24 JUNE 2007

WASHED OUT WALTHAM HOPE FOR BETTER WEATHER

Bishop’s Waltham’s attempt get their Regional Division South East 2 back campaign on track against winless Farehaven was, like most cricket in Hampshire this weekend, scuppered by the weather.

The first team game at South Wilts III in County Division 3 was also abandoned without a ball being bowled. Spare a thought for the South Wilts opener in Southern League Premier 1, who strolled out to bat, got a nick and was caught behind first ball and strolled off pursued by the rest of the players and a terminal cloudburst.

Next week’s County 3 clash at home to second bottom Sulhamstead and Ufton is already a must win game for Waltham, for whom wicket-keeper batsman Mark Newman and recently recruited ex-Hambledon all rounder Dan Wheeler return. Prolific opener and deputy head Rob Bailey is unavailable as he is on duty at Stanbridge Earls School. The seconds make the short trip up the road to Wickham and will have Miles Hutton available again after a cycling holiday as they try to reduce their costly wide-count.

The club are desperate for improved weather for their re-vamped President’s Day on Sunday 1st July. The under 15’s take on the sunday side in a Twenty20 game at 1030am, followed by a Pro40 match between the club and president Rob Helsen’s side in the afternoon. There are lunchtime AND evening barbeques, raffle, the chance to take on the bowling machine and with the day being rounded off by the post match presentation by a Hampshire CCC player at around 715pm.