Pre-Season tour report

Sway prepared for their first season in the Southern Premier Cricket League with a competitive weekend of 40 over matches in Somerset, thanks to the generous hospitality of Western Premier League sides North Perrott and Chard.

Saturday found North Perrott in fine form with the bat, clocking up 218-4 in 40 overs. Jon Waller bowled opener Gary French for 16 and it was left to Jon Grasham to dismiss partner Will Rogers who contributed a commanding 84. Dave Steadman brilliantly ran out Nick Taylor for a duck and Nick Prince had Kiwi Jack Henderson stumped by Alex Hall for 43. 

In reply, only four Sway batsmen passed 20: of the top order only skipper Tim Noble 26 made much impression. Although Oscar Marshall chipped in with a useful 28, it was left to bowlers Jon Waller 22 and Jon Grasham 24 not to put on a fluent 40 for the ninth wicket. The visitors were all out for 157.  
On Sunday at Chard, the home side set off like a train thanks to a whirlwind 56 at the top of the order by Jonathan Scott until he was caught by Waller off Matt Bramwell. Number 6 John Dalwood was undefeated on 52 when the innings closed on 244-9. Waller, Grasham and Will Crossley each claimed two wickets and there was one each for Steadman, Neil Prince and Bramwell. 

After an indifferent start, Sway made a spirited effort to reach their target. Following a useful 31 by Alex Hall,  the middle order excelled against a spin attack with Steadman leading the way with an impressive 61. He was well assisted by Adam Clark 43 and Will Millard’s enterprising 39. Sway finished just 19 runs short on 226-7.   
Sway visit Ferndown Wayfarers on Saturday leading their first Southern League match at Gosport next month.

 

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