On a cool and overcast day our hosts won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Well what a day it turned out to be for 17 year old James Wharton. Fresh from success with the under 17s, this was only his second game and third innings at this level. He opened with Ben Birkhead and was still there 96 overs later unbeaten on a magnificent 155. Throughout he showed patience, ability and a wide shot selection. His first 50 came from 136 balls with 9 fours, his maiden century from 235 balls with 18 fours and his 150 from 292 balls with 24 fours.
A steady, if unspectacular start ensued. We were in the 26th over of the day when Ben Birkhead was taken at extra cover – with James they had added 68, Bens share being 41 from 77 balls with 6 fours. Tom Loten came to the crease but was caught at short leg from the last ball before lunch, leaving us 79-2.
Jack Leaning joined James and they added 114 for the third wicket remaining together throughout the afternoon session. Jack was caught behind from the bowling of Donald Butchart having made 51 from 112 balls with 8 fours
Bilal Anjam came to the crease but lasted only four deliveries before he was the victim of a bizarre dismissal. He pulled a short ball from Mohammed Ahmed that hit the short leg fielder flush on the helmet. Bad luck not to have dispatched it for four however it ballooned off the helmet direct to first slip who duly took the catch!!! Score 194-4.
Jordan Thompson joined Wharton and they took the score to 220 when the new ball was taken. The final 16 overs of the day saw no further loss but the addition 92 runs including 13 boundary fours. Jordan ended the day 49 not out from 59 balls with 8 fours and James 155 not out from 307 deliveries (24×4) – total 312-4
John Virr – 2nd XI Scorer
