1989 Match Reports

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Oadby CC 1st XI (1.5.1989)

What A Washout

You can tell the cricket season is here… so is the rain!

The great British weather left Oadby and Wigston CCs out in the cold without a game last weekend, and both sides hope to get their league programmes underway this Saturday.

On May Day, the two sides were due to meet head on in a early season friendly at Wigston RFC, but after a period of heavy rain the game was postponed without a ball being bowled. And dejected Wigston spokesman Kevin Commons said: “We’re all a bit frustrated. It was our first game of the season and it had to be called off. We’re just hoping that things get sorted out before we start in the Leicestershire Senior League against the Globetrotters at Wigston RFC.” 

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Leicester Globetrotters CC 1st XI (6.5.1989)

Wigston Town made a solid start to their Leicestershire Senior Cricket League campaign when they hammered Leicester Globetrotters by 183 runs on Saturday.

Bob Riley was the hero with the bat hammering a majestic 110 out of the team’s 219-5. He was superbly backed up by debut batsman Brian Hyde who made 64.

Then the bowlers enjoyed their slice of the glory as they skittled a very weak Globetrotters for just 36. Andy Jones started the season off on the right foot bagging 7-9 off of just eight overs while another man excelling on his debut was Jeff Cooper, who claimed 2-13 as Wigston collected maximum points.

Spokesman Kevin Commons said: “The side was very buoyant after the game and indeed performed very well. We were anxious to get that first game under our belts, but to be honest Globetrotters were a very weak side.” 

Langtons CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (7.5.1989)

On Sunday Langtons were caught in the firing line when Wigston won by nine wickets.

Langtons made 153-7 with wickets shared between Martin Riley and Bob Riley, and Pat Hardy.

Wigston lost just one wicket in reaching 154 with Paul Dunkley 73 not out and Graham Lowe unbeaten on 71. 

Loughborough Town CC 1st XI v Wigston Town 1st XI (8/9.5.1989)

Loughborough Made To Fight In Cup

Central League side Loughborough Town proved just too strong for brave Wigston Town on Tuesday night in the first round of the County Cup. Although not able to field a first-choice team, Wigston’s travelling players gave 100 per cent, but although they were always in with a shout, they eventually fell by 23 runs.

Wigston’s bowlers’ skittled Loughborough out for just 127 in the 29th of a 30-over game, with Andy Jones putting in a tremendous performance taking 4-10.

Their reply was a courageous one, but they closed just short of their target on 104-7, with Brian Hyde hitting 47 and Keith Fellows making 28.

Loughborough Carillon Old Boys CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (13.5.1989)

Let down by some sloppy Senior League batting, Wigston Town crumbled at Loughborough Carillon OB, in a game they looked like winning at one stage.

Carillon elected to bat first on a damp wicket and put in a solid performance to reach 154-8 off their 45 overs. Jeff Cooper was the pick of the Wigston bowling attack claiming 3-33 but he was given vital support from Tim Garner (2-45) and Kevin Commons (2-43).

With victory definitely within their grasp, Wigston should really have made better progress but struggled to hold on to a tame draw, closing on 90-9. 

Spokesman Kevin Commons said: “After we bowled and fielded well it was a bit of a disappointment. Really, apart from Howard Riley‘s 28, the batting was quite abysmal.” 

Huncote CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (14.5.1989)

Problems were soon solved on Sunday when Wigston travelled to Huncote in the League Cup and came away with a 27 run victory.

This time Wigston won the toss and in their 40 overs struck 187-7. Teenager Ian Riley led the way with 47 runs in just 20 minutes and Tim Garner belted two sixes in a rapid 39. Bob Riley chipped in with 22 runs while Brian Hyde chalked up 31.

Huncote were then restricted to 160-8 in their 45 overs, thanks mainly to Pat Hardy‘s 2-13 and Tim Garner‘s 2-37.

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v GEC (Whetstone) CC 1st XI (20.5.1989)

Wigston On Top Form

Delighted Wigston CC skipper Graham Lowe is so impressed by his side’s blistering start he predicts they will lift the Leicestershire Senior League title. Speaking after Wigston comfortably disposed of GEC Whetstone on Saturday by seven wickets, Lowe says the confidence is now starting to flow. “I think we have the team to win the League” declared Lowe. “I am really pleased with the way we have started the season, but then again we always start the season well. But the lads are a lot more confident at the moment and that has been boosted by our good start. I don’t think there’s a side in the league we can’t beat and i think we can go on to win the league.”

GEC Whetstone were limited to 154-7 in their 45 overs thanks to some tight bowling from the Wigston attack. Martin Riley claimed 2-21 off 13 overs and Kevin Commons bagged 3-36.

It then took Wigston just 33 overs to knock off the runs. Tim Garner led the run chase with an unbeaten 50 and was backed by skipper Graham Lowe, also unbeaten on 44. Bob Rileychipped in with a hard hitting 38. 

Talbot (Coventry) Sports CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (21.5.1989)

On Sunday, Wigston travelled to classy Coventry outfit Talbot Sports and crashed by nine wickets.

Wigston declared at 167-8. Bob Riley scored 52 and Graham Lowe 30. There was also a tremendous batting display from Jeff Cooper. Usually a number 10 batsman, Cooper was promoted to number 3 and made a solid 22 before being dismissed.

But Talbot then made light work of their target reaching 169-1.

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Great Glen CC 1st XI (27.5.1989)

Tough Life For Riley

A blistering century from Wigston’s prolific batsman Bob Riley was still unable to swing a victory in the Senior League side’s clash against Great Glen on Saturday. Bob Riley struck 112 for his second century in four matches as Wigston raced to a formidable 276-7. But with Great Glen holding on at 200-5 the game ended in a disappointing stalemate.

Wigston’s total included a massive 14 sixes, with Riley helped along by skipper Graham Lowe (65) and Tim Garner (50).

But Great Glen also worked hard on a good wicket despite Martin Riley doing his best in a family affair, bagging 2-51.

Wigston still picked up a healthy 13 points from the draw and jumped to the top of The Leicestershire Senior League. 

Fisons Sports CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (28.5.1989)

On Sunday in a friendly at Fisons Sports, Wigston just fell short of their target, despite the home side roaring to 229-5, with one player striking an unbeaten 129.

Wigston were bowled all out for 190 in the final over, with the tail still trying gamely to get the runs. Paul Dunkley top scored on 69 and Andy Wright chipped in with a hefty 38 – 32 of these from boundaries. 

Enderby CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (3.6.1989)

Garner Knock Is All To No Avail

Shocked leaders Wigston Town only just held on for a disappointing draw in their Leicestershire Senior League clash at Enderby at the weekend.

The home side were held to 108-3 after 36 overs but raced away in the last nine of their innings to reach 185-3, and that proved a hefty target.

Tim Garner (24) and Paul Dunkley (17) provided the only resistance as they struggled at 88-7 after 36 overs, and the tail-enders had to see them to survival at 104-9.

Kibworth CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (4.6.1989)

Things looked better on Sunday at Kibworth, with Wigston rattling up a massive 257-2, thanks to Graham Lowe (77 no), Bob Riley (73), Paul Dunkley (53 no) and Ian Riley (41).

Kibworth then played out for the draw closing on 208-6, Dave Dunkley claiming 3-86 and Jeff Cooper 2-16.

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Broughton Astley CC 1st XI (10.6.1989)

Riley Leads Town Charge

A transformed Wigston Town CC, inspired by all-rounder Bob Riley, completely outplayed Broughton Astley last Saturday in the Leicestershire Senior League, but still couldn’t force victory. Following last week’s losing draw against mid-table Enderby, Wigston were more positive only to come up against a stubborn Broughton Astley.

Wigston slaughtered the Broughton bowlers and cruised to 214-5 from 45 overs with the in-form Bob Riley smashing an impressive 68. He was given support from Paul Dunkley who wallopped 62 and Tim Garner who chipped in with 25.

Broughton made a solid start and after 15 overs were 49-1, they then lost their way and had to hang on for all their worth at 120-9. The slow bowling combination of Bob Riley and Tim Garner almost won the match for Wigston, Riley bagging 4-14 while Garner claimed 4-23.

Spokesman Kevin Commons said after the game: “Our fielding was a lot better and though the wicket was very easy for batting on, both Bob Riley and Tim Garner bowled very well.”

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Burton On The Wolds CC 1st XI (11.6.1989)

On Sunday Wigston entertained Burton on the Wolds in the second round of the Leicestershire Senior League KO Cup, and comfortably reached the next round.

Wigston reached 153 all out with Tim Garner (50) and Brian Hyde (23) the mainstays of their innings.

At 48-0 Burton were cruising but then Kevin Commons entered the fray and claimed 4-16 from nine overs as Burton crumbled to 117 all out and Wigston were in the semi-finals, their opponents not yet known.  

GEC Sports (Whetstone) CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (22.7.1989)

Rain Halts Wigston’s Bid

A freak thunderstorm put a halt to Wigston’s victory charge against GEC (Whetstone) at the weekend. Still pressing hard for Leicestershire Senior League honours, Wigston had to settle for the draw when they were in a commanding position.

They had looked in danger when they were bowled out for a modest 155 in the 45th over with Paul Dunkley top scoring on 57 and Steve Packwood chipping in with 40. GEC bowler Postlethwaite put in a superhuman effort in the blazing heat to grab 7-54 from 21 tiring overs.

But GEC then lost wickets at a frequent rate, and were on 46-4 when the rain came handing them a fortunate share of the points. Andy Jones had looked dangerous picking up 2-17, while Jeff Cooper chipped in with 2-26.

Spokesman Kevin Commons commented: “We are certainly disappointed as it looked as though we were well on our way to victory.”

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Soar Valley CC 1st XI (23.7.1989)

There was certainly something to smile about on Sunday when Wigston Town reached the final of the Senior League KO Cup beating Soar Valley by 90 runs.

Paul Dunkley carried his bat for 75 as Wigston cruised to 193-3 in 40 overs, with support from Graham Lowe (37), Tim Garner (34 no) and Bob Riley (21).

Wigston’s opening bowlers Jeff Cooper and Andy Jones then did an excellent job in tying down the early Soar Valley batting and after 10 overs they had only scored 12 runs. And things never improved as they soon crumbled to 103 all out with Tim Garner claiming 2-28 and Brian Hyde 2-7. 

Great Glen CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (29.7.1989)

Rain Washes Out Wigston

Sickened Wigston are watching their chances of picking up the Leicestershire Senior League title slip away after their rain-affected draw last weekend. They’ve had their last two games against the bottom sides cut short by the rain, and last Saturday’s clash at Great Glen was a guaranteed win until the heavens opened.

The home side had only managed 111-9 with Wigston’s Kevin Commons grabbing 5-30. Andy Jones held the other end up with the tremendous figures of 13-6-17-2.

Wigston were then on course for victory at 68-0 from just 12 overs when the rain came. Skipper Graham Lowe sighed: “The pitch was absolutely flooded, and it was not until 7.30pm when the umpires decided we could get another 5 overs in.” This left Wigston needing 44 runs to win, and after putting in a game effort they finished just short on 98-4. “If it had been at our place we would have played through the rain, I just had no say in the matter” added Lowe. “In Wigston it hadn’t rained much at all – I think the Gods must be against us.”

Thorpe Arnold CC – 1st XI v Wigston Town CC – 1st XI (30.7.1989)

On Sunday in a 40-over game, Wigston Town travelled to Thorpe Arnold from the Rutland League and went down by four wickets.

Wigston totalled 164-9 with Bob Riley hitting 63 and Ian Riley 33. But Thorpe Arnold reached 165-6 (Pat Hardy 5-51) to secure the win.

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Enderby CC 1st XI (5.8.1989)

Wigston Town are still in with a shout of winning the Leicestershire Senior League, and after drawing with top of the table side Enderby last weekend, remain the only unbeaten side in the division.

Played at Ratcliffe College, used as a home ground by Wigston Town, the home side started excellently with Bob Riley and Paul Dunkley both in great form with the bat. They notched up a 140 run partnership in just 30 overs, until Riley was dismissed for 81, a wicket that triggered a collapse. Dunkley went for 43 in the same over, and in the end Wigston limped to 194-8 from their 45 overs.

Enderby also made a poor start and while scoring quick runs they also lost wickets at a frequent rate. But standing at 41-4 from 10 overs they started to make a recovery, and while the Wigston bowlers were expecting to make inroads the Enderby batsmen were creeping nearer the required total. The Wigston fielding nearly gifted the game to Enderby – they dropped 4 catches – but Enderby fell just short on 188-7 (Andy Jones 3-55, Jeff Cooper 2-44).

Rushton CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (6.8.1989)

Sunday’s game with Northamptonshire side Rushton saw Graham Lowe hit his maiden century for the club as he carried his bat for an unbeaten 103 in Wigston’s 183-8.

After a good start Rushton then started to lose monentum and they were dismissed for 161. Kevin Commons led the way with 3-22, Pat Hardy claimed 3-37 and Tim Wood 2-22.

Broughton Astley CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (12.8.19890

It was a miserable weekend for Wigston Town who lost their unbeaten Leicestershire Senior League record at Broughton Astley.

Paul Dunkley (63 no) and Bob Riley (54) had put on 86 for the first wicket only to see the rest of the side struggle to 162-7.

The home side looked to be in trouble at 4-2, but their batsmen turned it around and they cruised to 166-4.

Leicester Ivanhoe CC 1st XI v Wigston Town CC 1st XI (13.8.1989)

Gloom For Wigston

Furious Wigston Town are up in arms over an umpiring decision that took the Leicestershire Senior League KO Cup out of their hands. Playing Leicester Ivanhoe in the final on Sunday, the umpires pulled the players off with just four overs to go, needing another 34 to win. This means the game must now be replayed. “The immediate feeling in the dressing room was that we are not prepared to go through with the replay,” said Wigston spokesman Kevin Commons. “There was some very bad feeling laid down at the door of the umpires. Other umpires watching from the boundary could not believe their decision.”

Earlier Wigston had amassed 184-7 with Paul Dunkley top scoring on 49 while the rest of the batsmen weighed in with useful contributions including Tim Garner (25) and Graham Lowe (24).

Ivanhoe had then managed 37-2 when the rains came and this is where the problems began, the umpires supervising the covers onto the wicket only to leave a two feet wide gap on the wicket open to the elements. The wet strip on the wicket caused a 20 minute delay before the match eventually resumed in bright light at 7.30pm. Then at 8.37pm, with slow bowlers on at each end, and Ivanhoe still 34 runs adrift and four overs remaining, the umpires called the game off.

Kevin Commons groaned: “The Ivanhoe players on the boundary were falling about laughing, the game just did not seem to be played in the right attitude. It should never have been stopped. Players such as Bob RileyHoward Riley and myself who have been in the game for around 20 years have never seen anything like it, there was no danger to anyone. This was probably the one competition that we stood a realistic chance of winning, and it has been pulled out from underneath us.”

For Wigston Jeff Cooper had earlier bagged 3-27 and Kevin Commons 2-23.   

Wigston Town CC 1st XI v Quorn CC 1st XI (19.8.1989)

In the Leicestershire Senior League, Wigston crashed to a defeat at home to Quorn.

Wigston knocked 171-6, Paul Dunkley hitting 89 and Brian Hyde 22. And then, despite Bob Riley claiming 3-21, Quorn still managed to reach 174-5.