Published: Thursday, 12th June, 2008 08:15
Bushell in bullish mood
By Charles Watts
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Dan Doran took five wickets but Wokingham had to settle for a draw against Farnham Royal.
WOKINGHAM skipper Martin Bushell is convinced his side is the strongest in Division Two West of the Home Counties League following their controversial draw with leaders Farnham Royal last weekend.
Bushell and his side believed they had one ball remaining to hit the two runs which would have won them the game but the umpires disagreed and called a halt to the game saying all six deliveries of the final over had been bowled.
That meant Farnham got the better of the draw and extended their lead over Wokingham to 10 points, but Bushell says their reaction to the result showed how relieved they were.
He said: “It was a strange game. We thought we had one ball left and the scorers agreed but the umpires called time and walked off.
“We tried to say there was one ball left but they said there wasn’t and the game was over. There was nothing we could do.
“It was disappointing not to win the game but considering Farnham are the team that everyone thinks will win the league I think their reaction at the end showed a lot.
“They were overjoyed to get the draw and that was pleasing for us to see. In my opinion we’re a better team than them – we’re without a doubt the best team in this league.”
Wokingham host Thatcham Town this Saturday looking to cut Farnham’s lead at the top of the table and Bushell is confident his side can return to winning ways.
He added: “They’re an unknown quantity having come up last season. They’ve started quite well but we just need to worry about ourselves and play our own game.
“Everything is beginning to come together. The batsmen are beginning to fire, the bowlers are performing well and our fielding has been fantastic. We just need to keep that going.”
Last Saturday’s draw with Farnham at Wellington Road saw yet another fine display of bowling from Wokingham who knocked over their visitors for 212. Dan Doran (5-73) was the star but he was well supported by Ryan Hiscoe and Martin Wilson.
Wokingham’s reply started well with Doran (pictured left) and Rahu Thava putting on an opening stand of 117, before Doran was out lbw for 79.
The hosts were then frustrated by Farnham who continued to take wickets and in the end they fell just short and had to settle for a draw on 211-9.
Bushell said: “It was a game we should have won – we looked in control but in the end the runs just dried up.
“We bowled very well. Dan was great but he had good support from Martin and Ryan at the other end which helped a lot.
“He then showed his class with the bat as well. It was a shame we didn’t finish it off with a win but there were a lot of positives to take from the performance.”
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