Wilkins boys seal victory

From the archive, first published Wednesday 31st Aug 2005.

Goatacre maintained their interest in the title with a comprehensive six-wicket win over Devizes.

After shooting their hosts out for just 81, they knocked off the required runs in 20 overs and must beat Swindon on Saturday to have a chance of claiming promotion.

Superb opening spells by Jif Wilkins and Adam Iles ensured Goatacre got off to a good start.

Wilkins struck first when he bowled Dan Langan in the third over.

Pete Ross and Mark Colyer also suffered the same fate and Wilkins went on to take the first five wickets as Guy Tadman was caught by Matt Wilkins at square leg and top scorer Richard Wright was caught behind by Sam Parish for 19.

Devizes were 46-5 and the introduction of Rahn Heer ensured there was no respite.

He had Joe Hickey caught by Steve Lines, clean bowled Jon Couch and had Alex Muse lbw before Kevin Iles had Mark Banham the same way.

Heer finished the job by bowling Andy Hodder as the hosts collapsed to 81 all out in the 38th over.

Wilkins finished with 5-18 off 10 overs and Heer 4-16 off 10.2 overs.

In reply, Lines and Steve Gee put on 26 for the first wicket before Lines was unluckily lbw to Banham for nine.

Goatacre were cruising at 50-1 before they suffered a wobble as Muse took three wickets in an over.

Jif Wilkins was caught and bowled for five and next ball Pete Turner was caught behind.

Three balls later, Gee was bowled for 35 to leave Goatacre 53-4, but brothers Ed (26 not out) and Matt Wilkins (nine not out) knocked off the remaining runs.

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