30/07/2010
On Saturday, Swans played hosts to BLANDFORD in their latest Division 2 encounter.
The visitors batted first and got off to a flying start reaching 121-1 off just 21 overs. The game changed with the introduction of IAN BOOTH and BEN BACZALA. BOOTH bowled his off-breaks superbly and BACZALA'S spell of seam-bowling was exceptional. They claimed 3 wickets apiece. The pressure was kept-up on the visitors by a senstaional spell of hostile bowling by RICKY KING who also took 3 wickets to restrict BLANDFORD to 187.
In reply, Swans recovered from the loss of an early wicket with a half-century partnership between FRANCIS KERINS and BOOTH. KERINS fell for a solid 31. When BOOTH fell soon after to a fabulous catch for a majestic knock of 55 Swans were under pressure. The innings was rescued by BEN BACZALA who made a fluent 28. The hero of the innings was PETE BARKER who came to the wicket with 40 runs required with just 5 overs remaining. He smashed 27 not out including 5 boundaries to, along with TOM WAKE-WALKER'S 20 not out guide Swans to a memorable 2 wicket victory with just 2 balls to spare.
On Sunday, the 1stXI travelled to PARLEY in Division 1.
Swans batted first and got off to a bad start but the innings was saved by a stand of 95 between BACZALA and BOOTH. BACZALA fell for 25 and BOOTH was dismissed for a well-constructed 55. During the innings BOOTH passed 1,000 runs for the season at an average of over 40 - a truly phenomenal achievement by an outstanding cricketer. Despite cameo knocks from WAKE-WALKER and LEWIS KIRBY Swans were bowled out for a below-par 174.
In reply, PARLEY were put under pressure due to excellent bowling by PAUL HIGHAM and RICKY KING who both claimed a brace of wickets. The hosts continued to lose wickets at regular intervals but their County star scored an undefeated half-century to steer PARLEY to a 2 wicket win in the penultimate over.
Also, on Sunday the 2ndXI entertained WINTON in Division 5.
Swans got off to a disastrous start and were in the precarious position of of 88-6. The lower-order rallied brilliantly through ADAM KING who struck 31, DAN SALMON who played a very mature innings of 30 and BINOY DEVASIA who smashed a quick-fire 25 to enable Swans reach 161.
In reply, the visitors appeared to be cruising at 65-0. However, some fantastic seam-bowling from TERRY WHITE and DEVASIA who both took 4 wickets. This allowed Swans to shoot-out WINTON for a meagre 126 to record another convincing win.