MINOR COUNTIES
By Michael Auston
CORNWALL have yet to lift a title in their 112-year history but the omens look promising after they won their opening Minor Counties Championship match for the first time in 32 seasons, beating Oxfordshire by six wickets at East Challow.
Tom Sharp, an all-rounder in his fifth summer as captain, said: “With five games remaining, there is a long way to go but seven of our side have gained experience and Anthony Penberthy is an excellent player-coach.”
Penberthy, 36, the former Northamptonshire all-rounder, is Cornish and, along with most of the squad, is a product of the thriving county schools’ system. Others include Gary Thomas, the record century-maker in the championship with 13, together with Sharp and James Hands, the spin bowlers, who took 15 wickets between them in the Oxfordshire match.
SCHOOLS
By Douglas Henderson
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THERE was high scoring on a fast and bouncy pitch at King’s, Taunton, where Jos Buttler, 15, scored 120 not out and Tom Elphinstone was on 99 not out for the home side as the 50th over ended at 316 for two. Clifton produced 247 for eight in response but it was not enough. Down the road at Taunton School, the home side also piled on the runs. Josh Bess scored 137 and Oliver Pyne 133 in a demanding 343 for four in 50 overs. Queen’s, Taunton, their neighbours, made a spirited reply of 271 for eight.
Kingswood rattled up 304 for two in only 40 overs with Robbie Hynes (133 not out) making his maiden century, assisted by Matthew Horsley, the opener, in a record partnership of 252 runs for the second wicket. Prior Park in reply could understandably not match this scoring rate and finished at 145 for eight.
CLUBS
By Geoffrey Dean
WARWICKSHIRE’S three-day defeat in the championship last Friday allowed Moeen Ali to help his club side, West Bromwich Dartmouth, to consolidate their position at the top of the Birmingham League. The England Under-19 all-rounder made 71 and took four for 29 in their victory over Barnt Green. Meanwhile, his county colleague, Luke Parker, found some form with 115 for Stratford-upon-Avon against Bromsgrove, who still won the match by 67 runs.
In the Surrey Championship, led by Sutton, Wimbledon moved up to second after thrashing Dulwich by eight wickets. Set 213, they raced to their target in only 37 overs, Richard Pudney hitting a brilliant century and Hampshire’s Michael Brown 72 not out. Third-placed Guildford had to settle for a losing draw with Weybridge, who fell just short on 290 for seven.
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COCKSPUR CUP
By Ivo Tennant
NADEEM SHAHID, the Surrey second X1 coach, hit an unbeaten 197 for Bromley in the fourth round against Lordswood and a total of 295 for six brought victory by 148 runs. There was further high scoring by York, who made 335 for seven and bowled out a weakened Cleethorpes for 130.
Barnt Green, the runners-up last year, amassed 297 for six, Gavin Shepherd striking 134, against Whitchurch, who were dismissed for 125.
Ben Duncan, 109, and Robin Jones, with an unbeaten 102, put on 218 for the fourth wicket for Teddington, who finished on 255 for four and dismissed Richmond for 141.
James Hindson was unbeaten on 87 in Caythorpe’s 217 for seven against Sandiacre Town, who lost by 99 runs. Sam Ogrizovic, the son of Steve, the former Coventry City goalkeeper, held five catches behind the stumps.