly no-balled, critically late on with the pressure on Wargrave, who still needed 2. Rajeev and Emma Walker scurried through for a single as the no-ball was called to claim a Wargrave win by one wicket. An interesting match with a testing finish. Average facilities again - and no TV to watch racing.

Man of the Match – James Moss