DESCRIBED by skipper Brad Staff as "the best all-round bowling and fielding performance in five years" by a Wingham First Grade cricket team, Saturdays performance against reigning premier, United, provided the foundation for Wingham's first win of the season.
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Off-spinning all-rounder Matt Essery was the star.
He started with a one handed ‘screamer’ at first slip off the first ball of the match, grabbed another one-hander in close and provided a direct-hit run out to end United’s innings.
He also opened the bowling and dismissed Josh Ferris (4) and Matt Kennewell (2) in his return of two for 10 off eight overs, including four maidens.
Ryan Williams also bowled brilliantly to claim three for 24 from eight, including bowling last seasons’ leading run scorer Ricky Campbell neck-and-crop for one as United struggled at four for 22.
Matt Collier (28) and Tom Burley (24) added 32 and Burley and Jonathan Burton (23) a further 27 before Mick Stinson cleaned up the tail, taking 2/8.
Ryan Morris and Mitch Niven claimed a wicket each as United was all out on 107.
Wingham lost Dan Barber for one, and then Wayne Smoothy and Essery took the score to 27 when Smoothy was out to Campbell for 11.
Essery looked in fine touch before he nicked a ‘good one’ from Burley to keeper Burton with 17 to his credit.
Brad Staff and Stinson took the tally to 74 whereby Staff attempted to heave a ball from Maitlan Brown over mid wicket, only to have his stumps rattled for a match-high 30.
Stinson (7) fell to the same bowler for the addition of one run and Ryan Morris (9) was bowled by Witts with the score on 85.
Niven and Dennis Smith looked at ease in peeling off the remaining 23 runs for victory with four wickets in hand.
Niven was unbeaten on 16 and Smith six.
Burley (1/5 off 6) and Brown (2/25) were the best of the United bowlers.
