Wrekin News 253

SPORT
Wellington Cricket Club round-up
with David Ross
WELLINGTON START
NEW SEASON IN STYLE
WITH AWAY WIN
It may have taken until 25th July for the Henshalls
Shropshire County Cricket League to get
underway in 2020, but for Wellington the wait
was certainly worth it.
Early season form batter Tom
Masters in action against
Frankton on his way to 49
(Picture: John Cutts)
Spectators at Whitchurch’s
Heath Road ground
witnessed a remarkable
come-back from Wendell
Wagner’s side who
appeared down-and-out at 29-6 in
the first innings. From there, the
home team might understandably
have expected a comfortable
victory, but opener Tom Masters
had other ideas.
Having watched the wickets
tumble at the other end, he
forged partnerships with two
debutants in Tom Ellis (48) and
Ben Byram (51) as Wellington
counter-attacked in style. Masters
carried his bat for an unbeaten
64, helping move his side beyond
respectability to an imposing 40-
over total of 191-8. Ellis (2-26)
claimed the much-prized wicket
of Maisam Hasnain to put his side
on the front foot in the second
innings. Continued pressure from
fellow seamers Sam Bloor (2-20)
and Wagner (2-30) ensured that
Whitchurch stayed at arm’s length
throughout the chase. The hosts
ended up on 165-8 as Wellington
kicked their season off with the
most unlikely of victories.
In this truncated season,
the SCCL Premier Division has
been split into two groups with
Wellington pitched in the ‘Mike
Robinson’ group. The winners
of the two sections will play off
for the title in a grand final in
September.
If Wellington were to harbour
hopes of a place in the final,
a home win against league
newcomers Frankton was a must
on 1st August. Steve Brooks
collected 4-23 for the home side
in the first innings as the north
Shropshire team were dismissed
for 169 with one ball of their 40
overs remaining.
Dan Lloyd and Byram were also
amongst the wickets, claiming
two apiece for their afternoon’s
work.
After the break, the home
team were business-like in their
approach, taking no risks on their
way to a six-wicket win. Masters,
the hero of the opening weekend,
was again the top-scorer with 49,
whilst Lloyd (43) also contributed
with the bat.
James Flynn’s cameo of 20 off
11 eased his captain’s nerves in
the final stages as Wellington won
out with six balls to spare.
SPECTATORS WELCOME
Spectators are very much welcome for all matches at Wellington this summer. Visit: wellingtoncc.co.uk to
find out who’s playing and how the club are ensuring the safety of all visitors. The club is also offering the
‘Biggest Beer Garden in Shropshire’ on all matchdays (contactless payments only).
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