Miners’ Three Wicket Win (7.5.1967)
Runs were hard to come by on a difficult wicket when Wigston Cricket Club travelled to Coalville to meet the North Leicestershire Miners’ Welfare on Sunday. Both sides found scoring difficult and it was only due to some lusty hitting by Gibson that the Miners reached the total needed for their three wicket win.
Wigston batted first and were soon struggling against tight bowling. Three wickets went down with only 14 runs on the board and it was only some spirited middle-order batting from Jim Colver (31) and Roy Mason (35) that restored Wigston’s position.
The Miners’ Welfare were set 100 to win and their innings followed a similar pattern to Wigston’s with early wickets falling cheaply until Gibson saw the home side to victory with some lofty pulls, and was undefeated on 41 when the Miners reached their target.
Colver And Mason Show The Way (21.5.1967)
Bad weather again played havoc with Wigston Cricket Club’s weekend matches. No play was possible at Uppingham on Saturday, and Sunday’s game at Barrow was abandoned in a torrential downpour.
On a rain-soaked wicket and slow outfield, the Wigston batsman were made to struggle for their runs and the loss of several early batsmen suggested the need for a great deal patience.
This was forthcoming in a stand between Jim Colver and Roy Mason, who played very creditably, taking the score to some sort of respectability.
After Mason left, Bobby Jayes displayed a few competent strokes and Keith Boulter also played soundly.
In the half hour before the heavy rains came Banton also found runs anything but easy to obtain.
Moore’s Knock Gets Wigston Out Of Trouble (3.6.1967)
Although the wicket was considerably faster than of late, a sodden outfield did much to restrict the batsmen’s progress and runs were always difficult to come by in Wigston’s match at the Langtons on Saturday.
Staff and Silvester bowled with considerable accuracy and pinned the Wigston batsmen down to only the occasional forcing shot.
Malcolm Moore batted in a most authoritative manner for Wigston and aided in a solid partnership by Jim Colver, guided Wigston out of early trouble, to a total of 76.
Only Staff and Campbell impressed with the bat for Langtons and they looked capable of thwarting Wigston’s victory attempt while at the wicket.
Roy Mason and Nick May got among the wickets for Wigston however and Langtons were dismissed for 67, ten runs short of their target.
Malcolm Moore and David Hill gave valuable support with the ball and all four Wigston bowlers were rewarded with wickets.
Smith Hat-Trick (3.6.1967)
On Saturday, Wigston 2nd XI were well beaten by 40 runs in their match with Victoria Road Church.
Keith Smith took 7-37 including a hat-trick.
Ivan Clowes top scored with 11.
Sizeable Total (4.6.1967)
On Sunday, Wigston completed a notable weekend with a merited victory by 33 runs at Bardon Hill.
Again, the batsmen performed well on a slow outfield and David Gibbins and Stuart Nash were particularly severe on anything dropped short, their efforts building up a sizeable total.
Brian Carter and the tail-ender Keith Smith also helped the total, with bright knocks.
The Bardon Hill batsmen struggled against accurate bowling from David Hill and Keith Smith, and their total of 75 was reached after a most determined innings from Lincoln.
Wigston’s Fielding Errors (10.6.1967)
Poor fielding let down Wigston when they were beaten by Lutterworth Town 2nds for the first time in 10 years, last Saturday.
Lutterworth had first knock and Gamble, after surviving an uncertain start aided Barton-Harvey in a partnership which contributed 90.
The last Lutterworth pair added a further 20, and there were a number of fielding errors to help Lutterworth, apart from a magnificent catch by Stuart Nash that got rid of Gamble for 53.
David Gibbins did much towards helping Wigston reach their target, but only Roy Mason and Richard Carter rendered support and the rest of the Wigston batting slumped alarmingly, as Lutterworth got home by 34 runs.
Openers Inspire Last Over Win (17.6.1967)
Wigston gained an exciting four wicket win against New Lount Colliery after being set to score 136 runs for victory in 110 minutes, and reaching their target in the last over of the game.
Opening batsmen Brian Carter and David Gibbins gave Wigston a good start as they started their quest for the runs, after the Colliery had declared at 135-9, Harper making 49 and David Hill and Roy Mason causing most damage in the Wigston attack.
Once Carter and Gibbins had been parted, however, after an opening partnership that realised 81 runs in 80 minutes, Wigston lost quick wickets as the batsmen played rash shots in attempting to go for quick runs.
Bob Markham and Nick May stopped the rout and, playing with a great deal of care and common sense, added the 31 required for victory.
Wigston 2nd XI Beaten (17.6.1967)
Wigston 2nd XI were beaten by Kirby Muxloe 2nd XI, by 16 runs.
After Kirby Muxloe had declared at 132-8, West making 30 and John Barron taking 5-44, Wigston were bowled out for 116, A. Simpson (30) top scoring.
Wigston’s Weekend Was Washed Out (24.6.1967)
Wigston spent a frustrating weekend attempting to play as much cricket as possible between the showers.
On Saturday the First XI visited Buckminster where the home side batted first and totalled 69-1 before rain stopped play.
Death was undefeated five short of his half-century and David Hill had taken the only wicket at a personal cost of 12 runs.
Only Half An Hour’s Play Possible (25.6.1967)
Sunday was a similar tale, this time only half an hour’s play being possible at Grantham where Wigston travelled to meet Belton Park.
During this period however, the Wigston bowlers began to get on top so that when play ended, Belton Park were 18-3 and Nick May had claimed two wickets for six runs and Geoff Dunkley 1-5.
So far this season Wigston have been able to complete only eight of their 17 games.
‘Derby’ Match Ends In Tie (2.7.1967)
There was a sensational finish to the local “derby” clash between Wigston and Oadby at Willow Park on Sunday with the match finishing in a tie.
Wigston won the toss and batted and added 23 runs for the first wicket before Kirk bowled David Gibbins.
Wigston slid to 29-3 but Brian Carter found useful partners in Roy Mason and Richard Carter reached the respectable total of 137.
Brian Carter making 49 and Kirk and Commons sharing the wickets.
Bowyer and Bull added 52 for the first wicket when Oadby batted and then Wigston got right back in the game through fine bowling from Nick May and Roy Mason that wrecked the Oadby middle-order.
Sixteen-year-old Beauchamp schoolboy Peter Steele stood solid, however, although Oadby tottered to 104-9. Then the youngster found a partner in last man Tory and gradually the Oadby score neared Wigston’s.
But with the scores level, Steele was bowled by Nick May and the match ended in an exciting tie.
Markham’s Fine Innings (8.7.1967)
A fine innings by opener Bob Markham was the outstanding feature in Wigston’s 26 run win against Hallaton. Together with Ivan Clowes, Markham put on 41 for the first wicket and there was some steady batting by the whole team resulting in a total of 146-8 declared.
Hallaton rarely looked capable of passing this figure despite some smart batting by Bromwich (30) and Samson (21).
John Roberts finished with 4-22 and Nick May took 2-21 as Hallaton were bowled out for 120.
Wigston Let Down By Batting (9.7.1967)
Wigston were let down by some poor batting despite a solid opening in their game against the North Leicestershire Miners’ Welfare.
After reaching 70 for the loss of two wickets, Wigston were able to muster only 33 more runs against an all spin attack.
Brian Carter top scorer with 23 and Derek Young gave steady support with 21.
Though the Miners lost both openers while only 12 were scored, Bates and Brewin came together in an unbroken stand of 92 and Wigston’s total was passed for the loss of only two wickets.
Wigston Wilt In The Heat (15.7.1967)
After comfortable victories in recent years, it came as something of a surprise when Wigston were beaten by Symington’s, the Market Harborough side at Willow Park last Saturday.
Nick May and David Hill helped bowl out Symington’s for only 93, but Wigston struggled hard for runs and were beaten by 21 runs.
Only Nick May and David Gibbins of the home batsmen played with any conviction and Wigston slumped to 36-7, before May was involved in some stands with the latter batsmen.
With Derek Young as his partner, May added 14 in a dour stand but the ninth wicket fell with 45 runs still needed for victory.
The last pair stayed together for half an hour but were unable to hold out and May was bowled for a well made 30.
Wigston 2nd XI’s First Win Of The Season (15.7.1967)
Wigston 2nd XI gained their first win of the season over their local rivals, Oadby 2nd’s.
Batting first, Vic Hardy took command of the bowling and steadied the side after several early losses.
Len Phillips and A. Payne also batted soundly adding 38 for the sixth wicket and putting Wigston in a strong position.
The Oadby batsmen were never quite able to cope with the pace of Brian Hyde and A. Payne and wickets fell at regular intervals.
Philpott alone looked capable of winning the game for Oadby but when he left the scene, all hopes faded.
Highest Total (16.7.1967)
Wigston suffered a most comprehensive defeat on Ufford Park’s tree-lined ground on Sunday when facing the highest score ever recorded against them.
Rawlings and Ivett soon got under way against some rather ineffectual bowling in the sweltering heat.
After the opening stand had been broken Goodband arrived at the crease and quickly collected boundaries from both ends, but the onslaught did not really start until Mason and Franks shared a stand of 71 after the total had reached 130. This pair hit five sixes and 12 fours between them and the Wigston attack visibly wilted under this harsh treatment.
For Wigston, Derek Young, David Gibbins and Jim Colver batted soundly but rarely with the confidence of their opponents and with the rest of the batting somewhat below par, the game was lost with 15 minutes to spare.
Wigston Fall To Greathead (22.7.1967)
Batting first on a easy paced wicket against Leicester Casuals on Saturday, Wigston lost their first three batsmen, all of whom played on to their wickets when facing the bowling of Greathead.
A marathon innings by Jim Colver helped steady the innings, and while he kept one end intact Richard Carter hit a bright 25 at the other.
After Colver had been dismissed for 32, Roy Mason, Derek Young and Brian Carter batted spiritedly to boost the score to 126.
Greathead finished with the excellent figures of 9-58, and he completed a fine day’s cricket by scoring an unbeaten 57 in helping Casuals to a six wickets victory.
Wigston 2nd XI Recover From Disastrous Start (22.7.1967)
Wigston 2nd’s made a disastrous start to their innings against Kibworth 2nd’s losing seven wickets with only 27 runs to show.
Then skipper Len Phillips, coming in at number 8 proceeded to attack the hitherto tight bowling and quickly restored the balance with an unbeaten 44.
Given valuable support by Ernie Lewis and later by John Roberts who played most attractively, the total was raised to what at one time would have seemed a most unlikely total of 110.
The Kibworth batsmen showed little relish for the quick bowling of Geoff Dunkley and John Barron, who ran through their ranks with the utmost ease.
Wigston Win By Three Wickets (23.7.1967)
Wigston loaned three players to make up the Buckminster side on Sunday and they contributed more than half of the visitors’ total.
After good work by Jim Colver (16), who took an hour to get into double figures, Cawthorne (26), Exton (15) and Bobby Jayes (26), Buckminster collapsed and were all out for 104. Nick May taking 6-28.
Brian Carter started soundly for Wigston and with Malcolm Moore also in good form, it looked as if the match would soon be over when 40 was reached for the loss of one wicket.
Then the game swung dramatically Buckminster’s way when six wickets fell for the addition of only 20 runs.
Only Moore stood firm amid the chaos and he found an able partner in Malcolm Boulter. This pair saw Wigston home by three wickets, Moore scoring 59 and Boulter 13.
Wigston 2nd XI Match Abandoned (29.7.1967)
Wigston 2nd’s game with Kirby Muxloe 2nd XI was ruined by rain with Wigston 76-6 when the match was abandoned.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Wigston quickly lost a wicket when George Thirlby played an injudicious stroke at his first ball.
Vic Hardy and Ernie Lewis in an enterprising stand, restored the situation and put up the half century. The middle order men failed to capitalise on their good work, however, Mileham removing four batsmen in a matter of 12 balls.
Coming together for the seventh wicket, Michael Steptoe and Michael Dixey played soundly and were steadily building up the score when heavy rain put an end to the proceedings.
Weak Wigston Well Beaten (30.7.1967)
The weakened Wigston side were easily beaten on Sunday when they lost by eight wickets to Blaby. Batting first Wigston were bowled out for 102 with Derek Young making 28.
But this hardly looked a big enough total on Blaby’s small ground and the home side had little difficulty in knocking off the runs for the loss of only two wickets, with Shepherd and to a lesser extent Smith having few worries against the Wigston bowling.
Close Finish In Low Scoring Match (13.8.1967)
The 51 runs scored by Great Bowden on a sodden wicket on Sunday looked formidable indeed when Wigston went out to bat. The pace bowling of Patrick and Funnell was a model of hostility and accuracy under the difficult conditions that prevailed after tea.
Funnell removed the two openers before the tea interval with a meagre two runs on the board.
In a lengthy stand with Jim Colver, Barry Clarke relieved the tension a little with a couple of boundaries but left shortly afterwards.
Four more quick wickets were lost for the addition of only nine runs when Nick May joined Malcolm Moore at the crease and these two won the game for Wigston after a long dour stand of 16 overs. The gritty determination of May and the sound technique of Moore were enough to see the visitors home.
Watchful Moore Wigston Hero (20.8.1967)
Wigston won the toss against Duddington & Tixover C.C., and decided after much deliberation, to bat on a wicket that was very soft in patches and on which, the scoring of runs was obviously going to be a hazardous proposition.
The difficulty was emphasised when three early batsmen departed the scene with only five runs on the board.
The patient and ever watchful Malcolm Moore joined Brian Carter at the crease and these two alone were responsible for what on this pitch looked like, and proved to be, a winning total.
The home team’s batsmen in their turn were also baffled by the oddities produced from the wicket and had no one able to deal effectively with the ball that shot or kept low.
Eleven overs by Geoff Dunkley and Nick May were sufficient to have them back in the pavilion for a meagre 27 runs.
Fitting Result (26.8.1967)
In the first encounter between Wigston C.C. And Fison’s (Loughborough), play was fairly even and a keenly contested draw was a fitting result.
Wigston Spin To Victory (3.9.1967)
Wigston Cricket Club gained a narrow victory when they visited Dunton Bassett last weekend. Accurate slow bowling on a wicket affected by the early morning rain destroyed Dunton Bassett after they had reached 57-2.
Malcolm Moore and Keith Smith were the main wreckers and in the space of only 11 overs ran through the remainder of the home batsmen, Moore taking 5-5 and Smith 2-13.
Wigston struggled to reach their target but Nick May stood firm among the later batsmen to see his side to a two wicket victory.
Hill, May Shatter Kirby (10.9.1967)
Excellent bowling by David Hill and Nick May had Kirby Muxloe all out for a meagre 63 runs, a total which Wigston passed for the loss of only four wickets at Kirby.
After losing six wickets for 22, Kirby were never in a position to dictate play, though Sparks and Bright, for a time, raised their hopes.
A fine innings by Brian Carter ensured an easy win for the visitors.
Gibbins Among The Runs (16.9.1967)
Wigston Cricket Club gained an impressive weekend double last week.
On Saturday they defeated Holwell Works after taking first knock and compiling 140-7 declared.
David Gibbins and Richard Carter were mainly responsible for this total, the former making 54.
When Holwell batted they failed badly against the accurate bowling of David Hill and Nick May, and were all out for 82.
Poor Pitch For Cricket (17.9.1967)
The following day Wigston totalled 125-7 against Old Millhillians with David Gibbins hitting his second half century of the weekend.
The pitch was in poor condition and when the Old Boys batted they could never cope with the bowling of Derek Young and Roy Mason and were all out for 32.
