Sluggish Cranham destroyed by Salt

With conditions perfect for cricket, Cranham made the trip down the A46 to the 
beautiful village of Hawkesbury for their first league encounter with the 2nd 
placed side.

Winning the toss, Hawkesbury batted and immediately offered a chance off the 
first ball of the match when Blackwells flashing blade squirted a tricky chance 
to John Varker at point who just struggled to cling on.

The let off, however, didn't deter Blackwell who went flying out out of the 
traps for a rapid 20 before his attacking intentions got the better of him as 
he was expertly stumped by Alex Pockett, standing up to the wicket to Charlie Overs.

Some uncharacteristic wayward bowling from fellow opener Matt Smith, however, 
helped Hawkesbury find their feet again and soon looked on track for a big score.  
Looking for some control on the game, the spin of Steve Walden was introduced 
which soon paid off as Gardener thick edged to keeper Pockett for 12.  Meanwhile 
Overs had Bailey, again, caught behind by Pockett for 12.

When J. Salt holed out to Nathan Moore in the deep off Walden for 0, the game 
swung back Cranham's way.    Sensing this, Hill (39) and Chancellor (27) dug in 
to form a useful partnership before wiley veteran Buzz Pockett collected both 
scalps including the 2nd of what would be three stumpings in the innings for keeper 
Pockett.  

Some excellent fielding from Cranham, typified but a superbly judged running catch 
from Charlie Pritchard at long on, prevented the home side from ever really cutting 
lose and, despite some clean hitting from T. Salt (22*) at No. 9, Hawkesbury posted 
a par 174-8.
   
On Hawkesbury's large playing surface Cranham fancied their chances of chasing these 
down but Cranham were soon in the mire when their top order was blown away by J. Salt.  
Matt Smith (6) and Charlie Pritchard (8) were both clean bowled by Salt.  When skipper 
Pockett and Nathan Moore both failed to trouble the scorers, a collapsed ensued from 
which Cranham never recovered despite a cameo 14 from Charlie Overs and gutsy 27 from 
James Petrie at No. 7 - who would prove to be Cranhams top scorer.

With only a single batting point to gain from the remainder of the game, Cranham limped
to 75 thanks to           a deft touch from No. 11 Andy Hopkins.  Cranham were eventually
dismissed for 81.  

Bowling plaudits for Hawkesbury went to J. Salt who took 5-43 in an excellent spell.  
Gardener also claimed 3-22 and Huxford 2-5 to finish Cranham off.  

Another dismal batting performance from Cranham chasing.  A weak tail no excuse as the
top order failed to deliver yet again.  Hawkesbury were simply stronger in all departments
on the day and the margin of victory was just.

Cranham will hope for a better day at the office when they tackle struggling Woodchester
at home this Saturday.

Hawkesbury 174-8 (T. Hill 39, T. Chancellor 27, T. Salt 22, D. Blackwell 20,  Charlie Overs 2-30,
Buzz Pockett 2-32, Steve Walden 2-35, James Petrie 2-41)

Cranham 80ao (James Petrie 27, J. Salt 5-43, C. Gardener 3-22, G. Huxford 2-5)
 
Hawkesbury (19 pts) beat Cranham (5 pts) by 96 runs

Man of the match: J. Salt