WOBS CC v Old Theonians, July 2005

Lane inspires Old Boys to victory

Worth, 17 July, 2005 - 40 overs: WOBSCC beat Old Theonians 175/9 by 6 wickets

Worth Old Boys returned to winning ways in with a stunning six-wicket victory over Old Theonians in 31.1 overs at Worth on Sunday (17 July), thanks to a superb 91 not out from Mark Lane.

WOBSCC v Old Theonians July 2005

Under cloudless skies and temperatures in the high 20s, Old Theonians elected to bat and got off to a flyer threatening to post a total in excess of 220. But a double bowling change slowed the pace of scoring and soon wickets started to fall - four to Andrew Keatley, two to Toby Logue and one to Lane whose leg spin at the death of the innings helped keep Old Theonians in check. Opening bowlers James Anthony (1/32) and Julius Mooney (1/37) suffered from a quick outfield as the hard new ball found the boundary several times in the early overs but both returned to bowl with more success towards the end of the innings and helped continue the visitors' frustration after such a promising start. Anthony took a much deserved wicket with the final ball of his eight-over allocation.

On a generally flat track 175 never looked to be enough and captain Julian Gairdner was delighted to be chasing less than 200. Lane, who carried his bat, barely gave the opposition a sniff of his wicket as he carefully manoeuvred towards his half century. That milestone achieved, his stroke-play became more fluid and runs came at a flourish.

Batting support was offered by Sam Barnett (20) and Ed Long (16 n/o), but it was Lane's contribution with bat and ball that stood out. After a crushing defeat to Worth School at the end of May, the victory will lift WOBSCC in advance of their clash with John Denman's Worth Occasionals this weekend.

Andrew Keatley v Old Theonians July 2005

WOBSCC v Old Theonians - Worth, 17 July, 2005

Old Theonians 175/9 (40 overs)
Keatley 4/37; Logue 2/21; Anthony 1/32; Lane 1/32; Mooney 1/37
WOBSCC 176/4 (31.1 overs)
Lane 91 n/o; Barnett S 20; Long 16 n/o

Julian Gairdner