Crickhowell CC 138-10 Woolhope CC 2nds 217-5 .
HAVING had good wins in the league and cup the previous week, Crickhowell were looking forward to the visit of Woolhope who they had soundly beaten earlier on in the season.
However, they were brought down to earth with a bump and were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat. The game started much as it had done in the reverse fixture, with skipper Francis winning the toss and inserting Woolhope and Crickhowell taking two quick wickets, but there the similarities ended.
Woolhope instead of capitulating this time, took the Crickhowell attack apart and posted a score of 306. It was Foster [82] and Tanner [135] who took the score from four for two in the fourth over to 219 for three in the 34.
This was a terrific stand with Tanner hitting 20 boundaries including 10 sixes. Only Nick Francis [2 for 61] and Phill Bowker [2 for 71] made any in roads to the Woolhope batting, and their wickets came at a price.
With all the other bowlers remaining wicketless and going for plenty. With Foster and Tanner removed, it was Watts [44 not out] and O’Hare [34 not out] that insured the Woolhope impetus continued to the end to set a very challenging total.
After tea, Crickhowell made a reasonable start with Parker [22], Lilley [20], Tew [33] and Kerrison [15] all looking at ease before offering a chance, which on every occasion Woolhope seemed to snap up.
The Woolhope fielding was in stark contrast to Crickhowell’s earlier, which was poor at times and often ragged with several overthrows and missed chances adding to their woes.
With Nick Francis then being well caught trying to play his signature shot through backward point, the lower order then succumbed and Crickhowell’s poor afternoon ended with the side being all out for only 138.
Crickhowell have tended to blow ‘hot and cold’ this season but if one discipline was not firing on all cylinders, then usually the others would offer some balance.
However, this was a day when they were well beaten across all departments with poor bowling, shabby fielding and then mediocre batting to follow.
Ironically, Crickhowell have managed to hold on to their third spot in the league but are now looking over their shoulder. With Luctonians and Garnons likely to be first and second Crickhowell will have to show some improvement, in all areas, in their attempt to remain best of the rest. This week Crickhowell host Builth in another Powys derby.