MATCH REPORT

Buckingham Town's depleted side drew at Aston Rowant
Buckingham Town's depleted side drew at Oxford Times Cherwell League Division One league leaders Aston Rowant last Saturday.

Town were missing five of their side as Anthony Romaine took over the captaincy from the unavailable Bryn Jones, whose wife was giving birth.

Rowant elected to take full advantage of a good batting track and the quickest outfield Town have seen for a few years.

James Gear bowled Watling (22) before Richard Pengelly caught Michel (40) off the spin of Dan Harris.

Australian Willesee survived a big appeal early on before going on to add 110 for the third wicket with Eaton.

Mark James toiled endlessly through a twelve over spell that saw him collect 2 for 59 to be the pick of Town's bowling.

Romaine smartly stumped Willesee (92) before Rob Large accepted a catch at mid on to remove Eaton (68).

Rowant closed on 250 for 5 from their 50 overs.

When Dan Harris was caught at square leg and Chris Dalkin (20) was caught 23 runs later Town's hopes were slim.

Large and Romaine played some excellent shots as they took the game Rowant and they soon split the field.

Romaine made a 41-ball half century as he shared a 95-run stand for the third wicket with his Exeter University team mate.

The introduction of the experienced left arm seamer Paul Humphreys saw the former Shipton man bowl a tidy spell. Romaine (56) was bowled before Gear joined Large in the middle.

Large become the dominant force as he reach a fine 79-ball fifty as Gear fed him the strike.

Disaster then struck as a misjudged single saw Large run out for an excellent 61 runs.

Late call-up Russell Thompson took advantage of his debut by making a run-a-ball fifteen that gave Town more hope as they creep towards the double century mark.

Another mix-up saw Gear run out for 27 runs as Town were left to aim for realistic batting points.

Chris Harris (20) played some stylish shots late on before it was left to James and Vish Valambhia to play out the last few balls to give Town a draw at 220 for 9.

** Dan Harris has been performing 12th man duties for Northants 2nd XI against Durham at the County Ground this week. He took a catch as a substitute fielder on the first day as he fielded for a full session.
 

 
By Andy Bone - posted 2 June, 2003