This in from Ashley on behalf of the Northwood Cricket Club. Ed
After losing the toss and being put into bat, the Northwood openers got through a tough period with the new ball after some impressive bowling from the Ryde Cavaliers opening bowlers. However, as the bowlers tired, the runs began to come freely as Kerry Rice and Chris Williams found the boundary on numerous occasions.
Their opening partnership of 154, Northwood’s highest first-wicket partnership of the season, ended when Rice was bowled for 66. Adam Birch made just 8, but Williams continued to make the most of his recent form and was finally out for 108 from 110 balls, an innings that included 14 fours and 3 sixes. Dave Neal (65*) and Ashley Goldsmith (35*) put on an unbeaten 106 for the fourth wicket in 55 balls as Northwood posted a massive 318-3, Matt Walter the pick of the Cavaliers bowlers with 2-55.
In reply, Cavaliers never looked like getting close to the target, Mick Bartlett frustrated the Northwood bowlers with 27 off 90 balls, with Mark Hartnell hitting 32 in the middle overs. However, Nathan Goldsmith’s spell of 3-32 from 9 overs halted Cavaliers’ progress, and with the support of Callum Witham (2-13) and Ryan Chessell (2-18), Northwood restricted the visitors to 150-9, a huge victory by 168 runs. Northwood will now play Newport in the final on Saturday, with the match starting at 1.30pm at The Wood, Northwood CC.
Northwood ready for T20 Day
Sunday will see Northwood take part in their inaugural T20 day as part of the ECB Open Day initiative, in association with Waitrose. The day will start at 10am when the Under 11s play Shanklin in an Under 11 league match, before the Northwood colts will play a game at 12.30pm. The main match will start at 3.30pm, with the Northwood Dolphins taking on the Woody Wasps.
There will also be a BBQ, with cupcakes and ice lollies available as well as an open bar. A raffle will also be held, with the proceeds going towards the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The players in the main match will also be donating 25p for each four hit in the match and 50p for each six.
