| If you can keep your head when all around you have lost theirs, then you probably haven't understood the seriousness of the situation. - David Brent |
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Uttoxeter CC v West Hallam
Match Sponsored by Naj Moon Restaurant.
On a blisteringly hot day at the racecourse with the sounds of May Fest in the background Uttoxeter did their best to get back to winning ways only restricted by a very negative West Hallam side.
Captain Walmsley won the toss and unsurprisingly elected to bat on what looked like a very batting friendly wicket!
Rob Birch and Pete Atwell got the side off to a good start, Birch playing some great shots in a quick 14 before being surprised by a ball that just climbed a little off the pitch and sky-ing one to mid-on. Atwell (27) was matching Birch stroke for stroke and showed his true ability with a couple of delightful shots through the covers. He too was also unlucky, just gloving one to the keeper off the impressive Swain.
Tony Hayes was unable to continue his rich vein of form and when Hayes and Atwell went in quick succession Uttoxeter could have been in some trouble. Bailey played a surprising supporting role to the exceptional Tim Powell. Powell played one of his finest knocks in a Uttoxeter shirt easily working the ball around, smashing several big 6s and numerous 4s.
Powell was well supported in his fine 79 not out by the lower order with Stewart, Hunt and Walmsley adding some quick runs towards the end of the innings with the later smashing several huge 6s in his 28.
Uttoxeter finished on 231 a challenging total after a long day in the sun.
The West Hallam chase got off to a slow start and never really picked up much pace. The two openers both looked as if they were bedding in for the long haul. Skelham and Hunt soon had them back in the hut, both yet again bowling with great control and pace.
Once the next 2 wickets fell West Hallam just closed the door and made very little effort to chase the runs down finishing on 142-7. All the Uttoxeter bowlers performed well with Hunt yet again the pick finishing with 4-32.
Despite the lack of effort by West Hallam to win the game it was still a good result for Uttoxeter who picked up a solid 18 points before a tricky trip to one of the league’s top sides on Saturday when they will be facing Trentside.
