Barry Wanderers 2nd XI vs Great Western 2nd XI

The Wanderers traveled to Newbridge Playing Fields in Bridgend to take on Great Western in another crucial league fixture.

Having lost their only away fixture so far it was important that the Wanderers put on a good performance to show their promotion rivals that they meant business. Skipper Ellis won a useful toss and elected to bat aiming to put as many runs on the board as possible.

The wicket was low and slow and openers Smith and Whiting made a cautious start against the Great Western opening attack of Cross and Williams. Smith looked to play his shots but was unable to fully time the ball. Whiting moved comfortably to 18 before hitting the ball tamely to cover. From a solid start came a mini collapse with both Swannicks departing quickly. Skipper Ellis tried to inject some impetus into the innings but when he departed holing out softly to cover and Smith departing for 42 the omens did not look good. However, not for the 1 st time this season the Wanderers rallied and the late middle order of Offer, George and Barnes added 81 runs off the last 15 overs to set a respectable total of 164 for 6 off their 45 overs with Barnes and Offer ending unbeaten on 29 and 35 respectively.

The Wanderers bowling attack came to the party with Morgan and Patel bowling exceptionally well. A special mention must go to Patel who sent the first three batsmen back to the pavilion in spectacular fashion, bamboozling them with his late inswing. Morgan then took the important wicket of Williams who fought a lone rearguard scoring 24. This brought about a Great Western collapse as Tony Swannick and Mike Ashton took 4 wickets in next to no time. The Wanderers bowled out Great Western for 69 to take another 25 points and move to the top of the league. Another great team performance with everyone contributing and the Wanderers now move on to play Pencoed in what will be a hard fought battle and could signal whether the Wanderers are genuine promotion contenders.

Thanks also to Elwyn Toozer who is currently out injured but traveled with the team and not only gave his support but scored the book.

Barry Wanderers 2nd XI vs Great Western 2nd XI Summary