After a frustrating draw against Compton Chamberlayne a few weeks ago, Chalke Valley were determined to show no mercy when the old rivals arrived at Butts Field to play the first game after the Grand Opening.

Chalke Valley have long ago given up playing timed matches – we prefer clean results and weekend fixtures are now dominated by the 35-over format.  It required nothing like as many overs to skittle out the opposition, however.  On another balmy summer’s afternoon, Joe Brewer produced the fastest, most devastating spell of his life, taking four quick wickets, and ripping the heart out of the Compton line up.  Bowled out for just 29 runs, skipper Dingle and Geoff Bonner knocked off the total in a handful of overs, completing the Valley’s most emphatic victory in their history.

Chalke Valley may have begun the season slowly, but with confidence mounting, the winning habit has returned…