Amersham CC Saturday 1st X1 v Thatcham Town on Sat 02 Sep 2006 at
Amersham CC Lost 7 Wkts
Amersham's recent powerful run of form was halted by a strong Thatcham Town batting line up on Saturday. After winning the toss and electing to bat first on a soft wicket, Amersham fought to 197-5 from their 52 overs. Andrew Viney held the innings together with a patient fifty and shared in a productive partnership with Chris Sowden who continued his excellent late season form.
With wickets in hand entering the final 15 overs, Amersham looked to increase the scoring rate against the disciplined Thatcham bowling. The turbo-charged Sowden hit three magnificent straight sixes from consecutive balls to provide a much needed run injection, but after he fell to Johnson the incoming batsmen were unable to force the pace effectively as Amersham fell just short of the magical 200.
In contrast, the Thatcham Town response was superbly paced with number three Toby Radford scoring a classy unbeaten 58. Radford came to the wicket early after the wily Nick Moore flighted a moon ball onto the strong cross breeze and drew a nick from Johnson. Thereafter however, Thatcham dominated and with a cool head ever present at one end the aggressive left-handed pair of Steve Wyatt (72) and Julian Wood (42*) had the freedom to go after the persevering attack as Amersham were for once unable to pressurise the batsmen into mistakes.
The loss ended Amersham's thin hopes of promotion, although a win in their final match against Marlow will secure a creditable third position and lay down an early marker for next season.
Chris Owen
Amersham CC Saturday 1st X1 Batting
197 for 5
Thatcham Town Bowling
Thatcham Town Batting
199 for 3
Amersham CC Saturday 1st X1 Bowling