Marshfield CC win the 2023 Imagine Cruising Wiltshire Wallop!

2022 winners Chippenham CC played host to the 2023 Imagine Cruising Wiltshire Wallop Finals Day.

Following group stages involved 15 teams and then a quarter-final stage, the finals came down to a four way shoot out between Burbage and Easton Royal CC, Goatacre CC, Marshfield CC and Potterne CC.

After a random draw, the first semi-final was scheduled for 10.30am between Goatacre and Potterne. After winning the toss, Potterne inserted Goatacre to bat. A fast start followed with Jack Haines hitting 37 from 26 balls, followed by Brad Dawson contributing 45 and Ed Wilkins 21 as Goatacre posted 141-8 from their 20 overs. For Potterne, Chris Aubrey led the way with 3-17 from his 4 overs, ably supported by the economical Ben Higton with 2-12 from his 4.

In their reply, Potterne looked out of it at 102-9, however a 34 run partnership for the last wicket took them to within 6 runs of victory before Dashawn Prince was run out to leave Morlon Simon stranded on 33 not out and five runs short. For Goatacre, Adam Tucker took 4-17 and Dawson 3-24.

Goatacre beat Potterne by 5 runs

On to the second semi-final and this one saw Burbage win the toss but choose to bat first unlike in the first semi-final. It was Adam Ball with 61 not out from 45 balls who led the way to a very competitve total of 160-7. There were also handy contributions from Alby Berridge (37) and Daniel Wootton (30). For Marshfield, Alex Pyecroft took 3-26.

In reply, Marshfield put on 108 for their second wicket to very much set up their run chase. This invovled scores of 43 from Arnold Otwani and 52 for Pyecroft. Hugh Jackson then hit a quick 15 ball 29 to ensure Marshfield reached their target inside 19 overs for the loss of just four wickets.

Marshfield beat Burbage and ER by 6 wickets

On to the final ... and slightly challenging clouds and dark light! It was Goatacre who won the toss and chose to bat first. Toby Kershaw (20) and Brad Dawson (25) helped to lay some foundations but it was an explosive innings of 40 not out from 23 balls from Ross Dixie that gave the innings real impetus as Goatacre reached 152-7 from their 20 overs. For Marshfield, Callum Duckett took three wickets.

In reply, Marshfield made a challenging target look relatively easy thanks to some brilliant hitting from opening partners, Otwani (58 from 41) and Callum Burnstone (66 from 41). In the end, despite some late wickets, Marshfield reached their target for the loss of three inside 17 overs.

Marshfield beat Goatacre by 7 wickets

Congratulations to Marshfield CC, 2023 Wallop winners, who will now host the 2024 finals!

Wiltshire Cricket would like to extend its thanks to competition sponsors, Imagine Cruising, for sponsoring this year's competition.

A big thanks too, to WACO for providing umpires, Martin Nickson, Cledwyn Davies and Barry Stygal for Finals Day.

Finally, thanks to host Chippenham CC who made the day a real spectacle with music, PA system and BBQ running throughout.