Fetch that ! Paultons' Nathan Feltham hit one of his monster 14 sixes off the South Wilts attack. James Holgate picture. South Wilts seconds thought they were on to a good thing when a five-wicket return by Nick Partridge reduced Paultons to 49-5 in their opening Southern Premier League Cup tie at Whitemoor Lane.
But then left-hander Nathan Feltham arrived at the crease to smash a truly remarkable six-strewn 137 which set up a 52-run victory for Paultons.
Partridge took full advantage of the seam friendly new-ball conditions and, bowling right-arm away swing, celebrated his return to South Wilts from Steeple Langford with figures of 5-19.
But as conditions eased and spin was introduced, Feltham took complete control, belting nine fours and 14 sixes, mainly between deep mid-wicket and long-on, several of which sailed over the trees and out of the ground.
“It was some of the best ball striking you’ll ever see and some of the biggest sixes ever hit on our ground,” said Paultons skipper Josh Metcalfe.
“We’ve always know Nath has the ability to play shots like that and take bowling attacks apart but even he will admit he doesn’t do it enough.”
Feltham took just 73 balls to hit his 137 – 120 of which came in boundaries – his second 50 (which brought up his century) came off 14 deliveries and carried Paultons on to 222 all out.
Several South Wilts batsmen made starts – teenage duo Ben Howgrave-Graham (26) and Edward Wade (25) got going alongside Partridge (23) and Steve Riddle (20) – but with the ball continuing to seam about, Paultons continued to achieve breakthroughs just when partnerships were forming.
Metcalfe himself reveled in the conditions, taking 5-25 as South Wilts were dismissed for 170.
Nathan Feltham raises his bat acknowledge the applause for his remarkable century. James Holgate picture.
