Westcott vs Kidlington Match Report

It was an excellent performance by Kidlington to gain a draw against the league leaders Wescott in gloomy conditions.

Having won the toss Chairman Moss had no hesitation in sending in Westcott 2s to bat in a rain reduced game of 25 overs, even though initially Kidlington only had 7 players on the field. Kidlington were further hindered by having to have Paul Hewitt who took 6 wickets in the last match behind the stumps and not available to bowl.

Ran opened the bowling steady as ever and took 3 wickets for 16 runs in 7 overs, but it was young Oscar Hewitt who impressed most bowling against the top order batsman he conceded a mere 21 runs in his 4 overs. The highlight of the innings was when Josh Swaddling on debut running out Sam Forrest of his own bowling. All the bowlers; Harry Brock with his spinners, Josh Swaddling with away swingers, Lauren Smith with her medium pacers and an aggressive John Moss bowled well but suffered from only having 8 players on the field. Paul Hewitt, not the regular wicket keeper, excelled only allowing a single bye from a Westcott total of 178 for 4. The best overall performance on the field was the superb fielding of Lauren Smith including a well-judged catch. Fielding on the whole was spirited both by the Juniors and Seniors, even Mark Turner, not known for his fielding saved runs with his consistent fielding.

Rain was in the air, but prevailed to allow Kidlington to commence their innings straight after bowling with tea delayed. Paul Hewitt opened and was very careful knowing that rain is not far away and it was possible to hold out for a draw. Ran at the other end was also careful to start with but was looking increasing confident when he received an unplayable out-swinging-yorker from the pacey but erratic Jamie Wiles and was bowled out for 19. Harry and Josh followed getting themselves out to some good bowling. John Moss, in a rumbustious mood after been upset by the umpire in giving a no ball off his bowling, now joined Paul to bat. Having seen off the two Westcotts’ frontline bowlers Paul momentarily lost his concentration and was caught out. All was not lost for Kidlington though classy county junior player Lauren Smith joined the chairman playing some elegant drives. With the fiery chairman at the crease with his big hits together with classically stylish Lauren one felt no target was off limits - but unfortunately the rains came and that was the end of proceedings. The Chairman was on 12 not out and Lauren on 3 not out leaving Kidlington score at 58 for 4 and the game ended in a draw.