CHERWELL LEAGUE

Graham Scott's Match of the Day

WALLINGFORD clinched victory for the first time at their new Blewbury home by beating Hanborough in Division 4.

The visitors squandered the decent start gained through openers Joe Burgess (35) and Matt Gorman (31), as Colin Allen (3-42) and then left-arm spinner John Brannan (4-18) put the hosts in command.

Credit should also go to the leader of Wallingford’s spin quartet, Warren Ainsworth, who extracted little turn, but exercised great control to tie up one end.

He was eventually replaced by Mark Carey, who looked a potential star as a teenager and retains the same swagger in his thirties.

His ball to remove Dave Burgess was a beauty, turning sharply, going through the gate and cannoning into the top of middle.

Carey went on to hit 61 after tea and with Ali Damirchi (49no) set up a straightforward six-wicket victory.

So Hanborough, who lost club stalwart Gerald Busby to cancer earlier this month, were unable to secure a win in his honour.

Wallingford have enjoyed a nomadic existence since the 1980s, failing to settle happily in the town.

Their most recent home, the Hithercroft, is the sort of soulless new-build cricket ground that appeals only to town planners who have never played the game.

In complete contrast, the redevelopment seven miles down the road at Blewbury combines excellent facilities with a beautiful setting. Founded in 1872, Wallingford may have finally found a place to call home.

Wallingford 25pts, Hanborough 7

  • HANBOROUGH’S pace bowlers will take the Speed Gun Challenge when Sky Sports’ cameras visit the club on July 18.

The results will be broadcast on the channel’s Cricket AM show.