First Official Preseason Game Ends With A Win

The Swindon 1st XI opened up their preseason schedule proper with a short trip to local rivals Purton. Having played in the glorious sunshine the weekend previous, a much more typical April’s day greeted the players upon their arrival.

On a good looking deck Swindon were asked to bat, Purton without the brunt of their seem attack due to illness or unavailability, felt that if they were to have any chance then they would need to chase any total that Swindon set.

Swindon were led out by returning pair Paul Paginton and Chris Aubrey and were in early trouble at 9-1 when Paginton picked out point with one of his trademark slashing cut shots. New recruit Udit Talati joined Aubrey at the crease and they set upon building solid base to launch from.

The pair rode their luck in the early stages with the swinging ball on a grass wicket proving to be much stiffer task than preseason nets. The score moved steadily on to 92 and the pair were starting to accelerate nicely when a “miscommunication” led to Aubrey being run out for a gritty 28.

Winter recruit Conor Taylor strode the wicket full determination and hope, he quickly returned to the pavilion having “just missed a straight one” for a debut golden duck. Sean Parker was next in at 5, in the unfamiliar surroundings of the middle order Parker starting very well rotating the strike to his established partner who had passed fifty. But alas the sensible approach quickly failed and a trademark “Smoo” led to his dismissal.

He was replaced by Swindon’s prodigal son Jake Goodwin who was preparing to face a Surrey 2nd XI in the week by taking on the finest Purton had to offer. Talati and Goodwin batted very sensibly with the pair putting on 66 before the former was stumped in the pursuit of quick runs for well compiled 92.

Late contributions from Marc Williamson (14) and Alex Kill (15*) as well as an unbeaten 52 from Goodwin saw the visitors end up on 258-6 from their 40 overs.

The second half got off to the perfect start as Swindon turncoat Sam Pinchin was bowled by Conor Taylor for 4. Opening partner Elijah Samuel soon followed edging a swinging ball from Cameron Baden to first slip (amazing what holding the ball correctly does ey Cam?).

Purton provided sporadic resistance, but the introduction of spinners Udit Talati (bowling with a leg slip!!) and Connor O’Shea who took 12-3 and 40-4 respectively ensured the comfortable win, Talati’s control being particularly impressive.

Man of the Match – Udit Talati
DOTD - Cameron Baden
Shower Rating – 2 – Shawshank