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Machen Cricket Club continued their winning run as they dodged the rain to record a convincing seven-wicket win over nearest Division Four rivals Whitchurch Heath.

It took the Buzzards’ successful streak to a record eight games and extended their lead at the top of the table to 25 points, approaching the half-way mark of the season.

They had to overcome the weather as well, with a game reduced from 40 to 25 overs beginning and ending in the rain at the Welfare Ground.

Whitchurch elected to bat first, keen to reduce the gap to Machen at the top of the table. The visitors started well, reaching 48 for one before wickets regularly fell with some good bowling from Machen.

Gazzy Jones was the standout for Machen, claiming four wickets for 29 runs in just five overs. Spinner Devinder Singh, Arab Haroon and Jon Toghill helped finish them off, as Whitchurch were dismissed for 124 off the penultimate ball of their 25 overs.

Gareth Hibbs led the Machen response, replying with 52 not out off 55 balls, hitting the winning runs as he passed his half-century. 

Captain Rhydian Knox contributed a steady 28 while Mike Fussel hit a quickfire 21 not out to help make sure the game was over before the rain set in. 

Knox said this about the performance: “We battled through the tough times in the rain and did the job perfectly. It’s been a fantastic start to the season but it means nothing if we don’t carry it on.

“It’s never easy waiting around not knowing if you are going to play but everyone took it in their stride.”

Meanwhile there was sad news for the club with news of the death of former President and player John Hicks, whose son Nigel is the current second XI skipper.

Tributes flooded in on social media after the announcement.

“John introduced me to Machen Cricket Club and taught me all I know about ground maintenance,” said secretary Ray Thomas. “We had many great times with the old guard, may he rest in peace.”

Machen 1st XI’s next match is away to Tondu on Saturday, June 25 while the seconds host Llanarth.