They agree to differ over result (3.5.75)
Wigston’s First XI continued its promising start to the new season with an exciting five-run victory in a 40 over game against local rivals Oadby on Saturday.
Or did they?
According to Oadby players the game was drawn. Wigston reached a total of 96 for eight wickets, while Oadby were five short at the close with 91. However they lost only six wickets.
Both sides agree the encounter was restricted to 40 overs. So on a run basis Wigston would have won.
But taken from another view point the match could have been declared a draw.
Either way you look at it, this was a close local derby, and an enjoyable one.
Batting first, against the tidy bowling of Kevin Commons and Wray, the Wigston openers made a cautious start that accumulated only 15 runs in the first 10 overs.
Pressing for a faster rate Paul Dunkley became the first victim of the afternoon for a hard earned 22 runs.
Howard Riley relieved the tension somewhat in a brief belligerent innings that ended when attempting to hit a third six over mid wicket. Michael Kirk, after bowling 13 economical overs, was roughly treated in the last over of the innings when David Hill took the opportunity to add 14 much needed runs, including a six.
Oadby’s innings followed the same pattern, against equally tight bowling. A steady stand between Bull and Steele kept their side in touch with the scoring rate required and late in the innings Dufour hit well in an attempt to steer the game his way.
One Man Show (4.5.75)
Wigston’s home match against the strong Rutland side from Ufford became almost a one man show of their captain, Paul Dunkley, who batted with ease throughout the innings of 52 overs.
This was in marked contrast to most of his colleagues whose contribution with the bat were very small by comparison.
Graham Brown and late in the innings, Paul Bell, were the exceptions, and their efforts ensured a sizeable Wigston total.
The visitors never really settled down to the task and it was a strange sight indeed to see them content to play for a draw on a placid pitch. Once again Paul Bell bowled soundly for his six wickets being a just reward for 19 overs of sustained speed with little help to be expected from the wicket.
Impressive win over opponents of some strength (10.5.75)
Wigston’s First XI maintained an undefeated record last weekend with two wins over opponents of some strength.
Saturday’s home game against Great Glen was far the more impressive with a high standard of fielding and sizeable contributions by most of Wigston batsmen. Howard Riley scored a splendid half century against an attack that gave little away, ensuring a target that proved all too much for the visitors.
In reply, the Glen openers made a solid start as they set about the task, but were rather let down by most of the middle order, with the exception of Sutton’s contribution.
Once again the bowling combination of David Hill and Paul Bell proved too much on a wicket that really was of very little help to them.
Impressive win over opponents of some strength (11.5.75)
Sunday’s game against old friends and rivals produced an altogether different type of game with Wigston achieving their win in what was probably the last over of the day. Lucas and Capall accumulated three quarters of the Bowden total against the tight bowling of Paul Bell and Bob Riley whose efforts did much to restrict the scoring.
It seemed that victory would be something of a formality when Bob Riley scored a quick 30 including two huge sixes off the bowling of Funnell, but when he fell to a good catch the scoring rate slowed considerably. Several wickets fell in short time but Markham, stood firm , picking up his runs carefully and remaining till the end.
Very little in the way of exciting cricket (18.5.75)
However, on a damp wicket and sodden outfield, very little in the way of exciting cricket was witnessed during the First XI encounter with Castle Bytham.
The batsmen with a penchant for lofting the ball over close fielders profited the most, and the home side were grateful for innings of this type from Paul Ashton and Roy Mason. The captain, Paul Dunkley, picked up his runs with carefully placed cuts and drives, and at the tea break 116 runs were in credit after 49 overs had been bowled.
The visitors never looked in the hunt and until late in the day scarcely seemed interested. Only late in the innings when a draw was a near certainty did Davies open out. Paul Bell and Paul Clayton bowled extremely well, containing the runs scored off them to 53 off a combined 33 overs.
Geoff takes their last four wickets in four balls (18.5.75)
The two Wigston Town sides both enjoyed victories on Sunday, but the man who really shone was Second XI bowler Geoff Dunkley. In an amazing spell against Exton Park, at Wigston’s alternative home ground, Willow Park, he skittled the last four batsmen in four balls.
Wigston Second XI opponents Exton Park travelled some considerable distance to receive a nasty shock when replying to the home side’s total of 123.
A sound, if somewhat lengthy start gave the Wigston team something to build on and Rob Dexter did just that with a handsome knock. John Hammond took the opportunity to play a sound innings, defending against the straight balls and pulling to the on-side, anything loose.
The visitors had 22 runs on the board before their second wicket fell, but thereafter only added five more in what became a procession. The brisk bowling of Geoff Dunkley and his skipper John Roberts proved all too much for the Exton Park side. Geoff Dunkley took the last four wickets in four balls to take his tally to eight wickets for 10 runs.
Town extend unbeaten run and cruise to victory (24.5.75)
Wigston Town 1st XI continued their unbeaten record over the weekend with a fine win over Lullington Park on Saturday and a draw at Empingham on Sunday.
Lullington Park looked to be heading towards a big total when the second wicket fell at 66. Fine bowling however by Roy Mason and Geoff Dunkley kept their final total down to 111.
When Wigston went into bat Bob Riley totally dominated the proceedings scoring 63 off 14 overs hitting seven fours and two sixes. Paul Dunkley hit an undefeated 35.
The target was reached in just 17 overs, with the loss of only one wicket.
Wigston quickly in trouble (25.5.75)
On Sunday steady batting throughout by Empingham led to a big score of 154 on a wicket totally devoid of pace and bounce.
When Wigston replied they quickly found themselves in trouble losing four wickets for only 23 runs, this led to them falling irretrievably behind the run rate required.
Paying the price for fielding errors (31.5.75)
Due to a number of fielding lapses and uncertainty on the part of their batsmen, Wigston’s First XI lost its first match of the season at Bitteswell.
Ogden, the Bitteswell opening batsman capitalised, as one should, on the fielding error and was largely responsible for his side’s moderate score. David Hill and Paul Bell once again bowled splendidly to contain a strong batting side.
For Wigston, Paul Dunkley gathered his runs steadily and safely whilst losing the assistance of three of his colleagues whose contributions amounted to only three runs. Bob Markham improved the situation for a while and Dave Gibbins became top scorer at a faster rate than most, but the tail-enders were not able to stay long enough to suggest another win.
David Dunkley, 16, comes to the rescue for Wigston (7.6.75)
Wigston’s first team weekend matches both ended in draws. The task of chasing 174 runs at Dingley Park on Saturday proved too great and at close of play the Town had only mustered 111 for six.
Dingley Park wasted very little time in going for runs, with Flude, in particular, being severe on the visiting opening bowlers. As the pace men gradually wilted in the hot sunshine, 16-year-old Dave Dunkley was brought into the attack and he captured the valuable wicket of Flude in his second over. Batsmen of some repute treated his bowling with some respect and in an excellent 19-over spell, he took the next four wickets.
The pace men were reintroduced but the big-hitting Bullivant, ably assisted by Randall, added a rapid 50 in the last half-hour prior to the tea interval.
Wigston made a brisk reply against pace bowlers Curtis and Chadwick, but with 37 on the board, spinner Bullivant was introduced into the attack and he clean-bowled Paul Dunkley with his second ball.
Richard Dixey, Howard Riley and Doug Moore were then dismissed within the course of the next four overs and there was no doubt that at this stage the visitors were in a spot of trouble.
Dave Dunkley and skipper Bob Markham retrieved the situation somewhat but against some fairly accurate bowling Wigston had to settle for the draw.
David Dunkley, 16, comes to the rescue for Wigston (8.6.75)
Paul Dunkley and Richard Dixey gave Wigston a fine start at Castle Bytham on Sunday, putting on 67 for the first wicket. Unfortunately, the batsmen following weren’t able to capitalise on this stand and with the exception of Bob Markham and Roy Mason, the rest contributed very little.
Richard Carter took an excellent catch at second slip to dismiss opener Jackson, but Windsor and Fenn pushed the score along to 43 before the latter was caught behind. Windsor continued to attack the bowling but after his dismissal with the score at 63, the home side surprisingly put up the proverbial shutters.
Dave Dunkley was brought into the attack and again changed the course of the game when, in only five overs, he took four wickets for only two runs.
Unfortunately time ran out and at the close of play Castle Bytham had only mustered 78 with two wickets left standing.
Fourteen boundaries for Wigston batsman (14.6.75)
On Saturday, Billesdon visited Wigston for a game that was to be dominated by two batsmen.
Wigston batted first and quickly lost Bob Riley. Paul Dunkley and Howard Riley then slowed the game down intent on seeing off the opening bowlers. As soon as this task was completed however, Paul Dunkley was out to a fine catch behind the wicket.
With this dismissal saw the arrival of Doug Moore who played some delightful shots for a well deserved 30 runs. Wigston’s big score was due though to Howard Riley, who hit 14 boundaries all around the ground in his score of 76, helping to amass a total of 172 for the loss of six wickets.
After a disastrous start by Billesdon which saw them at 23 for the loss of three wickets, Drury and Brown stayed at the crease intent only on not being dismissed. Drury was then caught by Roy Mason off the bowling of Dave Dunkley with the score of 69, but Brown acquired another solid partner in Elliott who stayed until 110 was on the board.
Billesdon then lost two quick wickets giving Wigston a chance of winning. Brown however remained to the close of play with a fine 68 not out leaving Billesdon on 139 for the loss of seven wickets.
Bell’s devastating spell of fast bowling (15.6.75)
Sunday saw the defeat of Kirby Muxloe by eight wickets. After Paul Bell had dismissed both openers cheaply, Sexton and Lissaman retrieved the situation a little. But after Alec Bradshaw had taken two fine catches in the slips to dismiss both these players it was all but over, for none of the remaining batsmen reached double figures. Paul Bell continued his devastating spell of fast bowling to finish with the excellent figures of 7 for 26. He was ably supported by Paul Clayton who took 3 for 32.
For Wigston, Richard Dixey and Paul Dunkley batted out the 25 minutes remaining before the tea interval, but both were dismissed shortly after the resumption.
Keith Aubrey playing in only his second game for the 1st XI batted with a great deal of confidence and scored five boundaries in his innings of 22 not out. Backed by Alec Bradshaw this pair brought Wigston a crushing victory by the margin of 8 wickets.
Paul Dunkley hits out (21.6.75)
Wigston Town CC had a great weekend, playing two away fixtures and winning both of them convincingly.
On Saturday Wigston visited Loughborough Carillon – a side consisting largely of promising schoolboys. Wigston batted first and Paul Dunkley and Dave Dunkley scored quickly to put on 103 before Dave Dunkley was bowled by Day.
Paul Clayton and John Hammond then increased the run rate still further with some enterprising shots. However, with Paul Dunkley looking set for his maiden century, the innings was declared leaving him stranded on 82 not out, with the score at 161-2.
Loughborough Carillon suffered a series of early setbacks losing three wickets for only one run. But the lower order batsmen all contributed to push them to a score of 117.
Bell skittles seven for Wigston (22.6.75)
Sunday saw Wigston visiting the delightful ground of Castle Ashby, home of the Marquis of Northampton.
After being put into bat Wigston’s openers scored steadily, scoring 50 before the dismissal of John Hammond. Paul Dunkley was out shortly after and wickets then began to fall.
Fortunately for Wigston, the lower order batsmen hit some very valuable runs with David Gibbins in particular batting with little restraint to score a much needed 28.
In reply Castle Ashby responded very slowly due to the tight bowling of Paul Bell and Paul Clayton. In the course of three overs by Paul Bell however things changed completely. Repeating his devastating bowling of last week, Bell took five of the last six wickets to fall at a cost of only four runs. Thus from a relatively safe position Castle Ashby slumped to 76 all out.
Wigston are through to semi-final (25.6.75)
Batting first in their Everard Cup quarter-final with Leicester Globetrotters, at Magna Road, Wigston quickly found themselves in trouble when Paul Dunkley was clean bowled with the first ball.
However a sound second wicket partnership between Richard Dixey and Richard Carter saw 63 runs added before Richard Dixey was run out for 21. Richard Carter in particular batted well, hitting a fine 38 before becoming the third wicket to fall. The remaining batsmen failed rather miserably and the innings was closed on 81 for 9.
The Trotters made a disastrous start to their innings losing six wickets for only eight runs. Fast bowler Paul Bell was in devastating form, taking seven wickets for only 11 runs in his allocated six overs – six of his victims being cleaned bowled.
Bill Duddy batted very well throughout the Trotters innings and only a useful stand by him and Geoff Tate gave some respectability to their final score of 54 all out.
Mixed fortunes (28.6.75)
The Town Seconds met with mixed fortunes over the weekend, winning one and losing one.
On Saturday, they entertained Pilgrims and bowled the visitors out for 101. Wigston’s openers knocking off the runs without loss, John Hammond being 54 not out and Graham Brown 42 not out.
Oadby have edge in drawn Wigston clash (29.6.75)
As was the case when Wigston Town met Oadby earlier in the season the match ended in a draw with Oadby having the winning edge.
In this return fixture at Wigston, Oadby elected to take first knock and although Paul Bell quickly secured the valuable wicket of Mike Bull, a solid stand then followed between Ken Pounds and Don Jones. For a batsman of no little repute, Pounds hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons so far, but he certainly appeared to be returning to his better form and must have regarded himself as being unfortunate when given out stumped, after making 26.
G. Swindell and V. Dufour pushed the score along at a steady rate but it wasn’t until skipper Garner joined Swindell that the run rate made rapid progress. When Oadby declared at the tea interval, they had made 154 for 4, with Swindell not out 44 and Garner not out 22. And Garner hit the last ball of the innings for a mighty six.
Kevin Commons, so often the scourge of Wigston, didn’t take long to register his first success, clean bowling John Hammond in his fourth over. A useful stand between Dave Gibbins and Alec Bradshaw moved the score along to 31, before the former became Kevin Commons second victim, after making 22. Bob Markham made 20 before being stumped and Geoff Dunkley made 26 before being dismissed in the same fashion.
Wigston’s last pair held out to the close and the game ended in a draw. Kevin Commons bowled continuously for 16 overs and finished with 5 wickets for only 19 runs and eight of these were maidens.
Mixed fortunes (29.6.75)
Sunday’s re-arranged game with Loughborough Tech. ended in defeat but Wigston’s innings was highlighted by really fine batting performances from Nigel Coxon 27, Rob Dexter 25 and Jim Colver 21.
Wigston decisively beaten (3.7.75)
Norton & Gaulby gained a place in the final of the Everard Cup, when they decisively defeated Wigston Town in the semi-final at Great Glen on Thursday evening.
Batting first, Wigston got off to a good start taking 20 runs off the first three overs, but this early success was to be short lived. Cooke clean bowled Richard Dixey and Howard Riley in his second over, and followed this up by dismissing Bob Riley in his next over. Wigston’s remaining batsmen offered virtually no resistance whatsoever and their innings was closed with only 49 runs on the board, and with three overs still to spare.
For once, Wigston’s revered pace attack of Paul Bell and Paul Clayton failed to live up to their reputation and the villagers coasted home for a very easy victory, losing only three wickets in the process. Clawson was their most successful batsman with 17 to his credit.
Bouncing back after cup defeat (5.7.75)
After their poor mid-week performance against Norton & Gaulby in the semi-final of the Everard Cup, Wigston bounced back with a fine win against North Leicestershire Miners Welfare at Snibston on Saturday.
Electing to bat first on a very good wicket, the home side made cautious progress against opening bowlers Bob Riley and Paul Clayton, but with the score at 12, Bob Riley had Bates caught behind by Vic Hardy. Sponge and Chamberlain then pushed the score along to 68 before the latter was run out.
Without addition Roy Mason had Spouge caught on the boundary and two overs later clean bowled Brewin. Ball, Nichols and Grouse all produced good knocks, thus enabling the Colliers to declare at the tea interval with their total at 144 for seven.
Roy Mason was Wigston’s most successful bowler taking three for 21.
In reply, the visitors lost Bob Riley with the score at 18 and shortly afterwards lost Alec Bradshaw. Howard Riley and Dave Dunkley then came together, putting on 88 runs for the third wicket. Whilst Dave Dunkley held one end together, Howard Riley scored freely in a very fine innings of 76, including eleven boundaries.
With the score at 113, Dave Dunkley was caught by Brewin and four runs later Howard Riley was also dismissed. Dave Gibbins was next out with the score on 123, but Bob Markham and Richard Carter saw Wigston through to victory with five minutes to spare.
Second team take revenge with ease (5.7.75)
Having beaten Wigston Town’s First XI in a cup competition only two days previously Norton & Gaulby might well have expected an easy game at Magna Road, but having amassed a sizeable score, the Town second team passed it with ease.
Chamberlain, after an uncertain start, scored quickly enough, but not until late in the innings did the batsmen dominate on a very placid wicket. P. Simkin and B. Morris hurried the score along until near the tea interval when both were dismissed by smart catches.
Graham Brown and Doug Moore got the home team’s innings away to a brisk start with shots all around the ground, adding 48 before Doug Moore was adjudged lbw.
Two quick wickets were lost at this point bringing Nigel Coxon to join Graham Brown in a winning stand that realised 91 runs. Both played fluently, with fine disregard for the efforts of the six bowlers used.
2nd XI amongst the runs (6.7.75)
Wigston Town 2nd XI were again amongst the runs when they played Leicester City Transport.
Transport made 123, and Town reached this figure for the loss of five wickets. Graham Brown made 50 and Richard Carter was 39 not out.
Bitteswell complete double over Wigston (12.7.75)
Bitteswell completed the double over Wigston at Magna Road on Saturday. And once again R. Ogden was the cause of the trouble, taking four good catches and scoring 34 runs.
Wigston, batting first, were soon in trouble, losing three quick wickets for 14 runs. Graham Brown and Bob Markham took the score along to 47 before Bob Markham was out for 20. Graham Brown continued to bat well for Wigston and scored 47 runs, assisted by Roy Mason (16) and Paul Clayton (19). However, Wigston were all out for 122 at tea.
In reply Bitteswell soon lost Smith with only three runs scored, but good knocks by Ogden (34), Hoggarth (20) and McNaught (22) saw Bitteswell through to victory.
Seconds settle for draw after heading for defeat (12.7.75)
Playing at Ashby Folville on a none too true wicket and in a steady drizzle, Wigston 2nd XI managed to haul themselves from a precarious position to come away with a draw.
The Wigston bowlers all performed tidily, only 109 runs accruing from the 48 overs dispatched. Only Churn looked thoroughly at home, his half-century placing his side in a strong position.
Ken Hammond, opening for the visitors played a fluent innings, staying until the scorecard read 43 for two. At this point five more wickets were lost for the addition of only one run.
Jack Kirk and Jim Colver in a lengthy stand took the score to 72, but not until the arrival of Geoff Dunkley did a win seem likely. His example encouraged Jim Colver to hit out and 19 further runs were quickly added. With the last pair together, and 18 needed off the last over a draw was sensibly achieved.
Bell tolls and his seven wickets humble the hosts (13.7.75)
After a long absence from the All England ground at Melton Mowbray, Wigston Town performed well enough to humble their hosts with an emphatic victory.
Bob Riley with a splendid innings dominated the early Wigston batting, cutting and pulling the quick bowling in fine style. Roy Mason at No. 8 played with much aggression, paying scant regard to the feelings of the bowlers who were never less than tidy, and together with Jim Colver added 52 apparently much needed runs.
When the home side batted, the pace of Paul Bell and Paul Clayton on a somewhat helpful wicket was all too much for them and nineteen overs later all had succumbed. Paul Bell finished with seven wickets for 23 runs, and Paul Clayton three for eight.
A feature of the day’s play was the fine fielding and catching of both sides.
Clouds and rain but bowlers shine (19.7.75)
That man Bell strikes again
Paul Bell, Wigston Town’s ace paceman had a fantastic fourteen wicket week-end and helped his side to both a draw and a win. On Saturday he bagged six wickets for 40 runs against a highly competent Rugby Rowlands XI. But on Sunday he was devastating against Great Glen when for the cost of just 20 runs he captured eight wickets.
Considered to be perhaps the strongest opponents on the fixture card, the Rowlands works side from Rugby were never allowed to dominate the Saturday match in which some considerable time was lost through rain.
Paul Bell and Paul Clayton again bowled in the manner to which one has come to expect and only Branston (46) looked at all comfortable at the crease.
The visiting captain declined to declare leaving Wigston much less time to bat with the result that wickets were lost in a chase for runs.
Howard Riley (38) and Paul Dunkley (29) scored with a fair amount of freedom at the required rate and Alec Bradshaw hit some lusty blows. The loss of several wickets saw Wigston fall behind the clock leaving little alternative but to avoid losing the match.
Well merited win (20.7.75)
The Wigston side carried on its good work on Sunday with a well merited win at Great Glen.
Batting first they got away to a steady start enlivened by Rob Dexter’s belligerent knock. Paul Dunkley and Dave Dunkley carried the score along gradually to a point where with wickets in hand, the middle order men could play their shots with gay abandon.
The Glen bowlers, accurate and tidy as ever, were let down rather badly in the field, several catches being grounded.
Paul Bell and Paul Clayton, opening the bowling for Wigston, again performed splendidly, keeping the scoring down to a minimum and Paul Bell’s end result of eight for 20 was well deserved.
Watson, without looking completely at ease, held firm against this attack and R. Smith played some delightful strokes, but Wigston were not to be denied a win with five overs remaining.
Medbourne find no answer to Wigston Second XI attack (20.7.75)
Wigston completed the double over Medbourne at Willow Park without being seriously extended for the visitors found no answer to the bowling of Geoff Dunkley and John Barlow.
All the early Wigston batsmen scored useful runs that suggested a total well in advance of what finally accrued. Graham Brown and Ian Bailey put on 39 for the first wicket in rapid time and Bob Markham stayed until near the end picking up his runs with little concern for the bowling.
Geoff Dunkley and John Barlow each had 14 overs work in which the whole side were bundled out for the lowest total of the season against a Wigston side.
Riley hits a six for final place (21.7.75)
Wigston Town C.C. are through to the final of the Louis Freeman Cup, after an exciting Monday night encounter at the Langtons when Howard Riley hit a magnificent six to win the game.
The Langtons batted first and when they were 63 for no wicket Wigston could sense defeat. But a breakthrough came, and at the end of their allotted 18 overs the home side were 98 for four.
Wigston immediately set about their task, but it was Howard Riley who played a truly splendid innings of 44 not out. And with three balls to spare he hit the six that brought the Wigston score to 103 for five, and ensured a place in the final against Leicester Banks next Tuesday and Wednesday at Kirby Muxloe.
Two wicket away win for Town against Pilgrims (26.7.75)
An intensely exciting encounter this, played on a none too true Barsby wicket. The Pilgrims batting first got away to a splendid start with Langham in fine form against the Wigston Town bowling. His partner Bennett was much more subdued scoring only six runs in the first hour, but together they added 62 for the first wicket, the only real productive stand of the innings.
Bob Riley bowled 13 aggressive overs, picking up four wickets at a cost of only 18 runs.
For Wigston Paul Dunkley and Dave Dunkley batted soundly after three of their colleagues had departed with only 20 on the board and Richard Carter added his contribution in quick time.
Carefully and keeping to the required scoring rate the runs were gathered amidst growing tension and the youngsters Dave Dunkley and Paul Clayton must take a great deal of credit for countering the fine bowling of Jim Reeves in particular, who took seven wickets for 40 runs in a 20 over spell.
There’s no messing with the Dunkley brothers (3.8.75)
Wigston Town enjoyed an overwhelming win over Great Bowden at Magna Road on Sunday thanks to a fine opening stand of 112 by Paul Dunkley and Dave Dunkley, followed later in the game by some inspired bowling from Paul Bell and Paul Clayton.
Having the good fortune to bat first, the Wigston openers were soon under way, scoring neatly all round the wicket against bowlers who visibly wilted in the heat. Both arrived at their half-centuries without many alarms and the stand was finally broken in the only way that seemed possible, a run out.
Hostile bowling, coupled with tidy fielding restricted the visitors to a modest scoring rate and their wickets went down at regular intervals, only two players reaching double figures.
Wigston 2nd XI unlucky not to beat Oadby 2nd XI (3.8.75)
Wigston 2nd XI were a little unlucky not to beat Oadby 2nd XI on Sunday, but all credit to Oadby for holding out for a draw.
Run making on a far from predictable pitch was a hazardous affair for all the batsmen and the home sides total of 113 looked formidable indeed. Chris Sutton batting at No. 10 played perhaps the best innings of the day against bowlers taking full advantage of the conditions.
Oadby, perhaps not surprisingly, made no effort to win, and did well in the end to force a draw with the last pair at the crease. John Barlow and Dave Weedon both bowled well conceding only 44 runs in their combined 32 overs.
Wigston club records tumble in run feast (9.8.75)
Several long standing records went by the board when Wigston Town visited Isham on Saturday where 431 runs were scored for the loss of only two wickets.
Bob Riley’s 178 was the highest score on record and his stand with Paul Dunkley, likewise.
After totalling 214 for the loss of only the opening pair, the home side might well have been satisfied at the tea break when the conversation centred mainly on the 7 sixes and 11 fours plundered by Sanders. Hardy just had enough time to reach a well deserved half-century.
The Wigston pair needed only 26 overs and two balls to pass this total at the rate of over eight runs per over with the vast bulk of the output accruing to Bob Riley. Nine huge sixes and an assortment of strokes bringing 23 other boundaries flowed from his bat whilst Paul Dunkley found it difficult to obtain the strike in his company.
Wigston 2nd XI show club’s strength (9.8.75)
While their seniors were engaged in breaking records, Wigston second eleven quietly emphasised their club’s strength with another win at Aylestone Road.
Batting first, the home side made little progress on a flawless wicket and only in the last twenty minutes batted with any urgency. They were greatly indebted to Riley, whose marathon innings against bowling that rarely strayed in line or length, for their modest total.
By contrast Wigston got off to a cracking rate of scoring and never looked in danger of losing. J.Kirk and John Roberts in a highly competent stand of 60 saw their side home and dry without ever having to take risks.
Wigston 2nd XI home with trophy (10.8.75)
The Wigston side arrived home bearing a sizeable trophy after a well earned cup final victory at Barnack on Sunday.
The home side scored 153 in their allotted 40 overs, thanks mainly to a splendid half-century from Stafford. Geoff Dunkley, suitably enough finished off the innings with an all bowled hat-trick.
A pleasing sight was that of 12 year old Richard Mason bowling with unusual control for one of such tender years. A really bright future must be in the offing here.
Last ball decides winners (13.9.75)
Wigston Town CC played South Leicestershire League champions Earl Shilton on Saturday, and it turned out to be another exciting encounter between these two teams.
Earl Shilton won with the last ball of the match. Wigston made 99 all out, and their opponents reached 100 for the loss of eight wickets.
Thriller at Buckminster (21.9.75)
In a thrilling match at Buckminster, the home side achieved a well earned victory against Wigston Town off the penultimate ball in the gathering gloom.
Wigston’s batsmen made rather heavy going with only Graham Brown of the senior players making double figures. Paul Clayton, the all-rounder, was top scorer with 32, and late in the innings John Hammond took advantage of some rather loose bowling to reach 29 in a total of 112.
Buckminster’s batsmen too, were kept under control and the innings proceeded very much on the same lines, ensuring a nail biting finish of ‘touch and run’ with the last pair at the crease.
Paul Bell with four victims, and Geoff Dunkley with two, were the main wicket takers.
Wigston draw despite big partnership (28.9.75)
A third wicket stand of over 100 by Paul Dunkley and Graham Brown put Wigston Town in a good position against Melton Town at the Wigston British Rail ground on Sunday. In splendid September sunshine Paul Dunkley (50) and Graham Brown (61) helped their side to a good declaring position of 168 for seven wickets.
But Melton weren’t interested and contented themselves playing for the draw, finishing with 65 for three at the close.
