Penn Street vs Widmer End

Penn Street 144-10 (W. Smith 40, C. Russell 25; J. Wyatt 3-17) beat Widmer End 66-10 (R. Shah 17; N. Loftus 4-16, J. Mendy 3-13) by 88 runs

Following two tough early season fixtures against Briton Ferry and Taplow the Penn Street bandwagon rolled into Widmer End. Rain the night before had potentially endangered the game but upon arrival covers were in place to protect the wicket, and following a quick inspection the track looked in decent nick for this early in the season. Apologies were made by the home team for a longish outfield but this can be forgiven as the opposition were having maintenance issues with their mowers. Don’t worry, we know the feeling…..

Following a quick trip to the square to toss, Penn Street chose to bat first with man of the moment Chris Russell who enjoyed his first 50 for the club the week previous and local boy Jack Mendy. Jack didn’t waste any time in getting amongst the boundaries to get PSCC on their way. However Jack fell prematurely, only able to conjure 16. Chris stuck around a little longer to make 25. Not a bad start considering the Widmer End attack were not offering much width on a wicket which was keeping low at times. Mr G entered the fray adding some edgy runs and Steve Exton followed with 22 runs before being caught on the boundary.

All of a sudden Penn Street looked in a bit of trouble until the Fresh Prince himself Will Smith came in to add some stability. He and his namesake Steve bought control and managed to add runs and it was clear Will was in the pursuit of happiness making a unbeaten 40 runs. Great knock Will.

Penn Street finished with 144 having batted through the overs. Nick manged to add 14 runs to the total with help from pups Adam and George. What with the long outfield this seemed a respectable score to defend…

Following a tasty tea in the Widmer End village hall, Penn Street took a cold windswept field. One particular VC who shall remain nameless, found it that cold that he wore a woolly hat to keep him warm. Oli Andrews opened his 2015 account with a fine opening spell, collecting a wicket for efforts, whilst Nick asked questions from the other end taking two wickets with assistance from Steve Exton behind the stumps.

Jack came on 1st change bowling some grippy spin to keep Widmer End guessing and all of a sudden PSCC were in a controlling position. Jack took 3 wickets and with George Michell pitching in with some good pace, wickets were falling and victory looked a distinct possibility. Chris Russell chipped in with a wicket and then Nick came back on to collect another couple of wickets to seal the win, bowling out Widmer for 66.

Penn Street celebrated their first win of the season with drinks back at their temporary home The White Lion, whilst Widmer End finish their new pavilion.

Man of the match: Will Smith for his unbeaten 40.