The Stonor ground was in wonderful condition when they hosted Berkhamstead-based Coopers on Saturday. The visitors were invited to bat first on a firm,
dry wicket and made a good start before D Bennett was well beaten by an ace delivery from veteran Neil Brown. Thereafter, despite good sharp spells from
John Powell and Andy Pennell, it was Stonor’s own King of Spin, Dan Fennell, who dominated the attack. The Coopers batsmen all made a start, notably
J. Lunn who eventually fell for 32, but runs were never allowed to flow by tight bowling and keen fielding. Fennell kept the pressure on and when the
opposition skipper, Kirk Dormer, tried to break free, a typically athletic diving catch from Fennell senior, gave him his fourth wicket. Time was running out
when Sells chose valour over discretion, and, with the score on 138 for 7, the innings was closed, Fennell having earned his “five for”.
The total looked in easy reach when the reply began, but Oleinik went early to a catch off Sells, and just as Nicholson and Fennell senior were taking
control, the Stonor skipper fell LBW to Dave Arnold. The ever reliable Jez Mayo began to rebuild and things were looking good for Stonor when Nicholson
was well caught on the boundary by Campbell. A minor panic occurred in the home dressing room when Powell and Slade went cheaply, but Mayo and Allsop
had the experience to see Stonor through to victory with overs in hand. Another fine fifty for Mayo, and a good win for Stonor.
How Out
Bowler
Total
Fours
Sixes
Extras
TOTAL
for 7 wickets
Bowlers
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
Average
How Out
Bowler
Total
Fours
Sixes
Extras
TOTAL
for 5 wickets
Bowlers
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
Average