Cam 1st XI 163-10 lost to Tewkesbury 2nd XI 176-10 by 13 runs

Cam fell to a narrow defeat at home to Tewkesbury 2nds despite a terrific all round performance from Jake Dolbear.

Having opted to bowl first, Alex Atkinson repeated his first over success from last week as he had Tewkesbury’s opener caught behind by Craig Mills without scoring. Atkinson (2-38) picked up his second soon after as Tewkesbury reached 42-2.

Jake Dolbear worked his usual magic through the middle overs as catches from George Dolling and Alex Ballard, along with a bowled, saw him collect superb figures of 3-25 from his 9 overs.

Amidst Dolbear’s economical spell, Ballard collected a wicket of his own through a good low catch from Atkinson.

Chris Browning (2-28) was introduced to the attack and forced mistakes from the Tewkesbury lower order, including a low caught and bowled, to further frustrate the away side.

Jonny Hayward kept things tight during his spell but Harry Low (52), along with the tail, continued to edge Tewkesbury towards a competitive total.

Dolling (2-45) returned to the attack and managed to bring an early close to the innings as he profited from further catches by Atkinson and Ballard as Cam bowled their opponents out for 176 in the 42nd over.

Cam lost early wickets in their reply with Ryan Malpass and Stuart Newman bowled for single figure scores. Jake Dolbear and Ed Paddock staged a recovery before the latter was well caught at gully for 17.

Mills and Ballard both fell cheaply as Cam slipped to 70-5 but retained hope with Jake Dolbear now well set. Ben Dolbear joined his brother and added 31 before being trapped LBW for 12. Dolling added 10 in a 36 run partnership dominated by Dolbear, who brought up his fifty as he mixed aggression with resolute defence.

With 17 required to win, disaster struck as Dolbear was caught at mid wicket to finally depart for a brilliant 78.

The remaining runs proved just too much for the Cam lower order as a packed infield made scoring opportunities difficult. Joshua Mill (3-31) collected the final two wickets as Cam fell 13 runs short of the victory target.