1st Team vs Hook & Newnham Basics CC, 2nd XI

On another blistering hot June summers day Ferndown Wayfarers CC ventured once again up the M3 to junction 5 to take on Hook and Newnham basics, coming off the back of last week’s poor display the Ferns were looking to bounce back to winning ways. 

With Skipper Eric Linge out of the line -up, having much-needed surgery on his tossing finger the responsibility fell to stand Skipper Alex Samson,he duly did his job winning the toss and electing to bat on what was a hot day and a lovely batting track. 

Things looked good early on with Regan dispatching the ball to the boundary with his usual aggressive shots before doing his standard and chipping one up to point getting out for 27. That brought James Whitehurst to the crease for the 1st time this season and he must of wondered what he’d let himself in for as he watched opener James Stephenson get caught trying to cut a very short, wide delivery that Inspector Gadget would have struggled to reach with the middle of the bat. 

At 40 for 2 off of 11 overs things were not looking great for FWCC, but a magnificent gritty 100 for Whitehurst in a partnership of 184 with Samson (91) put Ferndown into a strong position. A good Flurry from the middle order (Munnings 14 / Elsworthy 32 n/o / Pittaway 21 n/o) saw the away side post an impressive 325 for 5. 

After a good tea with pulled pork rolls that sits 2nd in the league this year, only behind our very own teas from Kelly (mum) it was time for the bowlers to go to work. 

Robbie Stammers started in his usual accurate and tight manner, finishing with superb figures of 10-3-27-3, reduced the home side to 47 for 3 after 20 overs. Freddie, Daryl and Miles toiled on the heat with no reward so the Skipper decided to give the ball to part time spinner James ( Elmer Fudd ) Stephenson to try his to get some wickets with his bag of liquorice all-sorts. This turned out to be inspired decision as Stephenson (9-0–39-5) ripped through the home sides batting order claiming his 1st southern league 5fer, supported well by the old man (Norman senior) 7-0-21-1 saw the home side dismissed for 197 giving FWCC an impressive win on the road by 128 runs, claiming maximum points. 

Big congratulations go to Whitehurst and Stephenson on their excellent personal performances, but a very good all round team display saw FWCC to a deserved win on the road.