Decisive Win For Wigston (29.4.1968)
Rain caused the cancellation of Wigston Cricket Club’s first team matches and so interest was centred on the second string’s match against Oadby seconds.
Result was a decisive victory for Wigston. Roy Mason scored 28 of Wigston’s 57 total and then Geoff Dunkley collected 6-9 and John Barron 2-3 as Oadby were shot out for 17.
Oadby Complete Weekend Double (4.5.1968)
Oadby Cricket Club gained a convincing eight wickets win in their big local derby game with Wigston at Uplands Road last Saturday.
Set to score 146 for victory, Oadby reached their target for the loss of only two wickets, Bowyer leading the way with an unbeaten 67.
Oadby met with early successes when Wigston batted first, Armitage and Leavesley achieving the breakthrough although Bob Markham went on to hit 30 for Wigston.
The real resistance came from Ernie Lewis who halted the slump with an unbeaten 48.
Leavesley wiped out the Wigston tail by clean bowling the last three batsmen and the visitors were all out for 145 – a good total after at one stage being 60-5.
When Oadby batted, Wigston’s attack never looked capable of preventing victory, and inspired by a splendid innings from Bowyer and good support from Wells, Steele and Armitage, Oadby reached their target with eight wickets to spare.
Carter Pulls Wigston Out Of Danger (5.5.1968)
Wigston’s game against the North Leicestershire Miners’ Welfare petered out to a tame draw on a rain soaked wicket with both sides finding run making a difficult art.
The Coalville side, batting first, reached 98, slow going against an accurate Wigston pace attack.
All the Wigston bowlers took wickets, Geoff Dunkley and John Roberts claiming three each.
Facing what appeared to be a moderate total Wigston suffered an early loss when Bob Markham went in the first over, but a fine innings by Brian Carter pulled Wigston round and at the close of play, Wigston needed 16 runs for victory with four wickets remaining.
Low Scoring Game (11.5.1968)
Wigston 2nds beat Walton & Kimcote in a low scoring game.
Wigston batted first and were bowled out for 42.
The home side struggled all the way and could total only 19.
Wigston’s Narrow Victory (12.5.1968)
Rain once again played havoc with Wigston Cricket Club’s fixture list at the weekend and it was only possible to play one match – against New Lount Colliery.
Wigston gained a narrow victory, their seventh in succession over the Colliers, on a pudding-like surface. The ball tended to keep low and good techniques and an abundance of patience were required to overcome the conditions. Unfortunately these assets were seldom displayed.
Carter Stars In Weekend Double (18.5.1968)
Wigston C.C. Completed a highly successful weekend’s cricket when they added a six wicket win at Barrow on Sunday to their success by almost 100 runs against Braunstone the previous day.
In both games, Wigston adapted themselves far better than their opponents to the wet and difficult conditions.
In Saturday’s match at Lutterworth Road, the wicket was so badly affected by rain that both sides would have settled for 50 runs before the start.
Wigston’s final total of 136 was a noteworthy effort although two men were almost entirely responsible.
Brian Carter hit a superb half century without giving a chance and with Doug Moore added 65 for the third wicket, Moore making 31.
Braunstone Cricketers never looked capable of reaching the required total and they were dismissed for 37, wickets being shared by John Barron, David Hill and Keith Smith.
Wigston Home After Early Shocks (19.5.1968)
Barrow Were the side to struggle for runs on Sunday and after taking first knock were bowled out for 51 by Wigston’s accurate and varied attack.
Wigston suffered a couple of early shocks but Brian Carter steered the side home with help from D. Sanders whose innings of 21 included some lusty strokes.
Oadby Canter To Ten Wickets Win (4.6.1968)
Wigston Crack In Cup Game
Pathetic batting by Wigston enabled Oadby Cricket Club to take a 10 wickets win in their Everard Cup game at Wigston. The home side, batting first could muster only 23 runs against Oadby’s tight attack and when Oadby replied, the runs were knocked off without loss.
There was not a boundary hit in Wigston’s innings. Opening bat Bob Markham was top scorer with seven, while Armitage and Leavesley sharing the bowling for Oadby, claimed the wickets.
Armitage’s five wickets cost him only eight runs, while Leavesley claimed 3-15.
Vic Wells made sure that there would be no upsets when Oadby batted, making 17, while Pounds collected the remaining runs to guide Oadby comfortably home.
Struggle For Survival (8.6.1968)
After scoring two convincing victories over Langtons and Bardon Hill the previous week, it was something of a shock to find the Wigston batsmen struggling for survival on their Willow Park ground against new opponents Rugby Oakfield last Saturday.
Batting first, the Rugby side lost wickets quickly on a pitch drying uncertainly.
They were rescued by some big hitting by their later batsmen who found the gaps in the Wigston field and helped to compile a sizeable total of 148-6 before the declaration came.
Wigston lost both openers without scoring to some hostile bowling. Doug Moore saved the situation, batting sensibly but punishing the bad balls when they came.
Ernie Lewis also played soundly, but after the departures of these two, Wigston went on to the defensive to force a draw.
Satisfactory Match For Wigston (9.6.1968)
Sunday’s match at Groby Road against Dunlop P.E.D. was far more satisfactory for Wigston.
The home side were shot out for 87 in good batting conditions. Geoff Dunkley claiming 5-25.
Jim Colver and David Gibbins gave Wigston a sound start when they began their reply, with Colver in particular laying the foundations of victory with a good knock.
Brian Carter’s stroke play kept the score moving and when he left, only 20 more runs were needed, Roy Mason and Bob Markham obtaining these without much bother.
Wigston’s Cup Defeat (12.6.1968)
The strong Clarendon Park side gained a comfortable victory over Wigston in the first round of the Wigston Cup competition.
Batting first, Clarendon Park reached 85-6 on their 16 overs, Letts top scoring with 27 and Lee making 21.
Nick May was Wigston’s most successful bowler taking 3-41, although with a little more luck he could have had even better figures.
Wigston made a poor start in their reply and could never recover from a devastating spell of bowling by Bob Barker, who claimed the first six wickets at a cost of just three runs.
Stubborn batting by tail-Enders Jim Colver and Nick May took the score to 23-9, with Barker finishing with figures of 6-7 and A. Phillips 3-8.
Surprise Defeat For Wigston CC (15.6.1968)
Following seven successive wins over the Miners, Wigston’s defeat by New Lount Colliery was a surprise.
Wigston hit up 79 when they batted first in humid conditions, the Miners replying with 80-2 to win by eight wickets.
The Colliers opening bowlers made early inroads into the Wigston batting, by using the humid conditions. David Gibbins, Brian Carter and Ernie Lewis all left with the total only just in double figures and it was left to Roy Mason to rescue Wigston from a complete collapse.
Later in the order, Richard Carter played soundly, as did Geoff Dunkley but the total never looked like being enough to ensure victory.
New Lount’s innings, by comparison, was a far more positive affair. Harper and Hodges scored runs off all the bad deliveries and Wigston’s total was passed in 17 overs.
Draw For Wigston 2nd XI (15.6.1968)
Wigston 2nd XI had the better of the game with Norton & Gaulby, although the match ended in a draw.
After losing two early wickets, Wigston’s innings took on a more stable look and with good knocks by David Pinnock, Keith Boulter and George Thirlby, Wigston were able to declare at 135-9.
Opening bat Clawson dominated the Norton & Gaulby innings and his 53 was the highlight of the game.
Wigston strived for the final breakthrough but Norton & Gaulby held out with two wickets standing.
Wigston Slump In Low Scoring Clash (23.6.1968)
With Saturday’s attractive fixture at Buckminster rained off, interest for Wigston C.C.’s followers centred on the Sunday game against Belton Park. The game ended in defeat for Wigston, by 14 runs after a rather tedious, drawn out game on a damp wicket surrounded by a slow outfield.
Belton batted first and needed 16 overs to reach double figures, for the loss of four wickets. McCartney and Wyles showed a little more aggression against Wigston’s tiring opening pair David Hill and Nick May, but once Geoff Dunkley and Roy Mason were introduced to the attack, the scoring rate dropped.
Dunkley conceded only 15 runs in a spell of 14 overs during which he took the wickets of McCartney and Wyles, who were the only home batsmen who looked like making reasonable scores.
Belton batted on after tea and were finally dismissed for 70 made in 50 overs.
Dunkley finished with 4-15, Hill and May claiming three wickets each.
Wigston’s task seemed a formality but they lost both openers cheaply. David Gibbins lost his middle stump after attempting to drive, and Jim Colver was caught while leg glancing.
Brian Carter and Bob Markham improved the situation somewhat but wickets fell regularly following their departures and despite some useful hitting by Richard Carter and Geoff Dunkley, Wigston were bowled out for 65.
Best Win Of The Season (29.6.1968)
On Saturday Wigston pulled off their best win of the season against Great Bowden at Willow Park.
Put in to bat, Wigston made a good start, Jim Colver and Vic Hardy adding 55 for the first wicket.
Doug Moore helped matters along once the opening pair had been parted, while Brian Carter and Richard Carter increased the run rate with some firm hitting, enabling Wigstom to declare at the formidable total of 180-4.
Great Bowden were caught on a drying track which Nick May and Geoff Dunkley took full use of dismissing the visitors for 31.
Wigston Hold Out (30.6.1968)
Wigston Cricket Club managed to hold on for a draw in their local clash with Oadby at Willow Park on Sunday. Chasing 119 runs for victory, Wigston were 100-9 when stumps were drawn.
Oadby batted first and lost early wickets, slumping to 21-4 against some hostile but at times wayward bowling.
Pounds came to Oadby’s rescue with a superb innings, defending fairly easily but pushing the score along with firm shots all round the wicket.
Aided by stiffer resistance by the lower order batsmen, Pounds guided Oadby past the three figure mark and was 68 not out when tea was taken and the declaration made.
Confronted by a hostile field, the Wigston batsmen became bogged down against the quick bowling of Leavesley and the spin of Kirk.
Derek Young and David Gibbins looked as though they might have taken Wigston near the Oadby total, but both fell with the total in the fifties.
Bobby Jayes batted brightly to raise Wigston’s hopes but he became one of Kirk’s six victims and once he had left, Keith Smith and Nick Mays played sensibly settling for a draw.
Both men fell before the end but Wigston managed to hold out for a draw.
A Fine Innings By Nash Failed To Save Wigston (6.7.1968)
Wigston CC, at home, performed rather better than the score suggests in their match with Buckminster CC.
After losing Vic Hardy and Doung Moore cheaply, Wigston were able to consolidate against an accurate pace attack with a dour stand by Jim Colver and Stuart Nash.
After becoming well established Nash proceeded to flay the bowling and in company with Brian Carter put Wigston in a good position at 64-3.
At this point wickets tumbled quickly and at 76-8 the advantage had been lost. Bob Markham and Geoff Dunkley partially restored the situation, but 106 runs on this wicket looked barely enough.
Nick May and Geoff Dunkley in a well controlled opening spell of bowling were unfortunate in not being able to claim early Buckminster wickets for they bowled with hostility and tidiness.
Eventually Dunkley got one through Death’s defensive bat, but they had to wait until the score reached 61 before the second wicket fell.
Steadman eventually saw his side home after Wild was bowled hitting out at the off-spin of Richard Carter.
Exciting Match (6.7.1968)
Wigston’s 2nd XI match at Hallaton was an exciting affair, for until the home team’s number eleven arrived at the crease, the visitors looked all set for a marginal victory.
Several players batted with assurance, none better than the youthful Paul Dunkley whose progress in his first season promises well for the club.
Match Abandoned At Tea (7.7.1968)
Wigston on Sunday totalled 106 against North Leicestershire Miners’ Welfare in a game that was abandoned before the colliers had a chance to reply.
Oadby 2nds Pull Off Fine Win Against Wigston (13.7.1968)
Oadby 2nd XI entertained Wigston 2nd XI last Saturday at Uplands Road and the visitors batting first, lost half their wickets with only 27 runs on the board.
This figure was doubled in a stand between Brian Carter and Roy Mason who, with Frank Harris, were the only batsmen to reach double figures.
Of the four bowlers used, Bizley came off best with four wickets for nine runs, a just reward for keeping a perfect length on a wicket that gave him little help.
In an exciting finish, Oadby managed to pull off a win with their last pair at the crease, despite some lively bowling by Roy Mason, who took six wickets for 27 runs.
For Oadby, Philpott batted with a nice blend of defensive and aggressive strokes.
Exciting Finish In Wigston Benevolent Cup Final (18.7.1968)
Wigston gained ample revenge for last season’s defeat by Carlton Hayes in the final of the South Wigston Benevolent Cup when scoring a four wickets victory.
Replying to the Hospital’s score of 61, Wigston met with an early setback when Vic Hardy was adjudged lbw.
David Gibbins and Brian Carter then improved matters scoring steadily against tight bowling on a wicket providing a variety of bounce.
The partnership of Gibbins and Derek Young saw the run rate increase and Wigston’s task looked decidedly easy and so it proved until the scores were level.
Four wickets were lost before the winning hit was achieved, thus providing the tension so often evident in cricket cup finals.
The trophy and replicas were presented by the chairman of the Wigston council, Dr. Reynolds.
Five Runs Off Victory Before Wicket Fell (21.7.1968)
In the first meeting at Willow Park between the two teams, Wigston defeated Heather Sparkenhoe fairly easily on a very damp wicket.
Batting first Heather were quickly under way and had added 27 runs before the first wicket fell. Following this first success, Wigston had to wait a further 40 minutes before another wicket fell, during which time Shaw and Bradford threatened a big score.
With the total at 56 Bradford was bowled by Derek Young and this was the turning point of the innings for the same bowler removed the middle order men at little cost.
David Hill, too, bowled well on a wicket giving little help and the pair conceded only 52 runs in 32 overs taking nine wickets in the process.
Wigston’s innings was a more forthright affair, with Vic Hardy and David Gibbins defending well against the awkward balls and hitting firmly anything even slightly wayward.
Thus they progressed to within five runs of the target when Gibbins was bowled for an excellent 36.
Hardy finished with 45 not out, his best of the season.
Wigston In Another Exciting Finish (27.7.1968)
Wigston made a steady start on a placid wicket against accurate though never hostile bowling in their match against Symingtons at Market Harborough on Saturday.
Losing Jim Colver with the score at 17, Bob Markham, in company with Brian Carter, steadily quickened the scoring rate until Wigston was in a good position for a big total.
Smallbones had other views, however, containing the middle order batsmen to a more modest rate and bowling Carter for 46.
Carrying on after an early tea with the score at 91 for four, Wigston were now in need of some quick runs, but the bowlers were giving nothing away, and took four more wickets while the visitors added only 37 to the total.
Of the later batsmen, Michael Steptoe took the eye with some fluent cover drives, an indication that this youngster is developing into a highly competent player.
With the score at 128 for eight wickets, Wigston declared.
The home team’s reply at the start was not too convincing, David Hill claiming three quick wickets before Randall and Ward arrived on the scene to put on 50 runs and so put their side back into the game.
Given the benefit of several “lives”, Randall was eventually taken at the wicket by Michael Steptoe.
At that point Symingtons were only a little behind the clock and the lower order batsmen, scenting a win, hit out, and as time was called, the home team was only seven runs short.
Roy Mason “Hat-Trick” (28.7.1968)
Winning the toss at Blaby on Sunday, Wigston were soon under way with David Gibbins forcing the pace against steady bowling by Shepherd and Campbell.
In the early twenties Wigston lost Vic Hardy and the prolific scoring Brian Carter, but fortunes were restored in a good stand between Gibbins and Roy Mason.
Given rather more time to get the necessary runs for victory, Blaby were rarely in the hunt, despite a hard-hit 28 by Johnson.
A feature of the match was a “hat-trick” by Roy Mason- 3 for 10-who gave Wigston a slender chance of victory.
Wigston Make Light Work (3.8.1968)
Playing at Medbourne on Saturday Wigston bowlers Derek Young and Nick May got among the wickets and with the help of Roy Mason and Frank Harris skittles the home team for 35 runs.
Clarke, who was the only Medbourne batsman to put up any resistance, was, unfortunately run out with 11 to his credit. His was the only double figure score.
Young finished with five wickets for 12 runs and May three for nine.
In reply Wigston made light work of Medbourne’s score and were soon 36 runs up for the loss of one wicket.
Bob Markham finished with 26 not out to his credit.
Wigston Pull Off Fine Weekend Double (4.8.1968)
Wigston continued their winning ways on Sunday with an eight wickets victory over Kirby Muxloe at home and thus completing a weekend double.
Taking first knock Kirby Muxloe were soon in trouble, losing Ball and Roberts before reaching double figures.
Bowling with a fair amount of pace and certainly with accuracy, Nick May and Derek Young were in no charitable mood and their labours were magnificently backed up in the field.
Roy Mason in two overs at the end during which he took 3 wickets for 5 runs removed all hopes of a batting revival.
With the Wigston innings being played in gloomy light, Kirby appeared to still be in with a chance, but the sound batting of Brian Carter and David Gibbins carried the day despite the rain and sombre light.
David Gibbins was 27 not out and Brian Carter 20 not out when the visitors total was passed for the loss of only two wickets.
Comfortable Victory (24.8.1968)
Wigston gained a comfortable victory over Clarendon Nomads at Willow Park on Saturday.
The visitors batted first, and made 125, of which 64 came from the bat of opener Morris.
Wigston lost both their openers with only two runs on the board, but Malcolm Moore, 51 not out, and Brian Carter, 41 not out, helped them to a seven wickets win.
Wigston’s Dramatic Victory (31.8.1968)
Wigston Cricket Club scored a dramatic victory over Thurnby and Stoughton at Willow Park on Saturday. The visitors, after dismissing Wigston for 91, reached 89-6 but then collapsed in startling fashion, losing their last four wickets without adding to that total.
Malcolm Moore, Brian Carter and Roy Mason improved Wigston’s position appreciably after the first three batsmen had gone cheaply, scoring 15, 14 and 15 respectively.
And lively knocks by No. 9 Nick May (11) and No. 10 John Roberts, who was unbeaten with 10 at the close of the innings, gave the innings what proved to be a invaluable late boost.
Wilfred was the most successful bowler, taking 5-23.
Thurnby and Stoughton made a useful start, both of their openers reaching double figures, and their No. 5, P. Larkins, featured in a fine knock of 31 which seemed to have assured them of victory. But then came the drama.
Derek Young did most of the damage for Wigston, finishing with figures of 5-16.
Moore In Form For Wigston (7.9.1968)
Wigston Cricket Club visited Fisons (Loughborough) on Saturday and gained a convincing victory with 30 minutes to spare.
Given the benefit of a steady start on a damp wicket, Wigston, after an hour, were in a strong position to launch an all-out attack on Fisons’ bowling.
This was carried out by Doug Moore, who hit 89 including one six and 14 fours, and Brian Carter, who gave solid support with 20 not out.
Wigston were able to declare at 169-6.
The home team’s batting was brittle by contrast and they were soon in trouble against the fast bowling of Nick May and David Hill, who had the first six batsmen dismissed for 40 runs.
The slower bowlers completed the match by taking the tail-enders and Fisons were all out for 60.
Nick May finished with 5-15.
