MP Sports Cherwell League - Graham Scott's Match of The Day

A devastating opening burst by Aussie Anthony Smith set Great & Little Tew on their way to an easy seven wicket win at Challow & Childrey in Division 1 on Saturday.

Smith is one of the few bowlers in the league who is quick enough to hurry the best batsmen, and Challow’s top order had no answer as he took 4-48 from 15 overs.

Matthew Woods joined in the carnage by taking 4-28 from his eight overs to send Challow crashing to 29-7 after they had elected to bat first. Four of their top six were out for ducks.

An eighth-wicket partnership of 64 between Alex Lynch (36) and Joe Harris (24) added a veneer of respectability to the home side’s score, but 108 was never going to be enough.

Challow seamer David Slade used to generate considerable pace before serious injury interrupted his career, and last summer he took 12-75 in the two matches between these sides.

At the weekend he showed he is still a force to be reckoned with by taking 3-36.

But opener Rob Garrett held firm to hit 32, and Gary Sansome's unbeaten 30 meant Tew cruised to victory in the 24th over.

  • Challow & Childrey 4pts, Great & Little Tew 25