Steve Dixon cup QF – 1sts vs Cairns Fudge (4/07/2010)

Wolvercote 1st XI strolled into the semi-finals of the Steve Dixon Memorial Cup after beating 2009 Champions Cairns Fudge convincingly at Jordan Hill Sports Ground, North Oxford.

The day didn’t start well for Cairns Fudge (CF) as two of the players they selected were unable to play following an administration gaff meaning they would only play with 8 players. It got worse for them when stand in Wolvercote captain Jamie Van Santen won the toss and elected to bat first. Tim MacIntyre opened the batting with the skipper and signalled his attacking intention by hitting the first ball passed the bowler for four however Van Santen (0) was bowled with the last ball of the first over. This brought D.Gillham to the crease who steadied the ship along with MacIntyre until Gillham (12) was out LBW. Asif Amin was next in and looked comfortable against the bowling hitting a series of classy shots including a great hook shot for four. This partnership took the score above 100 before MacIntyre (49) was cleverly caught at fly slip. Amin continued to play his shots as he was joined at the crease by Angus Gardiner-Morrison who played a number of excellent cut shots. Gus 2 hit a huge six down the ground before being bowled for 34. Angus Stock (9) was the next man in and didn’t hang around long before being caught. Asif (60) completed his half century as the Wolvercote score approached 200 before he nicked one behind. Pog (2) was soon bowled and Simon Burns (12) was superbly caught in the deep by a CF fielder. The Wolvercote tailed briefly wagged with contributions by John Chrystal, Brian Gillham and Dave Henwood as Wolvercote posted a score of 223 runs in 40 overs.

After an excellent lunch provided by CF, Wolvercote took to field only needing to take 7 wickets but against a side who had scored over 300 runs the previous day. A fired up John Chrystal took the new ball with Simon Burns who both opened with excellent overs. Chrystal took the first CF wicket when Ragg (1) hit an aerial shot into the covers which was taken (eventually) by Jamie Van Santen. Later in the over another wicket fell when D.Gillham took a good catch to dismiss Milne (0). After some hostile bowling from Burns the CF batsmen looked to go after Chrystal but Race (5) only succeeded in finding Asif at Mid Off who took an excellent catch. Then Chrystal took a superb catch off his bowling to dismiss Small (0) as CF were left in ruins at 10-4. A mini revival was offered from Hanscombe (21) until he was well caught by Asif to give Chrystal a ’5-fer’. Next ball he bowled Hatfield (0) to get his sixth wicket (8-3-30-6) leaving the cup holders in disarray. Burns (8-3-10-1) was rewarded with the final wicket when he bowled Pinnington (6) leaving opener Clark (7*) at the other end. CF were bowled out for just 40 runs and Wolvercote did not concede a single extra during the 16 overs bowled.

An excellent all round performance by Wolvercote against a team in the top region of Division 5. The reward is to play Swinbrook at Cutteslowe ‘Sabina’ Park on the 18th July.

P.S – A long sleeved Slazenger cricket jumper was left at the ground after the match. It was picked up by Jamie so get in touch with him if it is yours.

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