Century for Roberts as Thorns secure Cup Win at Plymouth

Plymouth CC 177 lost to Glastonbury 211 for 8 by 34 runs

In the second game of the weekend Glastonbury's 1st XI travelled to Plymouth CC in the first round of the ECB National Club Championship. and, once again, got off to a shaky start, losing both openers for single figures.

This brought Josh Beal and Andy Roberts together at the crease and the pair set about building what was to be a winning innings. Beal was eventually adjudged LBW after a stylish 32 but it was Roberts who batted through to amass a fabulous 103*. His century, which included a few lusty blows towards the end, and contributions from the lower order helped the visitors to 211 for 8 off their 45 overs.

The Plymouth reply started well and they reached 30 for 0 before the introduction of ‘golden boy’ Roberts (2 for 7 off 5.5 overs) made the breakthrough. Wickets were lost consistently through the innings as GCC bowled well to an off side game plan. The bowlers shared the wickets and although some hefty blows towards the end from J.Luffman (44*) got Plymouth closer they were bowled out by the Glastonbury attack in the 42nd over for 177. In the end GCC were comfortable in victory and this was a great morale-boosting victory to set the Thorns' season on its way.

 Westbury & District CC 77 for 3 Glastonbury CC 157 match abandoned

Westbury won the toss and elected to bowl in overcast conditions. Oakley (3-26) and Rose made early inroads and GCC found themselves reeling at 45 for 5. Partnerships down the order led by Rob Travers (63) meant GCC reached 157, a total they hadn’t look like reaching at halfway.

Westbury’s response started poorly as they lost both openers cheaply, Will Dickens and Steve Coppell kept things tight and used the swing well. Jo Breet played nicely for W&DCC amassing 31* but the rain came at 77 for 3 and the game was abandoned when nicely poised.

 Glastonbury 2nd XI v Westbury & District CC 2nd XI Match abandoned

Westbury, batting first, opened with a stunning partnership between Aryton and  Whiting who delighted their supporters by putting 126 on the scoreboard after 27 overs of this 45 over match. Glastonbury's bowlers were tested to the limit and gave away far too many extras, but in the 28th over both openers fell to consecutive balls from Glastonbury's James Dickens, Whiting caught by Will Mason for 24 and Aryton bowled for 72.

The balance of the match changed as Glastonbury's bowlers began a relentless attack, taking the remaining eight Westbury wickets in the next 15 overs, with outstanding performances from George.Bartlett (3 for 35) and Tom Taylor (3 for 48). Westbury were dismissed for 200 runs in the 43rd over.