1976 Match Reports

Wigston Town Cricket Club 1st XI won its opening match against North Leicestershire Miners’ Welfare with surprising ease.

On a good, true wicket the Dunkley brothers added 14 runs before Dave Dunkley mishooked and had the doubtful privilege of becoming the first victim of the season. Howard Riley played a few handsome drives and looked set for a lot more until a mix-up saw him comfortably run out. Graham Brown also hit the ball hard and often in a fourth wicket stand of 54 with Paul Dunkley, who collected a workmanlike half-century.

Geoff Dunkley and his captain Paul Bell managed to extract a little more life from the wicket and the Miners’ wickets fell at regular intervals in the eleven overs each bowled. Only Gibson looked thoroughly at home, hitting five fours in his innings of 27 and his departure heralded a quick procession for his remaining colleagues.

RAIN HALTS LOCAL DERBY BUT RILEY HITS UNBEATEN 94 (1.5.1976)

The cricket season got off to a traditional start on Saturday when Wigston Town met Oadby. The match was abandoned because of continual heavy rainfall.

But before the skies opened up at Uplands Road, Oadby, Howard Riley had time to sparkle for Wigston and hit a magnificent unbeaten 94. Captain Paul Dunkley and Bob Riley opened for the visitors and put on 28 runs before Bob Riley was bowled by Pearson for 19. Howard Riley came next and soon showed his power by reaching the boundary three times plus a mighty six in his first scoring strokes. However, Paul Dunkley went, caught by Pearson off Kirk’s spinners with the total at 49. Next man in Robin Whait remained in without scoring while Howard Riley put on another 14 runs. Riley commanded the bowling while another two wickets fell and with his score at 94 the game ended. What a pity he was unable to have the time to make a century after putting together two sixes and 14 fours in a very fine innings.

With rain falling heavily the match was abandoned. 

WIGSTON LAST PAIR SHOW GREAT DETERMINATION (2.5.1976)

To Wigston, it must have seemed like a good toss to lose on Sunday when half of the Ufford Park side were dismissed for only 39. However, at that stage Parker and Franks put a stop to fine bowling from Geoff Dunkley and Paul Bell. After an innings where survival was of paramount importance Parker was finally bowled by John Barlow for 21 and with this dismissal Wigston again got the upper hand. With the score at 99-9 the game was to swing to Ufford Park. 16 runs were scored off Dave Dunkley, but even more surprising was hitting by Franks of Paul Bell for three sixes off successive balls. Thus Ufford Park were able to go in for tea with 34 runs coming from these last two overs.

When Wigston went into bat the openers were both dismissed with only seven scored. Wickets then fell at a regular rate with only Keith Aubrey showling any lengthy resistance. However with the scoreboard showing 67-7, John Hammond and his captain Paul Bell came together in a partnership that was to save the match. They were together for over an hour until Hammond was finally caught. Almost immediately Geoff Dunkley was bowled, and there was five overs of nail-biting tension, in which the last pair showed great determination not to concede the match. 

BELL RINGS TRUE WITH SIX WICKETS BUT BATSMEN FAIL (8.5.1976)

On Saturday due to some accurate fast bowling by Paul Bell, Market Harborough were dismissed for 111, which seemed a very low score on a good wicket.

Paul Dunkley was dismissed with the score standing at 23. At this stage Bob Riley was looking in fine form, and with Howard Riley took the score to 56. But three wickets fell with no addition to the score and the game took a dramatic turn for the worse. Of the later batsmen only Doug Moore showed any real resistance, and when three wickets fell with the score on 63, the game was all but over. From the score standing at 56 for one, Wigston were dismissed for 78. 

BATSMEN FAIL AGAIN (9.5.1976)

It was almost the same story on Sunday against Great Bowden.

With Wigston’s leading bowler Paul Bell injured and unable to bowl, Geoff Dunkley bowled a lengthy spell and took 4 for 30.  Paul Ashton then came on and finished the Great Bowden innings mopping up the tail by taking 4 for 36.

When Wigston went into bat they always looked like losing. Unlike Saturday, however, it was the early batsmen who failed, and only the latter batsmen looked like retrieving the situation. For Great Bowden, Joe Lee bowled with great hostility and in his first six overs he had taken 4 for 10. Wigston were in dire trouble at 31 for seven. At this stage Paul Dunkley came into bat with his main thought that of trying to save the game. Paul Bell then joined him and for a moment the situation looked more promising.  Joe Lee was taken off and Brown came on. In his one over he conceded eight runs and also bowled four wides but he also took the wicket of Paul Bell.  Geoff Dunkley then came in and with untypical restraint waited for the bad ball before attempting to score. However when Joe Lee was brought back into the attack he was soon dismissed.  Paul Dunkley and John Barlow then just put a dead bat to everything but with only three overs remaining Barlow was bowled, leaving Dunkley who had batted for well over an hour undefeated on 14.   

STANDLEY SHINES IN DEBUT AS WIGSTON STRUGGLE (16.5.1976)

As rain had caused Wigston’s Saturday match with Billesdon to be cancelled, all hopes of putting aside the previous weekend’s poor results rested on the match at Magna Road against Castle Bytham. Unfortunately for Wigston, with the exception of Stuart Standley who was making his debut for the 1st XI, the batting was as weak and inept as the previous weekend. The only consolation for Wigston was that they did at le ast perform creditably when they fielded.

It looked as though a large score was in the offing when 14 runs were scored off the first two overs bowled by J. Clitherow. In his next two overs however, he proceeded to take the wickets of the first three batsmen. At this stage Stuart Standley came to the wicket and played some delightful shots all round the wicket. In scoring 27 not out, he managed to take the score to a total of 60, which at best gave the bowlers a total, albeit a small one, something to play with.

Incredibly when Castle Bytham went into bat they found themselves in a worse position than Wigston. Due to some hostile bowling by Geoff Dunkley, Castle Bytham had soon lost three wickets for only 11 runs. C. Fern and R. Jackson then set about trying to retrieve the situation. With the score at 24, Jackson was hit in the face by a delivery from John Barlow, and at the same time dropped his bat onto the stumps. Geoff Dunkley was being played with the utmost caution. This led to further successes and Castle Bytham slipped dramatically to 44 for eight. Castle Bytham’s captain T. Fenn then came to the wicket. Lucky to escape being out first ball, he then proceeded to hit Geoff Dunkley for three consecutive boundaries. It was then left to J. Clitherow to finish the game, so although both of the teams scores were low it was a tense and exciting finish.  

RILEY HITS 37NO IN TOWN’S TEN WICKET WIN (18.5.1976)

After some disappointing weekend results, Wigston Town CC came good with a ten wicket win on Tuesday night against Evington Waverley in the Everard Cup.

Evington batted first at Magna Road, Wigston, in this 18 over game and struggled to score runs against Geoff Dunkley and Paul Bell. Openers Goddard and Joseph scored 5 and 7 respectively, and only number seven Ellson with 19 not out helped to make the score anything like respectable at 56-8 at the close of the innings. Bob Riley took 3 for 9, Geoff Dunkley 2-9, and Paul Bell 3-19.

Bob Riley and Graham Brown made light work of the job in hand, Riley particularly was in powerful form and scored 37 not out. before Wigston Town reached the required target without loss and with only ten overs bowled. 

FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WEEKEND DEFEAT (22.5.1976)

Saturday saw the fourth consecutive weekend defeat for Wigston against Lullington Park.

Batting first Lullington Park made a steady start, but after the first few batsmen had been dismissed the tail soon fell. For Lullington H. Shaw batted well, hitting three sixes and four boundaries in his 36. Bob Riley with 5-22 and Paul Clayton were Wigston’s leading bowlers.

It was the same story as in recent weeks for Wigston with the early batting collapsing, and when Paul Dunkley was sixth out with the score at 42, he had scored exactly half the runs. Richard Dixey and Dave Dunkley then tried to hit themselves out of trouble, and in fact had some success, but the earlier batsmen had not scored enough to give them a chance. 

WIGSTON 2ND XI FALL 15 MINUTES SHORT (23.5.1976)

Given the opportunity of batting first on an easy paced greenish looking wicket the Hallaton batsmen were soon under way against Wigston 2nd XI bowling a little short of tidy. All the Hallaton players contributed to what became by the tea break, a very sizeable total indeed.

The Wigston side at 90 for two wickets in the first hour were well in the hunt for a win until the sudden loss of several batsmen forced the situation into one of trying to survive until the close. An aim that failed with 15 minutes to spare.

BIG HITTING WIGSTON FIND FORM IN AWAY FIXTURES (29.5.1976)

After some indifferent results Wigston Town hit powerful form at the weekend in their two away fixtures. On Saturday Wigston beat Bitteswell by 130 runs.

Batting first Wigston were quickly on top with Bob Riley being particularly harsh on the bowlers – when he was finally out he had scored 40 out of 52. Howard Riley (50) then took over and with Robin Whait added 91 for the third wicket. Although several wickets were lost shortly before tea, 30 more valuable runs were added to the score.

After losing two wickets in the first three overs Bitteswell were always in trouble. Both Paul Bell and John Barlow bowled extremely tightly, picking up and sharing the wickets steadily throughout. Bitteswell were finally all out for 43. John Barlow taking 5 for 15, and Paul Bell 5-23.

WIGSTON UNABLE TO FORCE WIN (30.5.1976)

Sunday saw a similar situation to Saturday’s game arise when Wigston visited Barnack and batted first. Howard Riley was untouchable hitting 89 towards his side’s total of 141 for seven.

But although John Barlow and Paul Bell again bowled extremely well they were unable to prise the last  three remaining batsman out and Barnack hung on for a draw.

WIGSTON CUP RUN CONTINUES (3.6.1976)

Wigston continued their unbeaten run in cup matches with a fine victory ove Billesdon in the Everard Cup.

After Wigson had batted, their score of 55 for seven wickets did not look anywhere near enough.

However, all Wigston’s bowlers performed most creditably and Billesdon were never allowed to get on top, even though they needed just three runs an over. Two run-outs finished Billesdon off at 43 all out.

VICTORY OVER STRONG UNIVERSITY SIDE (5.6.1976)

In another low scoring game on Saturday, Wigston beat a strong Leicester University side.

When Town went into bat, the visitors immediately set a very attacking field. On a track with a good deal of bounce, this paid dividends and wickets fell rapidly. The first five fell with only 20 on the board. At this point Dave Dunkley and Richard Dixey came together in a partnership that was to ultimately win the game. Batting with a great deal of grit and determination they added 37 very valuable runs.

When Leicester University went into bat they soon found Paul Bell unplayable. Bowling extremely tightly he finished with a haul of eight wickets for 31 runs.

GOOD WEEKEND FOR SECONDS AS BOB MARKHAM HITS FORM (5.6.1976)

It was a good weekend for Wigston’s Second XI with a comprehensive win over Leicester Taverners. A welcome sight was a return to form of Bob Markham who contributed much.

Town batted first against Taverners and chief scorers were Derek Young (19), Richard Carter (26), and Bob Markham with a very sound 52 not out. Paul Clayton and David Hill added 10 and 12 respectively to put Wigston in a position of declaring at 157 for eight wickets.

With the exception of Crowther (30), Faux (17) and Mason (12), the Taverners struggled against the bowling of Geoff Dunkley and David Hill, and were eventually dismissed for 83.

MORAL VICTORY FOR WIGSTON (6.6.1976)

Wigston again batted first, against Oadby. Jim Colver opening scored 22. Richard Carter (18), Bob Markham (23), Roy Mason (19) and Dave Weedon (15) all contributed to the total of 136.

Oadby were soon in difficulty against the Wigston bowling attack losing both openers cheaply. Glenton and Hodson were top scorers, both with 10, but some good play from Carruthers (9 not out) brought the game to a close with a draw.

WIGSTON WIN BY ONE RUN (6.6.1976)

On Sunday, Wigston again suffered an early setback, losing the first three wickets for only 14. At that point Stuart Standley and Keith Aubrey held firm against the tight Castle Bytham bowling. Stuart Standley played a very fine innings, especially later in the afternoon when runs were required rather more quickly. However, when Wigston’s innings closed at 107, there was little hint of the drama and excitement that was to come.

When Castle Bytham started to bat, it was a slow but sure affair. With the third wicket falling at 32 the game was still wide open. However the fall of this wicket brought in skipper T. Fenn. He immediately set about the Wigston bowling hitting four sixes and two fours, until he was fourth out with the score on 100, with just eight runs needed.

However, Glitherow was then bowled by Dave Dunkley without scoring (100-5). G. Sandel then undid all his fine defensive work and swung wildly at a ball from Dave Dunkley and was bowled (101-6). Kiely scored two runs until he was bowled by Paul Ashton (103-7). At the other end Fewings edged a ball from Dave Dunkley and was caught by John Barlow (103-8). T. Butcher added two singles, and then D. Barlow was brilliantly caught and bowled by Paul Ashton (105-9). Butcher then gained another single, but to no avail for Abbott was bowled by Dave Dunkley for 0 (106 all out). So Wigston had won by one run with the last seven Castle Bytham wickets falling for the addition of only six runs.

COMFORTABLE WIN FOR WIGSTON (12.6.1976)

Billesdon made a steady start against Wigston, putting on 33 for the first wicket, until R. Nourish was adjudged lbw to Paul Bell. Paul Bell was bowling extremely tight and runs were hard to come by. It was not until G. Butler and P. Curtis came to the wicket that the score started to build. They adopted a policy of hitting themselves out of trouble, and it was through their efforts that Billesdon reached a total of 132

It was a strange first over by J. Elliott who bowled two no-balls, saw three fours hit by Bob Riley off rank long hops, and then bowled Bob Riley with the last ball of the over. But all the following batsmen batted with ease, especially Robin Whait (39 no) and Richard Dixey (28) who set about the Billesdon attack when runs were needed at a faster rate. When Richard Dixey was dismissed, only 23 runs were required, and a comfortable win by six wickets was achieved.

UNBEATEN RUN IS EXTENDED (12.6.1976)

On Saturday the competent batting of Doug Moore and Bob Markham ensured a sizeable total of 151 which proved too much for Billesdon with spinners David Hill and Roy Mason collecting all of their wickets in 25 overs.

WIGSTON VICTORY BY ONE WICKET (13.6.1976)

On Sunday East Haddon achieved a comfortable start, the first wicket being a run out with the score at 44. Paul Bell was again bowling tightly, and in fact conceded only 31 runs from his 19 overs bowled. This allowed Dave Dunkley to give the ball more air when he proceeded to bowl his spinners. Although I. Watts hit 24 off him, he was able to finish with good figures of six for 57.

When Wigston went into bat there was an immediate collapse and they soon fell to 26 for the loss of four wickets. The fifth wicket then fell at 49, and it looked as though East Haddon were heading for an easy victory. After a few anxious moments for both Paul Ashton and John Hammond, they proceeded to score at a fast rate, putting on 62 for the sixth wicket. Both Paul Ashton (44) and John Hammond (35) gained their highest score for the 1st XI. When Paul Ashton was sixth out at 111, the game had swung towards Wigston. Paul Bell was then dismissed without scoring. More runs were added and a single was scored by John Hammond to level the scores. At this point Russ Wilkinson was dismissed. Thus, one run was needed with only two wickets to fall, and to further complicate matters only one over remained. The first two balls were not scored off, but off the third John Hammond was bowled (133-9). Geoff Dunkley then played out the fourth ball and missed the fifth, fortunately the wicket-keeper dropped the ball, and the first slip shied at the stumps but missed with John Barlow well out of his ground, giving Wigston victory by one wicket.

WIGSTON CHALLENGE CUP AT STAKE 13.6.1976)

Sunday’s match against Buckminster 2nd XI with the Wigston Challenge Cup at stake produced a glut of runs on a perfect batting wicket at the British Rail Ground.

Of the home side batsmen, Clive Green (37) played splendidly, holding together the middle-order and ensuring a total in keeping with such an occasion.

Most of the Buckminster batsmen too, played soundly, none more so than the left-handed opener Sensecall (33), who threatened to run riot until claimed as one of seven wickets by the tireless opening bowler Chris Sutton.

LAST BALL VICTORY (17.6.1976)

Wigston Town continued their good run in the Everard Cup with an exciting win over Countesthorpe Wanderers and for the second time this season won with the last ball of the match.

Countesthorpe batted first, and Riddington was in powerful form, hitting a six in the first over and hitting three others before being bowled by Geoff Dunkley for 39. Burley also contributed well with an undefeated 24. Countesthorpe were 75 for two at the end of 18 overs.

Wigston made a slow but steady start. Graham Brown made 15, Bob Riley 6 and Howard Riley was run out for 16. But Robin Whait 24 not out was in good form. Both Richard Dixey and Paul Ashton went for two each, and the game swung to Countesthorpe as only three runs were scored off the penultimate over. With just two balls to go Paul Bell hit a four, then swung at the last delivery, missed, but Robin Whait was quick backing up and in the crease for the winning run before the keeper could recover the ball.

WIGSTON TOWN FALL SHORT BY ONE RUN (22.6.1976)

For the third Cup match this season Wigston had to play to the last ball. Unfortunately, unlike the previous two, Wigston couldn’t quite pull it off.

Batting first in the Louis Freeman Cup, Leicester Casuals immediately set about the attack, scoring with apparent ease. 

Wigston started disastrously with Bob Riley being dismissed by the first ball. Fortunately for Wigston, Howard Riley was in good form and was looking for runs whenever the opportunity presented itself. Paul Dunkley was picking up singles to keep the score moving and together this pair put on 70 until Paul Dunkley was run out. Howard Riley followed shortly for a well hit 59, but at this stage Wigston only required 18 runs with four overs to go and seven wickets in hand. However Greathead, for the Casuals, had by no means given up and in his fifth over he took three wickets. When Greathead started to bowl the last over, six runs were required for victory. A single was scored off the first ball, then John Shotton was well caught at mid-wicket going for the boundary that would surely have won the game. The next two balls were missed and only two scored off the next. Thus, three runs were needed off the last ball, but David Hill could only manage one and was run out going for the second.

WIGSTON TOWN WIN CONVINCINGLY (26.6.1976)

Wigston Town convincingly beat Kirby Muxloe on Saturday by 88 runs, due to a fine all-round team effort.

Batting first, Wigston started well with Paul Dunkley and Richard Dixey putting on 45 for the first wicket.This enabled most of the later batsmen to attack the bowling and finish with a score of 162-9.

Kirby Muxloe were soon in trouble when Woodman was dismissed with only four scored. Paul Bell was showing his usual fire and took three more wickets very quickly to leave Kirby Muxloe floundering at 22 for five. A small recovery was then made when Dale and Ball put a halt to the proceedings. When Paul Ashton replaced John Barlow he quickly got rod of both these batsmen, and it was left to Paul Bell to finish off the innings and to end with the very creditable figures of 6-35.

SUNSHINE RUN RIOT AS BATSMEN SPARKLE IN BIG LOCAL DERBY (27.6.1976)

Saturday’s big local derby between Wigston and Oadby turned up trumps with a splendid day’s cricket. And it was a scorcher to boot.

After losing Jones early on, Bull and Pearon for Oadby, batted with care. After playing themselves in they set about the Wigston attack, and appeared to be in no trouble whatsoever. They put on sparkling 148 for the second wicket, scoring runs all round the ground and making respective scores of 72 and 81. 

Wigston now had to score at a very fast rate to beat the 188 that Oadby had made for the loss of five wickets.

After Richard Dixey was dismissed, Paul Dunkley and Howard Riley set about their task, Riley continued his run of good scores making 42, before he was dismissed by Pearson. Runs were still being scored quickly but wickets were also falling. Two wickets then fell with the addition of only four runs. This meant that the last pair had to score eight runs but only nine runs remained. John Barlow hit a four which meant that four runs were required off the last over. The first four balls of Pearson’s over were not scored off and Paul Bell was caught at cover going for the boundary to win the match, leaving Oadby victors by three runs.

SUNSHINE RUN RIOT AS BATSMEN SPARKLE IN BIG LOCAL DERBY (27.6.1976)

Saturday’s big local derby between Wigston and Oadby turned up trumps with a splendid day’s cricket. And it was a scorcher to boot.

After losing Jones early on, Bull and Pearon for Oadby, batted with care. After playing themselves in they set about the Wigston attack, and appeared to be in no trouble whatsoever. They put on sparkling 148 for the second wicket, scoring runs all round the ground and making respective scores of 72 and 81. 

Wigston now had to score at a very fast rate to beat the 188 that Oadby had made for the loss of five wickets.

After Richard Dixey was dismissed, Paul Dunkley and Howard Riley set about their task, Riley continued his run of good scores making 42, before he was dismissed by Pearson. Runs were still being scored quickly but wickets were also falling. Two wickets then fell with the addition of only four runs. This meant that the last pair had to score eight runs but only nine runs remained. John Barlow hit a four which meant that four runs were required off the last over. The first four balls of Pearson’s over were not scored off and Paul Bell was caught at cover going for the boundary to win the match, leaving Oadby victors by three runs.

TENSE AND EXCITING STRUGGLE (3.7.1976)

Saturday saw a tense and exciting struggle between Wigston and Leicester Globetrotters at Scraptoft with the Globetrotters pulling off a victory by the tightest of margins.

On a good batting wicket Wigston fielded and bowled magnificently to dismiss the Globetrotters for only 124. Only G. Barnett batted with any confidence and it was entirely due to his innings that Globetrotters arrived at their final score.

Wigston suffered an early setback when their first two wickets fell with only 14 scored. Paul Dunkley and Robin Whait staged a mini-recovery but they were out within a short time of each other and Wigston’s fortunes looked bleak. However Richard Carter then got hold of the bowling and scored 44 extremely fine runs. Wickets continued to fall and Richard Carter was eighth out with the score on 108. The ninth wicket added 10 runs, then it was left for the last pair to get the seven runs required for victory. They managed to score five before John Barlow was bowled giving Globetrotters victory by one run.

RILEY POWERS HIS WAY TO UNBEATEN 72 AT GLEN (4.7.1976)

Sunday’s match between Great Glen and Wigston Town provided plenty of runs and some fine batting performance – especially from Howard Riley, who powered his way to an undefeated 72.

Batting first on a first class track visiting Wigston made a steady start, and it was only through an unfortunate mix-up leading to Paul Dunkley being run-out that Great Glen were able to make their initial breakthrough. Bob Markam then scored a quick 21, but it was dismissal that brought Howard Riley to the wicket. His innings changed the game for he scored an unbeaten 72 in a partnership of 98 for the third wicket which enabled Wigston to declare at tea on 177-8. Stuart Standley batted creditably taking a passive role, but scoring 48 valuable runs.

Great Glen attacked the bowling and in fact scored 50 off the first eight overs. Simmins was the first to go with the score on 71 and Hutchins on 93. They had scored the runs at such a rate that Great Glen were well within striking distance of their target. However, they lost three quick wickets which set them back somewhat, until R. Smith decided they were still in with a chance and punished Geoff Dunkley with several well hit shots. Although M. Chamberlain edged the first ball he received over the top of the slips he and R. Crocker managed to survive.

Dave Dunkley finished the match with figures of 5-44, to add to the five wickets he took the previous day.

BELL RINGS IN WITH 7-17 (10.7.1976)

On a hot Saturday afternoon, Paul Bell bowled at his most hostile to pick up seven wickets for only 17 runs as Bitteswell were dismissed for only 44. Ably supported by John Barlow, the pair took two wickets each as Bitteswell slipped to 7-4. Paul Bell then took three of the next four wickets to fall as Bitteswell floundered at 22-8. The last three batsmen decided to try and score as mant runs as possible in a short time. These tactics in fact proved moderately successful as the number ten batsman, B. Sutton gained the top score of 13 and with P. Freeston put on 19 for the last wicket. John Barlow was slightly unfortunate in that he dismissed both of these batsmen before they had scored many, but they were both saved by the call of no-ball. Paul Bell eventually dismissed both these batsmen, meaning that Bitteswell had been shot out for 44 in just 44 

The runs proved no easy task for Wigston as P. Smith was bowling extremely accurately. He never had enough runs to play with, but he finished with creditable figures of 4-21. Wigston eventually got to their target for the loss of five wickets.

PAUL DUNKLEY HITS 100 IN BIG SCORE DRAW (11.7.1976)

Batting first, Wigston got off to a good start with Paul Dunkley and Richard Dixey putting on 76 for the first wicket before Richard Dixey was bowled off his pads for 40. Ian Bailey then came to the wicket and after he had played himself in set about the East Haddon bowlers. In his innings of 43 he hit ten boundaries including five in one over. Whilst this was all going on Paul Dunkley was keeping the scoring rate going at the other end, and 81 runs were put on for the second wicket. After Ian Bailey was dismissed the run rate slowed slightly but Wigston still finished with a mammoth 246-5, and with Paul Dunkley completing his maiden century.

It seemed at first as though East Haddon were intent merely on survival. However after the openers were dismissed, the middle order batsmen attempted to get near the target. Muddy an in particular batted extremely well and gained a deserved half-century. For Wigston Dave Dunkley bowled well, taking five wickets for the third successive match in which he has bowled. Unfortunately Wigston were not quite able to get at the lower-end batsmen and force a victory.

LITTLE JOY FOR WIGSTON WITH DOUBLE DOSE OF DEFEAT (17.7.1976)

Batting first on Saturday Wigston progressed to 35 before the fall of the second wicket, at which point the middle-order batting collapsed. Hicks had a spell in which conceded only 10 runs and picked up six wickets. With eight wickets down and only 60 on the board Paul Ashton momentarily retrieved the situation. Assisted by John Barlow and Paul Bell he scored 20 valuable runs and pushed the final Wigston total up to 98.

This never seemed enough and so it was to prove. All the Wigston bowlers bowled very tightly, making Rowlands fight all the way for their runs, but they eventually reached their target with the loss of four wickets.

LITTLE JOY FOR WIGSTON WITH DOUBLE DOSE OF DEFEAT (18.7.1976)

Batting first on Saturday, Wigston got off to a great start with Paul Dunkley and Richard Dixey putting on 91 for the first wicket, before Richard Dixey was brilliantly caught one short of a well deserved half-century. With this dismissal the game was to change dramatically. Paul Dunkley was run out for 48. D. Chamberlain and J. Chamberlain both bowled well and none of the Wigston batsmen managed to get on top of their spin bowling. In the chase for runs after getting bogged down, wickets were lost and Wigston had to settle for a final total of 140.

N.L.M.W. Started steadily with 52 scored for the first wicket. When they tried to increase the run rate they lost five quick wickets. At that stage C. Nichols and D. Chamberlain came together in a partnership that was to win the game. With a fair slice of luck they picked out the bad balls to hit and pick up quick singles. This seventh wicket partnership put on 47 runs to give N.L.M.W. victory by four wickets with two overs to spare.

TOWN REACH FINAL (22.7.1976)

Wigston Town reached the final of the Everard Cup with a fairly comfortable win over Dingley Park at Kibworth.

Losing only three wickets in a score after 18 overs of 98, Wigston were mainly indebted to Paul Dunkley who gathered a not out half-century full of good shots.

Geoff Dunkley too played a prominent role in achieving the economical figures of two wickets for only 21 runs in his six overs. Splendid ground fielding and sure catching severely restricted a strong Dingley Park line-up.

LAST MAN TOP SCORER WITH 14 (24.7.1976)

On Saturday the Pilgrims got off to a great start with Langham and Bolsover hitting 42 off the first eight overs. At that stage Dave Dunkley came into the attack, and slowed the scoring rate down, and had the wicket of Bolsover with the score on 48. Pilgrims batting collapsed to 54 for six, due to excellent spin bowling by Dave Dunkley and fine fast bowling by Paul Bell. Wigston were, however, thwarted by a stand of 48 between Aspinall and Holyoak, who pushed Pilgrims’ score up to 129-7 at the tea interval.

During the tea interval a shower freshened up the wicket, and Reeves and Kotecha took full advantage, bowling with a good deal of pace and movement. Wigston’s batting crumbled, and top scorer in the innings was the number 11 batsman Paul Bell with 14, who added 19 for the last wicket with Dave Dunkley. 

WIGSTON FOLLOW CUP WIN WITH TWO DEFEATS (25.7.1976)

Sunday’s match again saw Wigston facing a good opening attack, but the batsmen showed a lot more conviction than they had done the previous day. In fact the first seven batsmen all got into double figures, with Richard Dixey looking in particularly fine form, finishing unbeaten on 31, when Wigston’s innings closed with a total of 143. 

Wigston got the start they were looking for when Evington Waverley fell to 17 for three. At that point Callender and Court came together. After a shaky start – Callender was dropped before he scored – they put on 114 for the fourth wicket, with Callender scoring 82 before he was dismissed. Evington Waverley lost another wicket before they reached they reached their target.

NEARLY IS NOT ENOUGH (28.7.1976)

Wigston Town who had enjoyed a great run in the Everard Cup competition, lost in the final by just four runs to Knight Cricketers at Great Glen.

The Knights batted first and in their allotted 18 overs were contained to 74 for six wickets. J. Pearson scored 30, but Paul Bell bowled very well to return figures of three wickets for nine runs.

In reply Wigston made 70 for eight, Paul Dunkley hitting 47 not out. But the Town never really recovered from Bob Riley being run out and Howard Riley going for a duck off his first ball. Runs were always difficult, despite the modest target, and at the close Wigston had two wickets to spare but couldn’t quite make the extra runs.  

BELL AND BARLOW NEAR TO CLUB RECORD (7.8.1976)

At Isham on Saturday, Wigston got off to a good start, through Paul Dunkley (42), and Howard Riley (37), reaching 87 before the loss of the second wicket. At that stage Wigston’s middle order batting collapsed. It was due largely to Paul Bell and John Barlow that the total of 161-9 was achieved. This pair had put on an unbroken 39 for the last wicket which was only four short of the club record.

With Paul Bell recovering his hostile form a Wigston victory was never in doubt, only R. Gamble looked confident, hitting out at all bowlers. Paul Bell picked up 7-38 as Isham were dismissed for 111.

WIGSTON BOWLERS DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES (14.8.1976)

All the Wigston bowlers distinguished themselves on Saturday by bowling extremely tightly to restrict Ufford Park to a total of 112-9 declared. Although Rawlings and Parker added 55 for the second wicket they never scored their runs quickly, and when John Barlow took their wickets in successive balls, the innings soon came to a close. But for Depear, who came in and hit a very quick 31, the score would have been very poor indeed.

Wigston’s innings took a very similar course to Ufford Park’s, for they lost a quick wicket, but a recovery was staged between Paul Dunkley and Howard Riley. When this pair was dismissed, however, three quick wickets fell. With the game evenly poised, Bob Riley took the initiative, and with valuable support from Graham Brown, put on 40 runs to give Wigston victory by four wickets. 

SHAKY START FOR WIGSTON (15.8.1976)

On Sunday Wigston got off to a shaky start with Dave Dunkley being dismissed in only the second over. On a difficult wicket Howard Riley decided to attack the bowling, and was successful enough to get the opening bowlers taken off. However he was immediately caught on the boundary going for another big hit. Paul Dunkley, who had been dropped off the second ball of the innings, went on to score a valuable 74. Most of the latter batsmen were able to score runs quickly and Wigston finished with a total of 168-9.

On a wicket that was getting progressively more difficult, this should have been too many for Melton. This looked true when Melton slumped to 30-4. But Hebb and Hewitt proved the old adage that attack is the best form of defence. They both went after the bowling, and with each riding their luck, took up much valuable time. The result was that when they were dismissed the later order batsmen were able to hang on for a draw.

WIGSTON FAIL TO GET ON TOP (4.9.1976)

It appeared on Saturday that Wigston were playing B. Sanders and not Isham, for not only did he score a magnificent 111, he also thwarted Wigston’s chances of winning by taking 5 wickets.

Sanders took the initiative from the start and scored freely at will. His opening partner D. Andrews was content to just remain at the wicket, and the result was that with an hour remaining before tea Isham were 120-0. In desperation John Hammond was put on to bowl and promptly proceeded to dismiss both openers in his second over. Wigston then managed to contain Isham to 191-6, John Hammond taking 4-40.

Wigston never really managed to keep above the scoring rate, but did not slip so far behind to make the target an impossible one should one of the middle order succeed. In fact it was John Barlow coming in at number ten who was to provide the excitement. The previous week he and Geoff Dunkley had almost broken the club’s tenth wicket record partnership. This week John Hammond and John Barlow were just 11 short of the ninth wicket record. They had however been left too much to do and finished 25 runs short, with John Hammond bowled off the last ball of the day and only Paul Bell to bat.

LOW SCORING MATCH FOR WIGSTON (5.9.1976)

Wigston beat Great Glen on Sunday by 27 runs in a low scoring match. The batsmen on both sides struggled and it became a tussle between the bowlers.

For Great Glen, S. Smith and G. Dilkes bowled very tightly to frustrate the Wigston batsmen, who did much to contribute to their own downfall. Wigston were again indebted to their tail-end, notably John Hammond and Geoff Dunkley who added 29 valuable runs for the last wicket, to take Wigston’s total to 102.

Great Glen never really recovered from a bad start as they slumped to 13-3. John Barlow and Paul Bell each took 5 wickets at regular intervals to give Wigston victory by 27 runs,

One point of note is that Paul Bell‘s fifth wicket was his hundredth of the season, a feat he has accomplished for the past four seasons.