Cricket at Worcester
A different view of Worcester with the Premier Inn on the right
Worcester had the better of the first two days, scoring 323 on day one and dismissing Durham for only 198 on day two. It could have been a lot worse for Durham but for a memorable last wicket partnership between century maker Borthwick and last man Onions who put on 95 for the last wicket. After that Worcester seemed to loose their grip in the final session when they slumped from 51-1 to 65-6 overnight.
So Durham back in with a chance but Tuesday morning started with a bang, the overnight batsmen Joe Leach and wicketkeeper Cox attacking every ball from the word go. Leach the former Leeds/Bradfor University all rounder was the main man. He hit a quickfire 74 off only 53 balls with ten fours and three sixes. He got good support from Cox, who had also batted well in the first innings, and the pair put on 75 runs well within the first hour. John Hastings's took some punishment but finished with figures of 7-60 off only 12 overs and ended the innings by clean bowling Leach.
John Hastings 7-60
When the Worcester lead went beyond the 300 mark there were some glum faces amongst the Durham supporters. It looked an impossible task on a pitch where wickets had fallen cheaply. However, when Leach was finally last man out, with what appeared a match winning innings, the lead had been extended to 317. Perhaps Leach's efforts with the bat had made him run out of steam, for when he opened the bowling he could not repeat his three early wickets of the first innings.
The sun shines on the cathedral
Stoneman, in particular, and Jennings were quickly into their stride facing such a large target and they had a partnership of 53 before Stoneman was caught behind off Leach.
Jennings was less adventurous but played a valuable innings of 61 after Borthwick was given out lbw much to his annoyance. Collingwood, the captain, entered the stage on his birthday and proceeded to dominate the bowlers. First with Jennings and then with the admirable Richardson, who had kept wicket well, he took control and played a most sensible innings, always seeming to find the gaps in the field and his well deserved century brought great applause all round the ground.
Somehow the scoring rate slowed in the final stages and although only 48 runs were required the umpires felt the extra half hour was not justified in view of a six runs an over target for the eight overs which would have been allowed. The Worcester players, somewhat demoralised left the ground quickly followed more slowly by the batsman.
Overnight score
The following morning was bright and sunny to Durham's relief and although there were very few home supporters in attendance the visiting fans gave Collingwood a great reception when he was finally out for 127 with only 30 runs required. Richardson, in partnership with Muchall, finished on 66 not out in the end. A triumph for Durham taking them top of the table and an intriguing match which changed course several times and provided great entertainment.
Collingwood leaves the stage
The day was still warm and sunny and the time only 11.45, so I needed to find an alternative for the rest of the day. Fortunately I found it with Shropshire over 50s taking on Herefordshire at the attractive Bridgnorth ground, only a twenty odd miles drive away.
Herefordshire over 50s
Next day was the last of my week long journey and before I turned for home I took another drive through this green and pleasant land to Hereford, where Hereford Cathedral School were taking on the might of MCC at their attractive Wyeside ground.
This ground has been on my wanted list for years and despite many visits to Herefordshire this was the first time I had found a match there. It is very attractive, as the name suggests alongside the river, with riverside walks and a footpath over the river on a disused railway line all giving excellent views of the ground.
Wyeside, Hereford
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