Wiltshire CCL Div Two

Swindon United Churches 249-7; Bear Flat 107 all out

SWINDON United Churches returned to winning ways with a 142-run victory over their visitors from Bath, Bear Flat CC.

The 23-three point win keeps the Sevenhampton-based side on top of the Wiltshire League Division Two.

Losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the Churches' openers made a steady start before losing the wicket of Coatsworth to leave them on 29-1.

A calm partnership of 62 between Jimmy Mann and Danny Hunt (41 off 60 balls) built the platform for a large total, despite Churches losing two quick wickets to leave the game nicely poised at 94-3.

The in-form Mann (101 from 100 balls) made his second century of the season and he was joined in a blistering 116-run stand by number five batsman Liam Brooks (63 from 58 balls). Some late order scampering between the wickets allowed Churches to post a highly competitive 249-7 from 45 overs.

Opening bowlers Chris Spackman (9-2-44-3) and Rich Martin (8-1-16-1) set the tone with the ball as Churches reduced Bear Flat to 6-2 in reply. Spackman in particular bowled with pace and hostility and wicket-keeper Martin Garstang deserves credit for grabbing two flying edges behind the wicket.

Middle-order wickets for Hunt (5-0-19-2) and debutant spinner Ravi Dhayalan (6-0-27-3) further dented the Bear Flat efforts. The impressive Ross Newman (38) and Mike Sherring (17) threatened some resistance with the bat, getting the visitors up to a final total of 107 all out from 28 overs.

Opening batsman Mann now has 386 Wiltshire League runs at an average of 96.50 – a run of form he’ll be looking to continue when Churches make the short trip to Wroughton Wranglers on Saturday.