Wembdon Chairman's XI 233-8 Wembdon President XI 221

THE ANNUAL Wembdon Cricket Club Chairman’s XI versus President’s XI match was a closely fought contest, with the Chairman’s XI winning by just 12 runs to take the Dave Palmer Memorial Trophy.

Brendan Pope was the day’s standout performer as he struck an unbeaten 47 with the bat, before recording remarkable figures of 5-4 to seal victory for the Chairman’s XI.

On a fantastic day for the club, the Chairman’s XI won the toss and elected to bat first, but lost opener George Lowe (5) early on as he was dismissed by first team captain Dan Bingham (2-13).

Bingham also accounted for Rich Gower as he was smartly caught by Liam Pigden for 16.

Chairman’s XI captain Richard Eckley (29) and Karl Trunks (76) rebuilt the innings, with Trunks in particular displaying some powerful hitting as he raced to his half-century. He fell to the spin of Alastair Cook (1-29), but Brendan Pope continued where he had left off with some destructive hitting in the latter overs.

Rob Dickens also chipped in with a patient 29 as the innings closed on 233-8 from their 30 overs.

The President XI innings didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts as they lost Puddy (14), Pigden (7) and Jack Lowe (5) cheaply to the impressive Pope.

Brockwell (30) and Billy Vickery (43) rebuilt the chase, but when the former was bowled by Richard Weber (1-29) the match appeared to be all but over.

However, Rob Palmer (81) had other ideas and took the attack to the Chairman’s XI with a series of boundaries to bring the President XI back into the contest. But at the other end, wickets were beginning to tumble again as Pope removed Bingham (2) and Goss (0) in quick succession.

Palmer raced to 81 but the match was effectively over when Lowe (1-11) dismissed him late on.

With 13 needed for victory from the final four balls, Alastair Cook was run out by Rob Dickens to seal victory for the Chairman’s XI and round off a great day for all at Wembdon Cricket Club.

The game was played in memory of Dave Palmer, who passed away ten years ago. First team captain Dan Bingham paid tribute to Dave and his passion for the club. He said: “In his time at the club he was a very good cricketer, and had a productive spell as chairman.

"In his later years his is remembered for his passion for youth cricket and success as a coach and will always be remembered for producing fine cricketers still playing for several clubs in the area.”