Hibberd's joy at last-gasp victory (From This Is Wiltshire)

Hibberd's joy at last-gasp victory

12:30pm Wednesday 29th July 2009

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Wiltshire 226 & 265-4 beat Herefordshire 175 & 183

A relieved James Hibberd said he feared another last-gasp survival act from Herefordshire on Tuesday but was delighted to finally record a win in the MCCA Championship.

Wiltshire’s Michael Coles took the final wicket with less than three overs to go on the final day to wrap up a 133-run victory and calm the nerves of fielders and spectators alike.

Their previous home game, at Trowbridge, ended in a draw when spinner Pat Turk dropped a catch to win the game in the final overs, but Hibberd was happy to exorcise those ghosts.

“After Trowbridge those last overs were a bit tense,” said the captain.

“It was an almost identical situation and a few of the lads were quite nervous.

“I even asked Pat Turk to go to fourth slip and he looked at me as if to say ‘Are you sure?’ but he took a good catch earlier on and I had confidence in him.

“It’s nice to get a win under our belts at last.”

Rain had interrupted much of the first two days play but after being asked to bat, Wiltshire struggled to make an impact on a Corsham pitch which normally favours batsmen.

The county’s bowlers made up for this on the second morning by reducing Hereford to 90-7 with Michael Coles taking 3-18 and 17-year-old debutant Dominic Webb impressing with 2-23.

Having started their second innings with 12 overs left on day two, Hibberd instructed his openers to play aggressively and was rewarded with a fast-paced stand of 118 between Jon Chandler (71) and Eddie Abel (101).

Number three Greg Lamb also chipped with 66 from 80 balls to set their visitors a target of 317 to win in little more than two sessions.

Hibberd again utilised eight bowlers with Nick Harrison, on his home pitch, making two early breakthroughs before Coles, formerly of Corsham, took over.

The all-rounder conceded just 14 runs in 15 overs and removed both tail-enders with moments to spare.

“He was exceptional first innings as well,” said Hibberd.

“It was a real team effort and I wouldn’t like to single anyone out but Colesy bowled brilliantly.”

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