Cornwall CCC v Wiltshire CCC T20 Double header

Game 1

After yesterday’s continuous rainfall for the journey down to Cornwall, the Wiltshire contingent had reservations about whether the games could be played.

The Wadebridge CC groundstaff worked overtime to ensure some play was possible. As a result of their hard work, the game was started albeit late and reduced to 6 overs per side.

Cornwall won the toss and put Wiltshire in to bat first. This looked like a very good idea as wickets tumbled with regularity. Jake Lintott (10), was the only Wiltshire batsman to make double figures. Ben Ellis 2-0-13-3 was the pick of the Cornwall bowlers as Wiltshire made 39 for 5 from their 6 overs.

In reply, Cornwall had made 22 for 1 from the first three overs with Josh Croom bowling Tom Wells to take the only wicket. This left Cornwall needing 18 from the remaining three overs.

They proceeded to score 17 of them in the fourth over with Ben Seabrook, 21 not out, causing the most damage. A single from the first ball of the fifth over saw Cornwall comfortably home 40 for 1, with 11 balls to spare.

Game 2

After a very pleasant lunch, the second game got underway with the full 20 overs available to both sides as the rain held off, though it was still bitterly cold.

Once again the toss was won by Cornwall who opted to field first once more. Jake Goodwin (17) made a promising start, but it was skipper Ed Young (33) and wicket-keeper Ben Draper (33) not out (with 3 sixes) who gave the Wiltshire total some substance.

Harry Broderick showed his potential with a quickly-made 16 towards the end of the innings as Wiltshire closed on 131 for 6. Jordan Thomas was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets (4-0-20-3)

The Cornwall reply began cautiously with Ben Seabrook falling in the first over as he lofted a straightforward catch to Mike Reynolds from Josh Croom’s bowling.

At this point, Christian Purchase (56) and Paul Smith (35) took over and a partnership of 77 saw Cornwall take control. Wiltshire’s Wadworth Man of the Match – Josh Croom (4-0-14-3) trapped two men LBW in his second spell, including the belligerent Christian Purchase.

Harry Broderick removed Paul Smith, but by then the damage was done and Cornwall wrapped up their second victory of the day 132 for 4 with 4 overs to spare.

Wiltshire definitely have more potential than the games showed, but they will need to be disciplined and collectively at their best to salvage some pride in this competition.