9:50am Wednesday 1st July 2009
By Ned Payne
PROOF that Swindon’s teenage seam duo Dean Williamson and Mike Wilson are growing into their first team roles was evident in Saturday’s crushing victory at Stroud, according to captain Darren Beasant.
Williamson took 1-19 and Wilson 3-37 as the pair supplemented the top-class performances of Asanka Vithanage and Bruce Martin to skittle out visiting Stroud for just 134.
The rock-solid partnership of openers Martin (74 not out) and Marc Williamson (19) then saw Swindon most of the way to the target, before John Baden edged the County Ground outfit over the line with Martin.
On Williamson and Wilson, skipper Beasant said: “They were two young guys who were playing second team cricket last year and were a long way down the queue.
“They were thrust into the first 11 of the side and it’s taken them a while to find their feet.
“Dean was absolutely terrific with the new ball, and Michael came back with a point to prove (after being dropped) and was exceptional.”
After deciding to bat, Stroud’s opening partnership of Keith Daniels (39) and Mark Bryan (12) proved difficult to dislodge, before Vithanage and Wilson respectively did the honours.
Martin had somewhat less trouble with Luke Bennyworth and Adam Gibbs as both went for ducks, while Vithanage removed the last of Stroud’s stubborn batsmen as he bowled Chris Job for 23.
Williamson took out Leighton Collins for four with wicketkeeper Danny Baker claiming the catch, and although Alistair Bell looked briefly like making a stand, he was gone for 18, bowled lbw by Vithanage.
Adam Tribbick and Beasant both caught tailenders off the bowling of Wilson as Swindon put themselves in a commanding position.
It took the home side less than 24 overs to reach the target, with Martin’s innings taking him to over 500 runs at the half way point of the season.
Beasant was pleased to get 20 points against a side who he saw as tough opponents.
“We haven’t played Stroud for years, they had a pretty successful season to get promoted last season,” he said.
“Even though they have had a tough start, those sorts of sides normally play with a bit of confidence.”
Swindon’s two Glos/Wilts Division title rivals did them no favours at the weekend, both taking victories.
Biddestone edged a narrow win at home to a gutsy Rockhampton side and Westbury took an impressive six-wicket win at Gloucester City Winget.
Elsewhere, Lechlade took another win as they beat Lydney by 99 runs, while Wootton Bassett lost by four wickets at home to Marshfield.
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