Cranham power to opening win

Cranham’s  SDCA Premier Division campaign got off to a flying start on Saturday 
with a 9 wicket win over last years runners-up, Bisley.

Batting first, Bisley made a fine start on a superb looking track for so early 
in the season and soon raced to 60 from 14 overs before Charlie Overs broke the 
opening partnership with a brilliantly executed Yorker.  

N. Green (27) then fell in identical fashion to check the Bisley run rate.  
40 for J. King and some big hitting into the cornfield from G. Baker (47*) 
enabled Bisley to post a competitive 155-5.  Steve Walden was the pick of the 
Cranham bowlers with figures of 3-54.  Charlie Overs also collected a brace and 
debutant Tom Finniken was unlucky not to collect his first wicket despite beating 
the bat several times.

The Cranham reply got off to a brisk start through openers Matt Smith and skipper 
Alex Pockett.  Both looked in fine form as the Bisley attack was picked off for 100 
without loss.  One attacking stroke too many, however, did for Pockett as he sliced 
one to mid-off.

Bisley were made to pay for dropping both openers early on as Cranham cruised past 
the Bisley target with plenty of overs to spare.  Steve Walden and Matt Smith (70*) 
saw the hosts home.

Cranham look to continue their fine start to the season when they entertain fellow 
Division One promotees Hardwicke this Saturday.

Bisley 155-5 (G. Baker 47*, J. King 40, N. Green 27, Charlie Overs 2-54, Steve  Walden 3-54).
Cranham 156-1 (Matt Smith 70*, Alex Pockett 48).

Cranham (20pts) beat Bisley (4pts) by 9 wickets.

Man of the match: Matt Smith