Wiltshire CCL Div Two

Swindon United Churches 232-9; Keevil 201-9

SWINDON United Churches remain fourth in Wiltshire League Div Two despite a 31-run victory over bottom club Keevil on Saturday.

Asked to bat first on a sticky pitch, Churches were given an early scare by the spirited Keevil bowlers.

Keith Coatsworth (4), Chris Gilchrist (7), Matt Runkel (14) and Danny Hunt (15) all perished to leave the home side struggling at 47-4.

Liam Brooks (78 off 81 balls) and hard-hitting Dean Tomlin (60 off 44) swung the momentum of the innings with a stand worth 153. Some late-order scrambling saw Churches up to 232-9 from their 45 overs. Hamlin (3-39) and Hargreaves (3-50) returned healthy bowling figures for Keevil.

Keevil captain Andy Hallett led the response with a measured 69 from 92 balls. The Churches bowlers had to be patient on a drying pitch that was offering little to anyone. Richard Martin (3-29) and Dean Tomlin (2-37) were the stand-out performers with the ball and they received good support from Hunt (1-29) and Matthew Shadwick (2-18) in chipping away at the wickets column.

Churches were always able to keep the visitors at arm’s length during the chase.

A last-wicket partnership of 30 between Hamblin (17*) and Emmett (8*) secured maximum batting points for Keevil as they finished on 201-9.

Next up for Churches is a double-header weekend against Bear Flat and Keevil on August 1-2. An opportunity to gain ground on the sides above them in Wiltshire League Division Two.