Newtown CC v. Shelton CC, 12/7/08

Result: Newtown CC - 1st XI Winning Draw (15-3)
Newtown First XI: 147/7, Shelton First XI: 79/8 (both 40 overs)
Highlights:
Newtown – D. Brown 34, C.A. Davies 24 not out, B. Jones 2/14.
Shelton – Ben Matthews 17, Harry Jones 14, Ishan Radotra 4/53.

Shelton Cricket Club travelled over the Welsh border to Newtown in the knowledge that, with the sides occupying the same tranche of the table in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier Cricket League, any points gained from the afternoon would matter in the long term. Clouds kept blowing over throughout the afternoon, revealing tantalising glimpses of blue sky; the day’s weather could almost have been a metaphor for the drawn match.

Shelton, bowling first with a partnership of Sam Griffiths and Ben Chambers, looked to be doing an efficient containing job on the Newtown batsmen, who had struggled in 2008. The pitch was buttery in its consistency, and seemed prior to the game like it would be an asset to batsmen. Newtown turned things around after their initial struggles with Shelton’s pace attack, Davies’s 24 not out ensuring a sound total. As against Quatt two weeks previously, Ishan Radotra shone with the ball, taking four wickets from his twelve overs. He attributed his recent form to growing self-belief, explaining, ‘everyone wants a rhythm, you need confidence.’ Radotra had bowled few overs during the past three years, however on this evidence he has certainly found his rhythm, and his form.

Shelton had a stern task following tea. Beginning with the unfamiliar batting pairing of Andy Wigginton and Radotra, they had difficulty defending Newtown’s confident bowling. Ben Matthews took 17 and Harry Jones 14, but it was a frustrating day for the batsmen – some great shots were played, particularly by Radotra, Rhett Williamson and Adam Humphreys, but the home team’s fielders did a great job of keeping the run-rate down. Batting-wise, Radotra said there had been ‘a lot of wind, which made it difficult, along with good bowling.’

Both Newtown and Shelton took Shropshire Premier League points, and an increased confidence, from this match, confidence which will stand the teams in good stead for the rest of the season.

...And finally, by popular demand, Moz's Final Thought, brought to you by Matt Morris, Oxon Village bowls supremo and Shelton's wicketkeeper.

"How does Nesquik make the milk chocolatey?"

This site is led to believe Matt will be providing his quizzical musings throughout the season, so keep checking back, and comments are welcomed!