A thriller in the Men's NCCA Showcase T20 versus Glamorgan CCC
NCCA Showcase game
Wiltshire CCC v Glamorgan CCC
@ Swindon CC
Friday 30th May 2025
A full day of cricket at a busy Swindon CC saw the ladies game followed by the ‘Showcase’ fixture involving the Wiltshire 1st XI and a strong Glamorgan XI. Wiltshire won the toss and elected to field. Rhys Baker and William Brown ran in and bowled at pace with some purpose. Their Glamorgan opponents soon sought to clear the boundary, but they discovered how strong the Wiltshire fielding could be. Kiran Carlson, attempting a second run to third man was brilliantly run out by Rhys Baker. Alex Horton was the next to fall as he skied a ball from Rhys Baker into the grateful hands of Jake Goodwin 22 for 2. William Smale was trapped lbw by Charan Chahal. At this stage, although losing wickets, Glamorgan were going at 10 runs per over. Wadworth Man of the Match Alfie Johnson, 4-0-15-2, was then brought into the attack and he immediately had an impact. Eddie Byrom gave Alfie a simple caught and bowled and then he trapped Tom Bevan lbw with the score now 68 for 5. It got worse for Glamorgan as Kerr was smartly stumped by Ben Draper to give Charan Chahal his second victim, 4-0-27-2. Next to go was Dan Douthwaite to an excellent caught and bowled by Archie Fairfax Ross. The pace of William Brown then saw Mason Crane depart, caught behind by Ben Draper leaving Glamorgan in a perilous position at 96 for 8. At this stage Ned Leonard 47 not out (4X4, 3X6) and Andy Gorvin 20 not out came to the rescue in an unbroken stand of 69 to allow Glamorgan to pose the challenging total of 165 for 8.
A new opening partnership for Wiltshire saw Tom Cheater 41 (25 balls, 2X4, 4X6) and Archie Fairfax-Ross 24 (20 balls, 2X4, 1X6) put on an impressive 62 for the first wicket. Tom in particular gave the Glamorgan bowlers no respite as he hit 4 mighty sixes. At this stage Wiltshire were well in touch with the asking rate. Tom and Archie both fell to the wily campaigner Mason Crane with Tom stumped and Archie caught by Kerr – score now 69 for 2. This brought together a Potterne pairing of Jake Goodwin 48 (32 balls, 6X4, 1X6) and Josh Kelly 14. They took the score on to 112 before Josh became the first of four unfortunate run out victims. Jake Goodwin must rank as the unluckiest as a fierce drive from his skipper, Ed Young 18 (13 balls, 2X6) was touched on to the stumps by Andy Gorvin as Jake was backing up. Ed and Ben Draper went in quick succession to leave Wiltshire on 154 for 6. Wiltshire needed 12 to win in the final over - it began with a wicket when Jonathon Sadler was caught - Charan Chahal then hit his first delivery for 6!!! Two runs from the next delivery - then a dot ball - then a bye - Alfie Johnson now facing just his second delivery with 3 needed to win - he hit the ball hard and they ran like Olympic sprinters to claim the 2 runs that earned the TIE ! Wiltshire finishing on 165 for 7. A 'Superover' followed where Glamorgan showed their class to win it with a ball to spare, but the diehard Wiltshire faithfull were still quite happy with the game tied after 20 overs!
Tremendous entertainment enjoyed by the large gathering at Swindon. A tie with a First Class county is no mean achievement and Wiltshire were arguably closer to winning this tight game. It generated a great feeling of togetherness for the squad and their supporters. It was good to see countless young autograph hunters getting Wiltshire lads to sign as well as the Glamorgan squad. They should take great confidence from this as they head towards the remainder of their T20 campaign. Next up is a T20 double header with Devon CCC on Sunday 8th June, at Bemerton, home of South Wilts CC .
Wiltshire CCC tied with Glamorgan CCC (Glamorgan win Super Over)
Roy Honeybone, May 2025
