Town 1st XI begin campaign on a disappointing note (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Town 1st XI begin campaign on a disappointing note

CIRENCESTER 1st XI began their County League campaign on a disappointing note at Cirencester Park on May 10 with a defeat at the hands of Down Hatherley.

Despite this setback, Town can take some positives out of a very competitive and good quality opening match.

Having been put into bat on what looked a very good batting surface for this time of year - and all credit for this goes to their groundsman Dan Robins - steady progress was made up to the 35th over.

At this point, Cirencester were in a relatively good position of 119-3, this mainly down to opening bat Andy Walker (30) and skipper Dominic Jeffcott (41no).

Unfortunately, the departure of David Shackleton was quickly followed by that of Jeffcott.

The latter was sent packing by Down Hatherley's best bowler on the day, R Aram, which put the hosts in a more vulnerable situation.

The later order did their best to get the score up to what might have been a winning total but, in the end, it probably fell 20 runs short at 159-9 off the allotted 45 overs.

Credit must also go to the opposition's persistent bowling and, at times, excellent fielding.

In reply, the Down Hatherley openers were pinned down by some accurate opening bowling from Mark Hayes and debutant Ian Butler.

Butler then took two wickets in two balls to leave Down Hatherley struggling on 34-2 off 17 overs.

Unfortunately, as was the case last season, one opposition batsman then changed the course of the game.

J Woolgar, having come in at No 4 on the hat-trick ball, immediately took the game away from Cirencester's control with a mixture of aggressive shots.

He was eventually out for 47, caught off the bowling of James Shackleton, who was also making his debut.

For a 14-year-old, he displayed great maturity and control under pressure to finish with the outstanding figures of 2-22 off eight overs.

Despite Shackelton's efforts and the equally excellent Ian Butler (3-38 off 12 overs), Down Hatherley reached their target some five wickets down and with seven balls to spare.

Although defeated, Cirences-ter can surely look forward to a much more successful season with a squad of players who, when all are available, will bring a healthy competition for places.

Cirencester 159-9 (Jeffcott 41, Walker 30), (R Aram 4-54 off 12 overs, C Stuart 3-29 off 11 overs).

Down Hatherley 160-5 (Woolgar 47), (I Butler 3-38 off 12 overs, J Shackelton 2-22 off eight overs).