Crusaders vs Ilminster

The Crusaders travelled to Ilminster on Saturday for what is always an enjoyable match. John Ponte returned to form and lost the toss once more and the Crusaders were asked to bat first……for the 3rd successive match !!!!

In the absence of Crosland the returning Will Mumby opened the innings with Jacob Arscott. The pair proceeded to bat beautifully to put on 101 for the 1st wicket when Mumby was dismissed for a beautifully put together 54. After surviving a close call first ball he faced Arscott went to town and mixed deft touches with sheer brutality in a magnificent innings in which he looked certain to get to his maiden hundred when very sadly he was dismissed on 97, the second in a few weeks he’s been dismissed in the nineties…..a maiden hundred surely just round the corner. The innings fizzling out after his dismissal finished on a still impressive 192-6.

As is the theme of the season another fine tea was enjoyed in the late afternoon sunshine.

Jack Damon and the ever improving George Loker opened the bowling taking 2-13 and 2-17 respectively to continue their fine form. Phil Batstone started his spell with a first ball wicket and worked hard for his 1-28. Skipper John Ponte finally found some luck and despite not quite being at his best picked up a deserved 5-17 which included for the 2nd successive week a miracle catch by Loker. The Ilminster innings closed on 95 all out.

The Crusaders winning by 97 runs for a very very well deserved 3rd successive win.

Man of the Match – Jacob Arscott