A brilliant 144 by skipper James Weetch was the cornerstone of Stogumber’s narrow six run victory at home to Castle Cary in Division Two of the Shrubbery Somerset League on Saturday.
In a thrilling finish, the visitors fell just short of an imposing 323 runs target. With two overs remaining they wanted 24 runs for an unlikely win and this was reduced to just 13 off the final over.
On an excellent batting track, remarkably firm despite the heavy rain, and with two batsmen well set, home supporters were fearing the worst. All eyes were now on Robbie Rexworthy who was entrusted with the final over. Playing his first game of the season, Rexworthy responded well to the pressure and just seven runs were scored.
Earlier, the game had been dominated by Weetch. Scoring all around the wicket, he smashed 14 fours and seven sixes as he pillaged the visitor’s bowling attack. He featured in a second wicket partnership of 50 with promising youngster Dan Godfrey (21) and when the in form Mark Bryant (52) joined him, there was no hiding place for the visiting bowling attack.
Runs came at a rapid pace with the ball disappearing to all parts of the ground. Bryant was caught and bowled just after completing his half-century with the score on 176 but Weetch continued his merry way. He was finally out to an excellent catch on the boundary for a scintillating 144. James Rexworthy then hit an undefeated 42 which enabled Stogumber to reach 322 for 7.
Castle Cary’s openers Lake and P. Atkins set the game up brilliantly with a partnership of 170 but three wickets for James Rexwothy and two for Brandon Walsh just kept the home side in front. And then came that final over from Robbie Rexworthy which had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Points: Stogumber 30, Castle Cary 17.
In a thrilling finish, the visitors fell just short of an imposing 323 runs target. With two overs remaining they wanted 24 runs for an unlikely win and this was reduced to just 13 off the final over.
On an excellent batting track, remarkably firm despite the heavy rain, and with two batsmen well set, home supporters were fearing the worst. All eyes were now on Robbie Rexworthy who was entrusted with the final over. Playing his first game of the season, Rexworthy responded well to the pressure and just seven runs were scored.
Earlier, the game had been dominated by Weetch. Scoring all around the wicket, he smashed 14 fours and seven sixes as he pillaged the visitor’s bowling attack. He featured in a second wicket partnership of 50 with promising youngster Dan Godfrey (21) and when the in form Mark Bryant (52) joined him, there was no hiding place for the visiting bowling attack.
Runs came at a rapid pace with the ball disappearing to all parts of the ground. Bryant was caught and bowled just after completing his half-century with the score on 176 but Weetch continued his merry way. He was finally out to an excellent catch on the boundary for a scintillating 144. James Rexworthy then hit an undefeated 42 which enabled Stogumber to reach 322 for 7.
Castle Cary’s openers Lake and P. Atkins set the game up brilliantly with a partnership of 170 but three wickets for James Rexwothy and two for Brandon Walsh just kept the home side in front. And then came that final over from Robbie Rexworthy which had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Points: Stogumber 30, Castle Cary 17.