SWINDON United Churches’ opening batsman Stefan Bartlett ended the Wiltshire County League season as the leading run-scorer in the top four divisions.
Finishing with 161 not out in final home match against Bradford on Avon, Bartlett took his total to 620 runs – 160 runs ahead of his nearest division two rival, Nationwide House’s Sharad Kumar. In all, Bartlett scored three centuries and three additional fifties.
“The standard of cricket in the league was strong this year and retaining our place in two out of the nine WCCL divisions was a pleasing achievement for us” reflected Bartlett.
“2021 was a successful season for me personally, and it was great to contribute to the club at a time when runs were needed. It was particularly pleasing to play a role in winning our last game where we needed a good performance to ensure divisional survival after earlier in the season losing close games we were on course for winning.
“And it worked out well being the match that my parents happened to turn up from Buckinghamshire to watch!”
“Stefan is a joy to have in the team,” said stand-in captain, Jimmy Mann. “To have a real classy stroke-maker at the top of the order puts the opposition on the back foot mentally.
“Moreover, Stefan is a real club man. Only an hour before his match-winning innings he was sitting on the roller making the final preparations to the pitch.”
“Stef is a fantastic asset to have as part of the Club.” chipped in Churches’ midweek captain, Alex Smith.
“As well as being an elegant and effective batsman, he is also an exceptional fielder, always leading by example. His attitude and effort is superb, whether at club net sessions, midweek and Saturday fixtures, or helping with groundwork at Sevenhampton”
United Churches finished seventh in Division Two of the nine Wiltshire County League Divisions – above Box and two points behind former Western Premier League club Nationwide House.
The club’s home ground is in the village of Sevenhampton, between Swindon and Highworth, where nets are held each week during the season. New members from every background always welcome. Please call Club Secretary David Martin for details on 01793 770171
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