Yesterday and today, Royal Ascot Cricket Club were proud to host two matches in the inaugural Over 70s World Cup.

Over 70s – Australia v Sri Lanka

Yesterday, we hosted Australia v Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka batted first and looked in a good position as Harold Solomons (78) and Murugesu Thavendrarajah (60) put on 117 for the first wicket. But tight Australian bowling and fielding from Graeme Wilson (3 for 24), George Preston (3 for 27) and 3 stumpings from Gary Budden saw Sri Lanka restricted to 181 for 8 off 45 overs.

In response, the Sri Lankan attack had no answer to Leigh Hardham (58 not out) and Graeme Wilson (100 not out) saw Australia win by 10 wickets and secure their place in Sunday’s World Cup final with a match to spare.

Over 70s – India v Australia

Today, saw the final round-robin match as we hosted India v Australia. Australia won the toss and elected to bat. Despite already being through they piled on the runs with Murray Harrison (108 not out) and Kevin Lanigan (78) helping them to a massive 315 for 5 off 45 overs.

In the end it was too much for India to scale but they battled valiantly to the 41st over before being bowled out for 100. Mike Riley took 3 for 24 for Australia.

Australia will face England in the final at Wormsley as England beat Canada in what was effectively a semi-final match as Wargrave today.

A massive thank you to the teams and their entourage, match officials and the organisers, we really enjoyed hosting these matches and it was great to see some great cricket played with a great spirit and respect between each team.

Women v Purley End

Yet again, another league match and another last ball finish. Unfortunately it was heartbreak again for Ascot as they lost by 2 runs!

Binfield 2 v 1s

Ascot made the short trip to Binfield. Ascot won the toss and elected to field first. On a two paced track, runs were hard to come by and the Ascot bowling and fielding kept it tight and soon had Binfield in trouble at 0 for 2. 6 batters reached double figures but with G Celliers top scoring with 15, Binfield were bowled out for 85 in 41.2 overs. Tamoor Hussain took 4 for 28 for Ascot.

In reply, Binfield made it difficult but Andy Murray with 25 steadied the ship and Adam Smith and Billy Baker saw the 1s home by 6 wickets.

2s v Falkland 3

Falkland were the visitors to the Racecourse and Ascot decided to bat first on winning the toss. Ghulum Mirza set the innings alight with 119 and with the other batters supporting him Ascot reached a competitive 281 for 6 off 45 overs.

But Falkland were up for the chase and with Holly Rider (66) and John Woodbridge (57) they were looking favourites at drinks on 140 for 1 but wickets then started to fall and with some tight bowling from James Summers (2 for 35) and Tom Clarke (3 for 20), Ascot managed to squeeze to a 7 run victory as Falkland finshed on 274 for 7.

3s v Cookham Dean 3

Cookham Dean were at Locks Ride and elected to bat first on winning the toss. Adhrit Pande got Cookham Dean off to a fast start with 60 and with that platform Taine Richards (56) and Jake Richardson (66) saw Cookham Dean reach a very strong 248 for 5 off 40 overs.

Runs were not easy initially as Adhrit Pande with 2 for 30 was tough to get away at the start and in the end Ascot were never realistically in the run chase and thanks to a fine 82 from Naeem Mohammad managed to salvage some batting points for Ascot as they finished on 185 all out and lost by 63 runs. Kulvinder Singh taking 4 for 36.

Cookham Dean 4 v 4s

The 4s made the trip to Cookham Dean’s main ground. Cookham Dean won the toss, batting first and piled on the runs. Joel Simon 67, Stephen Fuggle 66, Freddie Fuggle 38 and a qucik fire 25 cameo from Robert Mettler saw Cookham Dean reach an imposing 255 for 6 off 40 overs. Yeshas Vijay took 3 for 36 for Ascot.

In response, Ascot had no answer and only managed to post 113 all out with Raf Bocchio making 37. Jaideep Verma took 3 for 14 for Cookham Dean.