home, against

Castor & Ailsworth 2nd XI

TON UP 'LOL' - CROFT's WINNER.

Welney won by 180 runs, Welney Croft 224 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Castor & Ailesworth 44 all out (23.2 overs)

For the last home game of the season Croft welcomed Castor & Ailesworth C.C, local adjoining villages to Peterborough.

Welney batted first with openers Revett and Hobbs batting cautiously against the accurate bowling of Clark and Arshad, who conceded only 1 run in his first five overs. Revett eventually falling to Ish in the eleventh over with the score on 26. Enter Lawrence 'Lol' Herselman to the crease and he soon knocked the bowlers off line & length with a powerful big hitting display, bringing back memories of Peter Scott in his prime and Stuart Singleterry on a good day. Duncan Hobbs (11) and Dennis Birch (28) played supporting roles sharing in 55 and 93-run partnerships for the second and fourth wickets. For those lucky enough to be present, apart from the Castor players, it was a masterful performance and a delight to see the ball being dispensed to the boundary or out of the ground!! His timimg and "middling" of the ball made some shots look effortless and what a sight to see the visitors fielders scattered around the boundary. With an unbeaten century and 102 on the board scored in 77 minutes, including 11 fours and 5 sixes he retired not out - welcome to the club Lol and the more exclusive "ton-up" club. Steve Saberton (13 n.o) and Jon Dale (17) continued the attack for late runs enabling Crofts total of 224 for 9 wkts after the allotted 40 overs.

Lawrence Herselman 102 n.o (11 x 4's, 5 x 6's), Dennis Birch 28 (2 x 4's), Jon Dale 17 (1 x 4), Steve Saberton 13 n.o (1 x 4), Steve Revett 12, Duncan Hobbs 11 (2 x 4's)

After the tea interval Castor also started slowly facing the bowling of Dale and Rowland, recording 21 for 2 off 10 overs. Once the openers had been dismissed only number 3 bat Robinson (10) managed double figures and wickets tumbled to Gareth Kent (4 for 10) and John Loveday (2 for 4). Gareth just missed his hat-trick taking 3 wickets in 4 balls. A good all round fielding display, including 7catches enabled Croft to win comfortably by a 180 run margin.
 
John Dale 1 for16, John Loveday 2 for 4, John Rowland 2 for 12, Gareth Kent 4 for 10, Stephen Revett 1 for 0

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Jon Dale, Ashley Inwood, Steve Saberton, Lawrence Herselman, John Rowland, Stephen Revett, Dennis Birch, Gareth Kent.

away, against

Old Wilhads

PARADISE WIN.

Welney won by 8 wickets, Old Wilhads 55 all out (21.2 overs), Welney Croft 58 for 2 wkts (20 overs)

Played at the Paradise Ground, Ely, Croft won the toss and invited Wilhads to bat first. Welney's new opening partnership of Steve Saberton and Lawrence Herselman soon had the home team in trouble at 4 for 3 in only the fourth over, all victims being bowled. Wilhads then staged a recovery for the fourth wicket, the Koopowitz's adding 47, both being removed by Loveday and Herselman. From 51 for 4 wickets the remaining batsmen fell quickly, mainly to the bowling of Jon Dale (2 bowled and 1 lbw) with only an additional 4 runs being added - E Koopowitz (10) and P.Koopowittz (31) scored 41 of the home sides 46 runs scored from the bat with 9 extras to record the all out total of 55.
Steve Saberton 1 for 15, Lawrence Herselman 3 for 22, John Dale 3 for10, John Loveday 2 for 2.

In reply Welney got off to a good start with newcomer John Norman (30) and Duncan Hobbs (14 n.o) taking Croft to the verge of victory. After Norman's dismissal, bowled by Martin, Neil Parkinson was unluckily bowled from a "no ball" and it was left to Lawrence Herselman to hit the winning runs with a boundary, taking bthe score to 58 for 2 wickets - an 8 wicket victory and an early finish with only 41.2 overs being bowled in the match.

John Norman 30 (2 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 14 n.o (1 x 4)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Jon Dale, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Oliver Revett, Steve Saberton, Lawrence Herselman, John Norman (10 players)

away, against

Cambridge St. Giles

Another lost match for Welney Croft.

St.Giles won by 16 runs. Cambridge St.Giles 174 for 8 wkts. (40 overs) Welney Croft 158 for 8 wkts (35.4 overs).

Cambridge St. Giles Sunday XI play their home fixtures in the village of Dry Drayton. St. Giles batted first on a slow wicket and opened the scoring at a brisk rate, hitting the first 50 in only 8 overs. Josh Fay (63) and Shivaji (30) punished Croft’s bowling, losing 3 balls in the process – the small ground bordering onto neighbours gardens. Steve Saberton again performed well, finishing with the respectable figures of 2 for 29 from his 8 overs and Lawrence Herselman (1 for 38) was very unlucky, beating the bat on numerous occasions. Gareth Kent came on near the end to dismiss two tail-enders to claim 2 for 19 from 4 overs. Guest bowlers Will Phelps (0 for 17) bowled 4 maidens and Dave Wyatt (2 for 20) from 6 overs.

Steve Saberton 2 for 29, Lawrence Herselman 1 for 38, John Loveday 0 for 23, Dave Wyatt 2 for 20, Percy Bulsara 0 for 21, Gareth Kent 2 for 19, Will Phelps 0 for 17.

After the tea interval Welney started well, adding 72 for the opening partnership between Wyatt (41) and Salmon (33). Middle order bats then put Croft in a promising position, Duncan Hobbs (25), including a six, and Steve Saberton (30) also one six in his four boundaries. Whilst Duncan & Steve were at the crease an unlikely win looked possible, however after their departure the wickets tumbled, with the team score falling 16 runs short of the target.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Steve Saberton, Gareth Kent, Percy Bulsara, Lawrence Herselman, Rami Niluka, Dave Wyatt, John Salmon and Will Phelps.

home, against

Wicken

 BLOWS CUP RETAINED

Welney won by 5 wkts. Wicken 78 (26.2 overs), Welney Croft 81 for 5 wkts (25.5 overs)

The annual Blows Brothers Invitation cup match this year was played against Wicken for the first time - previous opponents being Pymore and Gooderstone. Welney won the toss and invited Wicken to bat first on a slow wicket.

With Croft having thier strongest bowling attack of the season, the opening pair Steve Saberton and Jon Dale soon had the visitors struggling, but it was first change bowler John Rowland that did most damage taking 4 for 24. Steve Saberton conceded only 14 runs in his 8 overs, taking the important wickets of French and St.John and Jon Dale conceded only 8 runs. Sean Goodger came on second change claiming 2 wickets for 17. Wicken totalled 78 - "extras" being top scorer on 24 and No.8 bat D.Morris hitting 21, going for the badly needed runs late in the innings.

Steve Saberton (2 for 14) Sean Goodger (2 for 17) Jon Dale (0 for 8 ) John Loveday (1 for 3) John Rowland (4 for 24)

After the tea interval, Welney also started very slowly, 5 maidens being bowled in the first 6 overs and opening pair Neil Parkinson / Duncan Hobbs both heading for the pavilion in the seventh & eighth overs. It was left to the youngest team members to lead the recovery, Sean Goodger (28) and Gareth Kent (18). After their departure the score had been taken to 55 for 5 wkts, another 24 runs being required. It was left to Jon Dale and Stephen Kent to see Croft home safely, both batting sensibly recording 10 and 12 not out respectively.

After what has so far been a poor season, both on and off the field, Croft brought some cheer to the summer, retaining the Blows Cup and beating Wicken for the first time for 3 seasons.

Sean Goodger 28 ( 2 x 4's) Gareth Kent 18 (1 x 6, 1 x 4) Stephen kent 12 n.o (1 x 4) Jon Dale 10 n.o (1 x 4)

Team - John Loveday (captain), John Rowland, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Steve Saberton, Sean Goodger, Gareth Kent, Jon Dale, Stephen Kent, Percy Bulsara, Steve Sewell.

home, against

Cambridge St. Giles

FRIENDLY ST.GILES WIN.

Cambridge St.Giles 150 for 9 wkts (40 overs) Welney 130 (40 overs) St.Giles won by 20 runs

St.Giles Sunday Friendly XI from Cambridge agreed to bat first and supplied two subsitutes for a 9 man Croft team depleted with a late withdrawal and sickness. The home bowlers, in the main did a fine job restricting the visitors run rate with only 56 on the board after 20 overs. Opening pair John Rowland (3 for 23) and Steve Saberton (5 for 26) did most of the damage with the first 5 wickets all being bowled. John Loveday also had a good 8 over spell conceding only 16 runs with 3 maidens. Stand in wicket keeper Ashley Inwood whipped the bails off twice for 2 quick stumpings from Rowland and Stephen Revett's bowling. St.Giles finished their innings on 150 for 9 wkts John Rowland (3 for 23) John Norman ( 0 for 45) Steve Saberton (1 for 26) Stephen Revett (1 for 6) John Loveday (0 for 16) Oliver Revett (0 for 5)

After the interval Croft started slowly mainly due to Salmon's fine bowling taking 3 wickets for only 4 runs and 7 maidens in his allotted 8 overs - remarkable bowling figures. Ashley Inwood opened with Revett and scored 21 and all rounder Steve Sabetrton had another good knock of 30 (4 x 4's) before being bowled by Matthews. Substitute bat Hymas top scored with 37 in a 64 run partnership with Inwood. Croft finished 20 runs short of the 150 run target - in all a good game of cricket played in the right spirit with St.Giles being worthy winners. Ashley Inwood 21 (3 x 4's) Steve Saberton 30 (5 x 4's)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Revett, John Rowland, Ashley Inwood, Oliver Revett, Steve Saberton, Peter Scott, John Norman, Graham Clapperton + 2 subs

away, against

Chrishall

CROFT SUFFER IN THE HEAT

Chrishall 230 for 4 wkts (40 overs) Welney 171 for 9 wkts (40 overs).

Another fine sunny Sunday afternoon - this time on the Cambridgeshire / Essex borders in the village of Chrishall. The home side started the match batting first and gave Croft's bowlers a hard time in the field. With the exception of John Loveday and Steve Saberton, who conceded 30 and 26 runs respectively off their alloted 8 overs, the rest were made to suffer, mostly at the hands of opener Holmes (106 not out) and Ling (45), who shared in a 99 run fourth wicket partnership. Steve Saberton held a brilliant caught and bowled, his third in two matches - the only notable fielding high light. Chrishall closed their innings on 230 for 4 wkts.

John Dale 0 for 46, Duncan Hobbs 1 for 21, John Loveday 2 for 30, Steve Saberton 1 for 26, Gareth Kent 0 for 56, Stephen Revett 0 for 6, John Norman 0 for 29.

Last weeks century maker Duncan Hobbs, came down to earth, being run out for one in the fourth over, with Steve Saberton being bowled in the same over. At 13 for 2 Croft were struggling only for opener Stephen Revett (39) and middle order batsmen Ashley Inwood (14), Gareth Kent (15) and Peter Scott (22) to help in a mini recovery. Number seven Jon Dale proved to be the batting star this week, hitting 60 not out and scoring 12 boundaries from 23 scoring shots. Whilst at the wicket his hard hitting always gave Welney a slight chance of meeting the target, but unfortunately ran out of partners. Croft finished 59 runs short, losing by 59 runs.

Jon Dale 60 n.o (12 x 4's), Stephen Revett 39 ( 6 x 4's), Gareth Kent 15 (2 x 4's).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Revett, Duncan Hobbs, Jon Dale, Gareth Kent, Ashley Inwood, Oliver Revett, Steve Saberton, Peter Scott, John Norman (10 players - Rami Niluka ?)

away, against

Spalding IV

(Webmaster's note - this was the first match for three weeks due to the cancelation of the tour to the Isle of Wight (because of player shortage) and the postponement of the Pop Bedford match because it clashed with the England v Germany football match on TV.

In hindsight, it might have been better if England had toured the Isle of Wight, and let Welney Croft CC represent England in South Africa. John Loveday marshalling the team from the centre, John Dale and Gareth Kent sprinting up the wings, Duncan Hobbs and John Rowland smashing in the goals, and Neil Parkinson surely a safer pair of hands between the posts than Rob Green or David James.)

TON UP HOBBS - A MATCH WINNER

Welney won by 104 runs. Welney Croft 240 for 9 wkts (40 overs) Spalding IV 136 (39.5 overs)

On a fine sunny Sunday afternoon, Welney won the toss and electected to bat first. The match started early at 1.40 pm and after a marathon first innings of 3 hours 15 mins the match finally finished at 7.45pm Opener Duncan Hobbs proved to be Croft's match winner scoring a maiden century for the club in 3 hours 10 minutes, a score of 105 including 12 fours, a fine performance on a sweltering hot day. Steve Saberton made his debut for the club and chipped in with a knock of 40 (four boundaries) and shared in an 89 run 5th wicket partnership with Hobbs. Gareth Kent continued to show promise scoring 19 runs before falling to a LBW decision. The home sides extras tally of 54, including 33 wides, enabled Croft to total 240 for 9 wickets off the allotted 40 overs.

Duncan Hobbs 105 (12 x 4's) Steve Saberton 40 (4 x 4's) Gareth Kent 19 (3 x 4's).

Crofts opening bowlers Jon Dale and John Rowland made Spalding struggle to score early in the innings, Dale taking 3 for 26 in his first spell and Rowland conceding only 21 runs. These pair were well backed up by John Loveday and Steve Saberton with Loveday conceding just 22 runs ansd Saberton 3 for 16, including 2 caught & bowled. Gareth Kent bowled 4 overs at the end taking 3 for 7, two victims being bowled. Spalding were always well behind the run rate and finished 104 runs short of Welney's total.

John Dale 4 for 34, John Rowland 0 for 21, John Loveday 0 for 22, Steve Saberton 3 for 16, Gareth Kent 3 for 7, Rami Niluka 0 for 24, Oliver Revett 0 for 2.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Stephen Revett, Duncan Hobbs, John Rowland, Jon Dale, Gareth Kent, Ashley Inwood, Oliver Revett, Steve Saberton, Rami Niluka.

home, against

Old Wilhads

CROFT STRUGGLE

Wilhads won by 79 runs, Welney Croft 97 for 9 wkts (25 overs), Old Wilhads 176 for 4wkts (40 overs).

Another Sunday afternoon overcast and briefly stopped for rain.

Welney won the toss and invited Wilhads to open their innings on another slow batting track. After the dismissal of both openers by John Rowland in his first three overs, things looked promising for Croft. Number 3 bat Baker soon restored Wilhads fortunes scoring an unbeaten 108 in 2hrs 23 minutes at the crease, including 16 fours and 2 sixes and with Cooper at number 5, this pair added 145 runs for their partnership until Baker retired. Cooper also finishing not out on 57 at the close of the innings. The only high point for Croft was again Rowland's fine bowling display, 8 overs 4 maidens, 2 wickets for only 14 runs - and the "lows", injuries to opening batsmen Stephen Kent (ankle fracture), Stephen Revett (possible thumb fracture) and the non appearance of Ashley Hobbs.

John Rowland 2 for 14, Gareth Kent 0 for 45, John Loveday 2 for 18, Percy Bulsara 0 for 38, Stephen Revett 0 for 53, David Goodwin 1 for 3.

After the interval, the unlucky Stephen Revett was dismissed on the third ball, batting with his handicap. His opening partner, ever reliable Neil Parkinson battled on for 55 minutes, holding his end up for 14 runs. Peter Scott made a rare appearance and turned the clock back briefly, with some great shots scoring 10 runs. Gareth Kent also batted well top scoring with 24 in even time, including 3 fours. and John Rowland turned all rounder for the day scoring 19. Last man out was thirteen year old David Goodwin (4) leaving Percy Bulsara not out and the team score on 97 for 9 wickets and Stephen Kent unable to bat.

A disappointing afternoon all round, another defeat this time by 79 runs and the team injuries.

Gareth Kent 24 (3 x 4's), John Rowland 19 (2 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 14, Peter Scott 10 (1 x 4).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Stephen Revett, Stephen Kent, John Rowland, Gareth Kent, Peter Scott, Percy Bulsara, Oliver Revett, David Goodwin & A. Evans

home, against

Spalding Sunday XI

WINNING DRAW?

Welney Croft 140 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Spalding Sunday XI 32 for 5 wkts (17 overs), Match Drawn.

In mostly overcast conditions this match was fortunate to get 4 hours of play until the inenvitable rain stoppped play at 6.00 pm.

Welney batted first on a slow wicket and outfield. With the score at 19 after 10 overs, the home team were struggling against Spaldings opening bowlers, Stephen Revett battled gamely for his 36 in 90 minutes at the crease, along with Duncan Hobbs 14 (47 mins). Number 4 bat Sean Goodger scored 12 in only three scoring shots. It was left to Neil Parkinson to hold the innings together scoring 32 (59 mins), finally departing in the 38th over with the total at 129 for 7 wkts. Ashley Inwood scored valuable runs at the close finishing unbeaten on 19, including 3 fours.

Stephen Revett 36 (4 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 32, Ashley Inwood 19 (3 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 14, Sean Goodger 12 (3 x 4's)

The fast and slow bowling combination of Jon Dale and John Loveday made the Spalding batsmen work hard for their runs, 12 runs after 8 overs, and with the openers back in the pavilion. Dale and Loveday finished with the impressive bowling figures of 2 for 8, and 2 for 18 respectively, Dale's bowling being unplayable at times, conceding only 8 runs from his allotted 8 overs. Sean Goodger bowled just one over, bowling Martin before the persistent rain stopped play. The visitors were left struggling on 32 for 5 wickets and Croft in a dominant position, the weather being the only winner of this match.

John Dale 2 for 8, Sean Goodger 1 for 4, John Loveday 2 for 18.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Stephen Revett, Stephen Kent, Duncan Hobbs, Sean Goodger, Jon Dale, Gareth Kent, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Oliver Revett,

away, against

Wicken

POPE CANES CROFT

Wicken won by 62 runs. Wicken 288 for 3 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 226 for 7 wkts (40 overs).

Played at the Paradise Ground Ely in mostly sunshine and blustery conditions. Wicken batted first on a good batting wicket, Jon Dale soon made an early break through in the third over, bowling opener Green with the score on only 9. Hereafter Croft were made to suffer in the field, Pope (105*) and R. French 77* adding 154 for their partnership. Although Pope was dropped on three occasions, he rarely looked in trouble and retired on reaching his century, which included two 6's and fourteen 4's. With still 16 overs remaining French continued to bat through, remaining 77 not out at the close of innings - St.John (21) and Bentinck (45*) also enjoying the run feast. Wicken finished on a mammoth 288 for 3wkts - Croft needing a run rate of more than 7 per over.
John Dale 1 for 34, Sean Goodger 0 for 41, Gareth Kent 0 for 55, John Loveday 2 for 40, Stephen Kent 0 for 17, Duncan Hobbs 0 for 20, Rami Niluka 0 for 13.

Welney's reply started brightly with Stephen Kent and Duncan Hobbs recording a century opening stand (117), Kent returning to the pavilion in the twenty third over for 61. Sean Goodger was out next ball, being brilliantly caught and bowled by Adams. Hobbs also scored a half century 57 in 106 mins, including 5 x 4's, In the gathering gloom after 7.00 o'clock Inwood (19), Dale (15) and Gareth Kent (32*) continued the run chase in vain. Gareth batting particularly well in recording an unbeaten personal best. Croft finishing 62 runs short of their target.
Stephen Kent 61 (7 x 4s), Duncan Hobbs 57 (5 x 4s), Gareth Kent 32 (3 x 4's), Ashley Inwood 19 (3 x 4's), Jon Dale 15.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Duncan Hobbs, Sean Goodger, Jon Dale, Gareth Kent, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Oliver Revett,Rami Niluka (10 players)

home, against

Chrishall

CROFT WELL BEATEN

Chrishall won by 63 runs. Chrishall 180 for 7wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 117 (31.4 overs).

Chrishall won the toss, elected to bat and then made a depleted Welney team suffer in the afternoon heat. The fourth wicket stand of 116 between Holmes (42) and Picton (73) was the highlight of the visitors innings and proved to be the eventual match winner. Sixteen-year-old Gareth Kent opened the bowling and recorded a creditable 2 for 24 in his allotted 8 overs with Duncan Hobbs taking 3 for 8 in only 4 overs. Chrishall finished on 180, when a 200 plus total looked very likely at 142 for 3 after 30 overs.
Gareth Kent 2 for 24, John Loveday 1 for 29, Stephen Kent 1 for 31, Duncan Hobbs 3 for 8.

In form Stephen Revett (24) got Croft off to a good start, after the early dismissal of John Loveday. Duncan Hobbs (13) playing his part in the partnership. At 103 for 3, with Neil Parkinson (17) and top scoring Stephen Kent (30) going well, Welney seemed to be still in the match. Unfortunately the "tail" collapsed with the last batsmen recording only 2, 0, 1, 0 & 0 - the team total reaching only 117 our lowest score this season. Well beaten for a 63 run defeat.
Stephen Kent 30 (4 x 4s), Stephen Revett 24 (2 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 17 (1 x 4), Duncan Hobbs 13 (1 x 4, 1 x 6).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Gareth Kent, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Oliver Revett, David Goodwin & Martin Bullbrook (10 players).

away, against

Castor & Ailsworth

AWAY DEFEAT

Castor & Ailesworth 170 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 137 for 4wkts (40 overs), Castor won by 33 runs

Welney won the toss and invited the home side to open proceedings. The home side batted steadily throughout with main contributions coming from Porter (45), Akram (23) and Clark 26 not out. The pick of Welney's bowlers was again veteran Percy Bulsara, who conceded only 17 runs off his alloted 8 overs and Jon Dale, whose pace troubled the openers, was unlucky on many occasions, but still returned 2 for 33. In the field Stephen Revett took a brilliant catch in the deep and Neil Parkinson, a quick stumping to remove opener Shaide.
Jon Dale 2 for 33, Danny Horn 1 for 17, John Loveday 2 for 32, Gareth Kent 1 for 36, Percy Bulsara 1 for 17, Stephen Kent 1 for 27.

After the break Croft again got off to a fine start through openers Revett & Hobbs, adding 59 for the first wicket stand. Hobbs (10) played the supporting role and returned to the pavilion in the twenty first over, being bowled by Dunn. Stephen Revett batted 115 minutes for his knock of 52, including one huge six, for his first scoring runs and five 4's. As Welney was always behind the clock, Jon Dale was promoted up the order to try and score quick runs in the final overs. This he did, scoring 24 not out, but good field placement restricted his efforts. Along with young Gareth Kent 12 not out, the pair added 36 runs before the innings closed, bringing the team total to 137, still 33 runs short of Castor's total.
The match finished at 7.35pm
Stephen Revett 52 (1 x6, 4 x 4's), Jon Dale 24* (3 x 4's), Gareth Kent 12* (1 x 4), Duncan Hobbs 10.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Gareth Kent, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Jon Dale, Oliver Revett, Danny Horn.

away, against

Loddington & Mawsley

Loddington won by 15 runs

Loddington & Mawsley 204 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 189 for 6 wkts (39.4 overs)

Played at Loddingtons main venue, on a good flat track and fast out field, runs were there to be scored. However, opening bowlers Sean Goodger & Gareth Kent had the home team struggling at one time 53 for 6 wickets before Karl Sanders came onto the scene, scoring 72 & then retiring and Haines getting a half century. Number 10 Keevil had a good knock of 26 before being caught behind by Neil Parkinson, closing the innings on 204.
Sean Goodger 2 for 30, Gareth Kent 3 for 33, Percy Bulsara 1 for 51, John Loveday 1 for 45, Stephen Revett 1 for 40.

After the interval openers Revett (61) and Hobbs (21) got Welney off to a tremendous start adding 80 runs in a little over the hour before Revett was caught off Haines in the seventeenth over. Within the next 5 overs 3 further wickets fell, Hobbs (21), Goodger (4) and Inwood (0) for the addition of only 15 runs, bringing the team score to 95 for 4 wickets. Parkinson (33) and Stephen Kent (17) then stabilised matters for a while before Kent was bowled by Patch at 132, Croft still needing 73 runs for victory. Skipper John Loveday (33) joined Neil Parkinson for a seventh wicket partnership of 39. After their dismissal at 183 a further 22 runs were still needed and this proved too much for the tail enders falling 14 runs short of the target.
Stephen Revett 61 (11 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 33 (3 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 21 (4 x 4's), Stephen Kent 17 (1 x 4)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Gareth Kent, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Sean Goodger, Rami Niluka & Oliver Revett.

home, against

Nacton

match cancelled by Nacton

WINNING START

Welney Croft 158 for 6 wkts (40 overs), Parson Drove 143 for 6wkts (40 overs), Welney won by 15 runs.

Sunday morning rain lead to a pitch inspection at 11.00 am, by which time had stopped and eventual sunshine lead to the match taking place.
Parson Drove won the toss and invited Croft to bat first. After a steady start from Stephen Revett and Duncan Hobbs, 23 after 10 overs, Revett (13) fell lbw to Lewis next over. Neil Parkinson then partnered Hobbs for 28 overs in adding 81 valuable runs for the second wicket, Duncan (36) being bowled by Carter, with the score at 105. A fourth wicket stand of 45 between Parkinson (43) and Stephen Kent (12) put Croft in a commanding position at 153 for 4. The innings closed at 158 for 6.
Neil Parkinson 43 (2 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 36 (4 x 4's), Stephen Revett 13 (2 x 4's), Stephen Kent 12 (1 x 4).

After tea Parson Drove started slowly, losing Carter in the fourth over, caught by Duncan Hobbs at mid-on off Percy Bulsara's bowling. Drove continued their slow run rate mainly due to John Rowland & Bulsara's tight bowling - in fact Rowland conceded only 10 runs off his allocated 8 overs with 4 maidens. Percy 1 for 17 off his 6 over spell. Opener John Gill (51) nearly carried his bat throughout the whole innings, finally being bowled by Gareth Kent in the 38th over. Although Drove had wickets in hand, the home side were always well behind the required run rate, finishing 16 runs short of victory.
The match finished at 7.45 pm in gloomy overcast conditions with rain threatening.
John Rowland 0 for 10 in 8 overs 4 maidens, John Loveday 2 for 18, Gareth Kent 2 for 31, Percy Bulsara 1 for 17, Ashley Hobbs 0 for 12, Sean Pearson 1 for 36, Stephen Revett 0 for 15.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Gareth Kent, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, John Rowland, Ashley Hobbs & Sean Pearson.