Will Harries in full cry
Will Harries struck an astonishing unbeaten century to lift South Wilts seconds out of trouble and set up an 82-run win which almost torpedoed Bashley (Rydal) seconds’ chances of reaching the Southern Premier League Cup West group 2/3 Grand Final.
South Wilts were 11-3 (and later 32-4) when Harries arrived at the BCG crease to completely transform the game with an unbeaten 112, which included three sixes and 11 fours.
He shared a 131-run partnership with Sam Pittman (44) as South Wilts powered to 205-8 and on to an 82-run win over the previously undefeated group leaders.
Nick Partridge (3-22) and teenage spinner James Brewer (4-9) combined to bowl Bashley out for 123.
Despite the loss, Bashley have qualified for the final as chief rivals Fair Oak crashed to an unexpected three-wicket defeat at Langley Manor.
The toss proved crucial, Oaks being put into bat on a Knellers Lane surface that had absorbed a lot of moisture and produced mostly low – but inconsistent – bounce.
Sure enough, within an hour the visitors were teetering at 30-4 with Langley opening bowlers Jamie Brown (3-26) and Ben Morgan (1-20) cashing in on the conditions. Rhys Oxley did his best to turn the tide with a fine 53 not out, but after good contributions from Max Watson (23) and Rufus Bullough (14) Oxley ran out of partners. Spin duo Nick Doubell took 3-40 and little Tom Spencer 2-14 as the tail crumbled, leaving Fair Oak 135 all out in the 36th over.
Langley’s left-handed opener Conor Browne gave his side a good start with a brisk 39 before being run out by Oxley. By then the score stood at 74-3, and although none of his colleagues made substantial contributions the home middle and lower order all chipped in with a few runs. Despite the best efforts of left-arm spinner Charlie Gwynn (3-25) the Manor were always ahead of the asking rate and accordingly won the match in the 34th over with three wickets to spare.
South Wilts were 11-3 (and later 32-4) when Harries arrived at the BCG crease to completely transform the game with an unbeaten 112, which included three sixes and 11 fours.
He shared a 131-run partnership with Sam Pittman (44) as South Wilts powered to 205-8 and on to an 82-run win over the previously undefeated group leaders.
Nick Partridge (3-22) and teenage spinner James Brewer (4-9) combined to bowl Bashley out for 123.
Despite the loss, Bashley have qualified for the final as chief rivals Fair Oak crashed to an unexpected three-wicket defeat at Langley Manor.
The toss proved crucial, Oaks being put into bat on a Knellers Lane surface that had absorbed a lot of moisture and produced mostly low – but inconsistent – bounce.
Sure enough, within an hour the visitors were teetering at 30-4 with Langley opening bowlers Jamie Brown (3-26) and Ben Morgan (1-20) cashing in on the conditions. Rhys Oxley did his best to turn the tide with a fine 53 not out, but after good contributions from Max Watson (23) and Rufus Bullough (14) Oxley ran out of partners. Spin duo Nick Doubell took 3-40 and little Tom Spencer 2-14 as the tail crumbled, leaving Fair Oak 135 all out in the 36th over.
Langley’s left-handed opener Conor Browne gave his side a good start with a brisk 39 before being run out by Oxley. By then the score stood at 74-3, and although none of his colleagues made substantial contributions the home middle and lower order all chipped in with a few runs. Despite the best efforts of left-arm spinner Charlie Gwynn (3-25) the Manor were always ahead of the asking rate and accordingly won the match in the 34th over with three wickets to spare.
