CAPTAIN Pete Hickerton credited his bowlers for extending Warminster’s unbeaten streak in WEPL Wiltshire to a fourth week after they got the better of a rain-affected match at home to Marshfield.
There were two wickets each for John Powell, Wouter Ross and Bradley Small as Marshfield were limited to just 225-6 on a fabulous batting surface at Sambourn Road.
Rupert Crockett led the way with an unbeaten 60 and carried Marshfield to their final total from 146-6 alongside Cameron Walker (36 not out), while opener William Pascall made 41.
The home side’s reply was just three overs old before the weather took a turn for the worse, forcing the players off the field for more than an hour.
Once play resumed, Warminster were set a reduced target of 166 in 29 overs, which they comfortably reached with nine balls to spare for a five-wicket win.
Hickerton said: “The guys bowled really well up front and that created the opportunity for us to go on and win the game.
“It was a really good track. The wicket was good and there was a short boundary one side so we were delighted to keep them to 225.
“We felt that as long as we batted our 50 overs – before the game ended up being reduced – we would be able to chase that down.”
Jack Berrisford was the only member of Warminster’s top order not to make a significant contribution with the bat once the game restarted as Tom Davie led the way with 52 before being the final wicket to fall in a total of 166-5.
“After the game was reduced, we had to score a little bit quicker but we always had wickets in hand so we were pretty comfortable,” added Hickerton.
“We were off for quite a time so it looked touch and go for a bit. Luckily, the pitch had stayed quite dry so that was fine to play on. It didn’t really rain hard, it was just constant drizzle so I think it was actually more difficult for the bowlers.
“We did a good job. The first few batsmen set it up and then Tom batted fantastically to see us home.”
Trowbridge climbed to the top of the table with a 37-run success away at Royal Wootton Bassett.
Matthew Hopkins (83), Ryan Pieterson (50) and Sam Julyan (45 not out) all shone as Mike Reynolds’ men posted 240-8 before the skipper, Julyan, Matt Hopkins and Tom Oakley took two wickets each as the Bassett reply was curtailed for 203.
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