Remember When...Potterne CC Beat Nigeria

On Tuesday 16th July 2013, Potterne Cricket Club were delighted to welcome the Nigerian National Team to The Grove, Potterne.

The game was held as part of Nigeria's preparations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League Division 6 competition in Jersey, Channel Islands later in the month.

In fantastic weather more familiar to their Nigerian opponents, Potterne put on a show that will remain in the memories of their supporters for many years to come.

Potterne skipper and Wiltshire regular Neil Clark, invited his Nigerian counterpart Endurance Ofem to bat first on a fantastic batting track.

The visitors were quickly out of the blocks demonstrating some aggressive strokeplay and looked to be on the way to compiling a big total before 2nd XI captain Aaron Kyte pegged back the internationals with a great spell of left-arm spin claiming four for 17, limiting the visitors to 237 all out.

The Nigerian total would be about par on the compact Wiltshire ground on a regular weekend league game but in a game against an international side, it was a daunting prospect for the villagers, but buoyed by an outstanding league campaign which ultimately saw the Potterne side champions confidence was high that they might be able to cause an upset.

With the support of a large local crowd, Potterne reached their target with overs to spare thanks in part to a masterclass innings from Sri-Lankan overseas player Sahan Wijerathne who amassed a superb, chanceless 92 not out.

'Wiji' played a massive part in Potterne’s successful season finishing the season with consecutive league tons to cement Potterne’s place at the summit of the Wilts/Glos division of the West of England Premier League.

The friendly Nigerian side were a pleasure to host, and Potterne took great satisfaction in giving their guests a real test before they headed off to the Channel Islands in which they triumphed against Argentina to secure promotion to ICC World Cricket League Division 5.

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