Westbury fall agonisingly short in run chase at Swindon

Westbury & District CC 1st XI suffered a heartbreaking four-run defeat away to Swindon 1st XI after a thrilling West of England Premier League Wiltshire Division encounter that went down to the final ball. 

After losing the toss, Westbury were asked to field first on yet another scorching hot day as Swindon posted a challenging 282-7 from their 50 overs. The hosts recovered well from an early wicket, with Christopher Allen leading the way with 65, while Sam Giddings finished unbeaten on 57 to give Swindon late momentum. 

Westbury got off to a disciplined start with both Rich Oakley and Rory White both bowling good opening spells with the returning Oakley striking with his second ball. White then also picked up a key wicket in his second over to get Westbury off to a good start.  

Swindon then put together a patient batting performance keeping wickets in hand before hitting Westbury with a late onslaught in the last 10 overs of the innings. Tom Lucas picked up two wickets and Matt Greatley took three wickets late on but was unable to stop the flow of runs. 

In reply, Westbury made a positive start with Dan Gill 17 runs and Kane Scott 29 runs adding 54 for the opening wicket before both fell in quick succession, before Adam Alger then produced an excellent knock of 40. 

Westbury looked to be slipping behind the rate before Fraser Moore produced a superb counter-attacking innings. His aggressive 74 from just 63 balls, including six fours and five sixes, swung the momentum back in Westbury’s favour and gave the visitors a genuine chance of victory. 

Moore found support from Javon Grosvenor who hit 29 runs, but when both departed Westbury’s lower order were left with a little bit too much work to do. 

Some excellent running from the White brothers meant that Westbury needed just 10 to win off the last over. Westbury needed a six to win off the last ball but unfortunately, they were unable to find the boundary. Henry White finished 16 not out off just 12 balls and Westbury finished agonisingly short on 278-9 from their 50 overs, just four runs behind the target. 

Although defeated, Westbury can take plenty of positives from an outstanding batting effort, with Moore’s explosive innings and valuable contributions throughout the order nearly pulling off a memorable chase against one of the division’s strongest sides.  

The narrow defeat earns Westbury eight league points and leaves them just above the relegation zone with some key upcoming fixtures. 

Picture: Batsman Fraser Moore 

Report: Jon Wills 

Upcoming Home Fixtures 

Sat 18th July – Westbury 2nd XI vs Wroughton Wranglers 1st XI 

Sat 25th July – Westbury 1st XI vs Avebury 1st XI 

Sat 1st August – Westbury 2nd XI vs Warminster 2nd XI