After back to back wins on the road, the 3’s returned to their home of Whitecliff. Poor conditions graced the fields of Whitecliff park before the game, however with conditions forecasted to improve the game went ahead.
With a damp pitch Wimborne’s captain elected to insert the 3’s to bat, without a couple of key batsmen’s this week the 3’s looked to Pilley and Sansom to get them off to a good start. Facing the first ball of the game Pilley smashed a loosener through square leg to set the tone for the innings and a solid opening partnership, lead by Pilley as they put 70 on for the first wicket. Pocknell then joined Sansom at the crease and continued a positive approach, a four hit off the last ball before drinks taking the 3's to 100/1 at the interval. This was the same score the 3’s had against Shaftesbury, could they kick on and achieve a similar score?
Sansom and Pocknell continued to pile on the runs after the drinks interval, Sansom bringing up his 50 off 69 deliveries. With plenty of wickets in hand Sansom took charge of scoring, unfortunately a straight drive went straight back to the bowler who guided the ball onto the stumps to remove Pocknell. Winwood then joined Sansom at the crease to keep the runs following, Sansom brought up his maiden ton with another superbly timed four. Eventually he was caught by one of Wimborne’s youngsters with an excellent grab at deep mid on, finishing on a personal best of 120 off 108 deliveries. Winwood carried on to get his maiden 50 in the last over! Finally a small milestone was achieved for Thompson as he ended his run of ducks with 0 not out, he only had to face the last ball of the innings which he played and missed the ball completely!
For tea it must be mentioned that some incredible angel cakes were provided by Mrs Winwood, many thanks for the pleasure!
Once tea was absolutely destroyed by both teams the 3’s headed out, the aim was not to lose the game. Thankfully the bowlers did their jobs, Brindley and Wrigley tore through Wimborne’s batting line up taking the first 5 wickets between them in their opening spell. Beagley and Edwards followed and took 2 wickets each as Wimborne struggled against the 3’s seam attack, this left the last wicket up for grabs between former captain Thompson and current captain Pocknell. Thankfully Thompson got the wicket in his 2nd over otherwise the game would have lasted longer than it should have, let’s hope Pocknell leaves his bowling there for the rest of the season.
Credit to Wimborne who sent out all of their youngsters to bat first, they all did themselves proud coming out with a positive attitude!
Another perfect 20 point performance from the 3’s as they extend their lead at the top of the table by a couple points, next week is the 3’s week off so the boys can recharge their batteries ahead of two tough games against Symene and Marnhull.
Poole Town 3’s - 282/3 (40)
Sansom 120
Winwood 51*
Thompson 0*
Wimborne & Colehill 4’s - 41 ao (21.2)
Wrigley 3/11
Beagley 2/2
Edwards 2/6
Brindley 2/7