ABINGDON V SYDENHURST RAMBLERS 1968

"Surrey Advertiser"  report 26th July

Sydenhurst Ramblers sagged to their first-ever defeat at the hands of Abingdon on Sunday. They were beaten by three wickets after scoring 188.

The game had to be switched from the original venue at the Hales' Meadow ground because of waterlogged conditions, to Abingdon School, where the wicket was fast and true.

After winning the toss, Ramblers made an excellent start with Tony Wood (46) and Nick Harper (47) adding 91 for the first wicket.

When these two were out Hugh Gauntlett was able to show his best form this summer with an innings of 31 which included 2 sixes.

But Ramblers failed to keep the hold on the bowling which they had after the fine start. The last five wickets only yielded 50 runs, Brooks finishing with 6-74, and Ramblers were dismissed for 188.

Despite two early losses in reply, Abingdon settled in and Bunce (53), Hilary (69) and Child (24) were able to steer Abingdon to victory.  Tony Wood took 3 late wickets in 4.1 overs for 30 runs but the home team reached 190-7 in the last over to win by 3 wickets.