Winning start for Westbury

Westbury versus Royal Wootton Bassett on 4.5.19.

Westbury entertained Royal Wootton Bassett in the opening game of the West of England League Wiltshire Division 2019 season, hoping to start the new season with a win.  

Westbury gave first team league debuts to Graham Hudson (club’s overseas player) and Mathew Bracher who joined the club in the close season.

Michael Coles, the Westbury captain won the toss and decided to bat first with a new first wicket partnership of Mills and Gil. They made  a bad start when Gill was dismissed bowled by Sharma for 3 with the total at 9. Mills was then joined by Hudson and they took the total to 29 when Mills was bowled for 18 by Lazenby. Kane Scott played his shots, but when the total reached 53 Scott was out caught by the Wootton Bassett  captain Beasant for 15.  Coles, the Westbury captain joined Hudson and they took the total to 156 when Hudson was out, stumped by Beasant for 69. 

Lucas then came in and they took the total to 185 when Lucas was out for 17. Coles was out shortly afterwards  for 51 with the total at 187.  Wicks and the lower order took Westbury to 237 for 9 wickets off their allotted overs.  

Wootton Bassett made a bad start with half the side out for 72, but Akash Sharma and the lower order  took them to 226 all out.  Richard Mills (2-21 off 8 overs) had the best figures ably supported by Tom Lucas 92-27 off 8 overs) and Richard Oakley (1-22 off 10 overs).

Next week’s game on 11.5.19 is against table toppers Calne away.