Wales at the double

30 April 2008

Wales completed a memorable disability cricket double over England last Sunday at Old Trafford.

In the Zodiac Category, where players have a high level of disability, Steve Bailey was Wales' hero as his side completed a comfortable six-wicket victory over the hosts.

After England won the toss and elected to bat, Bailey set about the batting side in dramatic fashion, taking a hat-trick in his second over before finishing with an astonishing five wickets for just one run.

He was given valuable support from Danny Percy, who claimed two wickets from five ecomonical overs, while there was further success for Robert Halford and Shane James as England were bowled out for a paltry 20, which included six ducks.

Wales lost four wickets in completing the chase which took just 34 deliveries. Callum Tucker was the pick of the England bowlers with two wickets.

Wales had another reason for celebration when they emerged victorious in the Zenith Category, which is for players with medium levels of disability.

England batted first and were once again undone by some excellent bowling and fielding.

Ian Crumplin, Alan Tay and Mark Dancer each claimed a brace of victims while England needed James White's 23 and 12 from Nazeem Nawaz - the only two players to reach double figures - to get up to 63.

Ronnie Knight led the Wales reply, retiring on 25 not out as his side registered a straight-forward seven-wicket win.

Nick Sutton and Tay, who enjoyed an excellent day with both ball and bat, guided the side home. For England, Peter Scrivens finished with two for 20 off five overs.

In a women's pair competition, Rachael Evans and Angela Jones reigned supreme after scoring the most runs and topping the bowling averages.

They were pushed all the way by Carol Evans and Jenny Leach who scored 30 when it was their turn to bat.

Scorecards:

England v Wales, Zodiac, Old Trafford, April 27 2008 (38 KB)
England v Wales, Zenith, Old Trafford, April 27 2008 (40 KB)