Latest news with #TomWells
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FairWinds Migrates from .COM to .FAIRWINDS, Showcasing Leadership in Strategic Internet Addressing
WASHINGTON, DC / / July 15, 2025 / FairWinds Partners, the world's leading domain name strategy consultancy, has completed the migration of its website from to "This transition is more than a domain change. It reflects our belief in the future of .BRAND top-level domains," said FairWinds founder Josh Bourne. "Our move to .FAIRWINDS reinforces the strategic value that these top-level domains offer and our evolution from a pioneering domain name advisory firm to the trusted partner for global brands navigating the digital landscape via the address bar." Unlike second-level domains like top-level domains reside on the internet's root servers -- the foundation of the internet's naming system. .BRAND top-level domains are not publicly available and are used exclusively by the brand owner. ".BRAND top-level domains provide a powerful way to amplify, control, and secure a brand's digital presence while giving visitors visual proof of authenticity and safety," said Tom Wells, vice president at FairWinds. Founded in 2006, FairWinds has helped more than 250 clients worldwide build and protect their online presence. The company has helped scores of clients -- including Major League Baseball, Pfizer, Nike, and American Express -- secure .BRAND top-level domains. During the last round of applications for new generic top-level domains from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), FairWinds submitted 133 top-level domain applications on behalf of its clients -- including more .BRANDs than any other advisory firm. FairWinds is the only domain consultancy to invest alongside its clients by securing and operating its own branded top-level domain, .FAIRWINDS. The company has launched .FAIRWINDS as ICANN prepares to receive fresh applications for new generic top-level domains in April 2026 for the first time since 2012. To help brand owners of all kinds -- including corporations, nonprofits, higher-ed institutions, and others -- determine whether they should participate in the upcoming ICANN application window, FairWinds is rolling out its signature SPARK (Strategy, Planning, Application, Registration, and Knowledge) service as well as an educational website with comprehensive information on the process for securing a top-level domain. "FairWinds has played a critical role in establishing .BRAND top-level domains as a trusted and strategic asset for major corporations," Bourne said. "Our migration to places FairWinds among a select group of forward-thinking companies, such as Apple, Barclays, BMW, and Microsoft, that have adopted .BRAND domains as a pillar of their digital strategy."###For media inquiries, please contact Miguel Calle Jaramillo at miguel@ or 202-900-4555. About FairWinds PartnersFairWinds Partners is the leading domain name consultancy that elevates online presence by increasing website traffic, growing revenue, and improving online customer experiences. For more information, visit SOURCE: FairWinds Partners View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Our 1,200-year-old market survived Black Death & world wars…but council's ‘Harry Potter plan' may finally kill it
Locals fear it will become another tourist trap after surviving intact for so long MARK OUR WORDS Our 1,200-year-old market survived Black Death & world wars…but council's 'Harry Potter plan' may finally kill it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CITY's historic open air market which has survived the Vikings, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death and two world wars is perhaps facing its biggest crisis yet. Angry stallholders claim the 1,200-year-old market in the centre of Cambridge could wither and die if major redevelopment plans drawn up by local councillors get the go ahead. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 15 Cambridge Market is over 1,200 years old Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Market trader Tom Wells says he thinks the council wants to 'bulldoze' the market Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Locals have launched a 'Save Our Market' campaign Credit: Andrew Styczynski They fear the £12.6million scheme would turn the place into 'a playground for tourists' like trendy Borough Market in London, full of fast food stalls and gift shops selling tacky Harry Potter-style souvenirs. The number of permanent pitches would also be chopped by more than half, with dozens of demountable stalls introduced, which are able to be quickly cleared for the space to double for performances and other activities. It could mean local residents are no longer be able to go there seven days a week to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bread, books and even bicycles. The council is adamant the "ambition" is to ensure a more "flexible" and modern space in much-need to a face lift. It is hoped it will also free up funds in the long-term to be reinvested elsewhere, as well as protect businesses against late-night anti-social behaviour. But many of the traders The Sun spoke to during our visit this week were sceptical about the plans. 'They just want to gentrify it and make it look all pretty,' said fed-up Tom Kennedy, who is already packing in the lease on his stall doing bike repairs. 'They don't want us grease monkeys here! 'It's a shame. This market could be absolutely epic if they didn't put a bunch of pen-pushing bureaucrats in charge – folk who couldn't organise a p***-up in a brewery," he told The Sun. 'When they were drawing up plans for the market they promised they'd listen to our concerns. Well, they did – but then didn't take a blind bit of notice.' Carlos, 38, who was selling coffee from his homeland of Colombia at a nearby stall, agreed. Beloved high street chain with 24 Irish locations confirms Dublin city centre store closing down in 10 days in huge blow 'This market is the soul of Cambridge,' he explained. 'It's right in the middle of the city and a lovely place both to work and shop. All the traders support each other. 'But all that could be destroyed if these plans go ahead. We need to conserve the market for future generations not destroy it.' Cambridge Council is proposing a massive Civic Quarter project which would spruce up the nearby Guildhall and the Corn Exchange. But as part of the plans, centuries-old cobbles in the market square would be torn up and then replaced, with the current 81 stalls reduced to around 30 along with the 58 temporary gazebos. The square would then be used as a performance area for music concerts or theatrical shows as well as for the market. Ian Mortlock, 55, who does a roaring trade selling sun hats in summer and then warm gloves and scarves during winter, said: 'It's a big worry. 'This won't help the small traders like me. Rents are bound to go up and we will be squeezed out by the big chains.' They just want to gentrify it and make it look all pretty. They don't want us grease monkeys here! It's a shame. This market could be absolutely epic if they didn't put a bunch of pen-pushing bureaucrats in charge – folk who couldn't organise a p***-up in a brewery. Tom Kennedy Ken Woollard, 66, waved an arm over his stall where they've been selling fresh fruit and vegetables for more than 100 years. 'They're going to take all the cobbles up and then they've got to put them back down again because they're listed,' he said, while selling some delicious-looking cherries for a pound. 'You do wonder why they bother. 'Perhaps they've got to do something. But these flimsy gazebos they're talking about won't do for us. There won't be anywhere near enough room to display our fruit and veg.' Tom Wells, 20, whose stall was displaying a bizarre fossil of a mammoth's jaw among crystal gems and ammonites from around the world, feared the worst if the plans are approved. He said: 'I think the council would like to bulldoze the market and see it disappear completely so they can use the area as a permanent open air events arena. 15 Archie Starrs says there is no way he could operate in one if the proposed gazebos Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Kevin Wollard shows off his fresh strawberries for sale Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Tom Kennedy has already decided to pack in the lease on his bike stall Credit: Andrew Styczynski 'Or failing that they'd like to turn it into a trendy Borough Market-type place, full of fancy food stalls, catering for tourists but ignoring the needs of local residents. 'They talk about consultation. And ask us what we want. But then they go and do the exact opposite.' Fishmonger Archie Starrs, 21, who has stall on the market four days a week, said there was no way he could operate in one if the proposed gazebos. He added: 'I don't know whether we would be able to function at all under the new scheme. But knowing this council, at the end of the day I have my doubts that anything will ever happen at all.' Shopper Mandy Davies-Kent, walking her dog Bear through the market, sympathised with the stallholders. 'I've been coming here for 30 years and the market was once so diverse,' she said. 'But a lot of traders have been priced out 'A friend of mine used to have a stall selling lovely old rugs and antiques, and there were all kinds of organic food. You could even get ostrich eggs here. 'But unfortunately the market is losing its character. There is too much tourist tat here these days.' We only found one stallholder who was happy with the plans. Minnie, 36, from Thailand, reckoned it would be good for her stall selling gelato and lemonade drinks flavoured with honey. 15 Shopper Mandy Davies-Kent Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Hat seller Ian Mortlock said the plans are a 'big worry' Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 The market area is included in the city council's ambitious redevelopment plans Credit: Andrew Styczynski 'Everybody has a different opinion,' she said. 'And that is good. But I think the council's new plans would benefit my business so I am quite happy.' One of the scheme's biggest opponents is Anne Garvey, who edits the Cambridge Critique magazine and lives just a few minutes walk from the market. She and her architect husband Stephen have been have been doing the bulk of their shopping there for almost 40 years and want to continue doing so. 'You used to be able to buy everything you needed there,' said Anne, who is now supporting a petition to save the market. 'There were greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, cheese stalls, jewellers, florists, fabric shops – you name it and somebody sold it. Some traders would even deliver to your home. 'But now it is becoming full of ice cream shops and fudge shops. More and more of Cambridge's traditional upmarket businesses are disappearing and being replaced with shops selling Harry Potter souvenirs and other tat. 'It's all very jolly. But it's not very authentic!' In November last year, city councillor Simon Smith said the market would not be "destroyed" after it "survived Vikings, Black Death, wars and recessions". He added that people in the city needed to get a 'sense of perspective', reports CambridgeshireLive. He said at the project is still at an early stage and that they would continue to discuss the designs and proposals with traders and members of the public. It survived Vikings, Norman conquest, several outbreaks of the Black Death, Civil War, multiple harvest failures, innumerable economic recessions, two world wars, can we just get a sense of perspective in this city, this council is not out to destroy the market. Cllr Simon Smith During a meeting on November 28, Cllr Smith said: "There are people worried that we are about to destroy the market; if there is one thing about the 1,200 year market it is resilience. "It survived Vikings, Norman conquest, several outbreaks of the Black Death, Civil War, multiple harvest failures, innumerable economic recessions, two world wars, can we just get a sense of perspective in this city, this council is not out to destroy the market." He added that the authority hoped the changes proposed would also reduce the city council's operating costs. A majority of councillors agreed to move forward to the next design stage, aiming to submit a planning application over summer 2025. 'Our plans have been adapting in line with feedback' Councillor Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Climate Action and Environment, told The Sun in a statement: 'We remain committed to supporting the thriving seven-day market on the market square, with the same square meterage of stalls as there is currently. "Our plans have been adapting in line with traders' feedback, including increasing the number of permanent stalls being proposed to 36, alongside 58 demountable stalls. "Feedback from our recent consultation supports an approach that allows more space to host events throughout the year. 'All traders who have a contract when any construction works begin will be able to return to the new market so, unless they choose not to, the variety of products on offer for local people and tourists is not set to change. "We have also committed to freezing rents for the first year after the works are completed. Our new balance of trade policy also shows our commitment to getting the right balance of stalls, which the current market achieves. 'Anyone who has visited the market will have seen that the floor desperately needs relaying, as well as the need for new underground bins, electrics and lighting. 15 Minnie believes the changes will be good for her stall selling gelato and lemonade drinks Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 It is one of the oldest markets in the UK Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Carlos says the market is the 'soul of Cambridge' Credit: Andrew Styczynski "So the market itself and the surroundings will see much-needed improvements. The consultation showed support for a new covered seating area with a wide range of seating styles, more pedestrianisation in and around the square to improve accessibility, improved cleanliness, and more greenery. "We are proposing to provide all of this, with new seating areas including a new covered area to offer places with sun shade or rain shelter to support those eating food from the market. "The pavement, road and setts on and around the market currently prevent people from accessing the market if they are wheelchair or pushchair users; we will be resurfacing the whole area to make it much more accessible, while preserving the Victorian granite setts. We will also be planting to make the area more biodiverse and provide natural shade in the square. 'The ambition of the project is also to enable more flexible use of the space so that, on quieter days when there isn't such a demand from traders for stalls, we would have the option of holding events in the square or there just being open space for residents to enjoy. "The demountable stalls will allow flexibility to expand and contract depending on demand from traders. This would be similar to other markets across the UK and Europe, which also use demountable stalls like the ones that have recently been trialled by Cambridge Market traders. 'We hear regularly from traders and the wider community that late night antisocial behaviour in the market square is a concern, and that having stalls standing vacant contributes to this as it enables antisocial behaviour to take place hidden from CCTV cameras and natural observation. "The ability to put away the demountable stalls overnight will help to address this concern for the community too. 'This work is being carried out with the support of a Markets Expert and our Markets Manager who have supported the development of a new Business Plan for the market, which sets out an improved service offer for traders including enhanced cleaning, waste management processes, and a team to construct and deconstruct the demountable stalls. "This improved offer will see a phased increase in rents in the coming years, which will bring rents more in line with those charged in other thriving UK markets, reflecting the enhanced level of support." Do you know more? Email 15 There are currently 80 stalls Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Locals visit the market every day Credit: Andrew Styczynski
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Our 1,200-year-old market survived Black Death & world wars…but council's ‘Harry Potter plan' may finally kill it
A CITY's historic open air market which has survived the Vikings, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death and two world wars is perhaps facing its biggest crisis yet. Angry stallholders claim the 1,200-year-old market in the centre of Cambridge could wither and die if major redevelopment plans drawn up by local councillors get the go ahead. 15 Cambridge Market is over 1,200 years old Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Market trader Tom Wells says he thinks the council wants to 'bulldoze' the market Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Locals have launched a 'Save Our Market' campaign Credit: Andrew Styczynski They fear the £12.6million scheme would turn the place into 'a playground for tourists' like trendy Borough Market in London, full of fast food stalls and gift shops selling tacky Harry Potter-style souvenirs. The number of permanent pitches would also be chopped by more than half, with dozens of demountable stalls introduced, which are able to be quickly cleared for the space to double for performances and other activities. It could mean local residents are no longer be able to go there seven days a week to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bread, books and even bicycles. The council is adamant the "ambition" is to ensure a more "flexible" and modern space in much-need to a face lift. READ MORE NEWS It is hoped it will also free up funds in the long-term to be reinvested elsewhere, as well as protect businesses against late-night anti-social behaviour. But many of the traders The Sun spoke to during our visit this week were sceptical about the plans. 'They just want to gentrify it and make it look all pretty,' said fed-up Tom Kennedy, who is already packing in the lease on his stall doing bike repairs. 'They don't want us grease monkeys here! 'It's a shame. This market could be absolutely epic if they didn't put a bunch of pen-pushing bureaucrats in charge – folk who couldn't organise a p***-up in a brewery," he told The Sun. Most read in The Sun 'When they were drawing up plans for the market they promised they'd listen to our concerns. Well, they did – but then didn't take a blind bit of notice.' Carlos, 38, who was selling coffee from his homeland of Beloved high street chain with 24 Irish locations confirms Dublin city centre store closing down in 10 days in huge blow 'This market is the soul of Cambridge,' he explained. 'It's right in the middle of the city and a lovely place both to work and shop. All the traders support each other. 'But all that could be destroyed if these plans go ahead. We need to conserve the market for Cambridge Council is proposing a massive Civic Quarter project which would spruce up the nearby Guildhall and the Corn Exchange. But as part of the plans, centuries-old cobbles in the market square would be torn up and then replaced, with the current 81 stalls reduced to around 30 along with the 58 temporary gazebos. The square would then be used as a performance area for music concerts or theatrical shows as well as for the market. Ian Mortlock, 55, who does a roaring trade selling sun hats in summer and then warm gloves and scarves during winter, said: 'It's a big worry. 'This won't help the small traders like me. Rents are bound to go up and we will be squeezed out by the big chains.' They just want to gentrify it and make it look all pretty. They don't want us grease monkeys here! It's a shame. This market could be absolutely epic if they didn't put a bunch of pen-pushing bureaucrats in charge – folk who couldn't organise a p***-up in a brewery. Tom Kennedy market trader Ken Woollard, 66, waved an arm over his stall where they've been selling fresh fruit and vegetables for more than 100 years. 'They're going to take all the cobbles up and then they've got to put them back down again because they're listed,' he said, while selling some delicious-looking cherries for a pound. 'You do wonder why they bother. 'Perhaps they've got to do something. But these flimsy gazebos they're talking about won't do for us. There won't be anywhere near enough room to display our fruit and veg.' Tom Wells, 20, whose stall was displaying a bizarre fossil of a mammoth's jaw among crystal gems and ammonites from around the world, feared the worst if the plans are approved. He said: 'I think the council would like to bulldoze the market and see it disappear completely so they can use the area as a permanent open air events arena. 15 Archie Starrs says there is no way he could operate in one if the proposed gazebos Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Kevin Wollard shows off his fresh strawberries for sale Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Tom Kennedy has already decided to pack in the lease on his bike stall Credit: Andrew Styczynski 'Or failing that they'd like to turn it into a trendy Borough Market-type place, full of fancy food stalls, catering for tourists but ignoring the needs of local residents. 'They talk about consultation. And ask us what we want. But then they go and do the exact opposite.' Fishmonger Archie Starrs, 21, who has stall on the market four days a week, said there was no way he could operate in one if the proposed gazebos. He added: 'I don't know whether we would be able to function at all under the new scheme. But knowing this council, at the end of the day I have my doubts that anything will ever happen at all.' Shopper Mandy Davies-Kent, walking her dog Bear through the market, sympathised with the stallholders. 'I've been coming here for 30 years and the market was once so diverse,' she said. 'But a lot of traders have been priced out 'A friend of mine used to have a stall selling lovely old rugs and antiques, and there were all kinds of organic food. You could even get ostrich eggs here. 'But unfortunately the market is losing its character. There is too much tourist tat here these days.' We only found one stallholder who was happy with the plans. Minnie, 36, from Thailand, reckoned it would be good for her stall selling gelato and lemonade drinks flavoured with honey. 15 Shopper Mandy Davies-Kent Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Hat seller Ian Mortlock said the plans are a 'big worry' Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 The market area is included in the city council's ambitious redevelopment plans Credit: Andrew Styczynski 'Everybody has a different opinion,' she said. 'And that is good. But I think the council's new plans would benefit my business so I am quite happy.' One of the scheme's biggest opponents is Anne Garvey, who edits the Cambridge Critique magazine and lives just a few minutes walk from the market. She and her architect husband Stephen have been have been doing the bulk of their shopping there for almost 40 years and want to continue doing so. 'You used to be able to buy everything you needed there,' said Anne, who is now supporting a petition to save the market. 'There were greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, cheese stalls, jewellers, florists, fabric shops – you name it and somebody sold it. Some traders would even deliver to your home. 'But now it is becoming full of ice cream shops and fudge shops. More and more of Cambridge's traditional upmarket businesses are disappearing and being replaced with shops selling Harry Potter souvenirs and other tat. 'It's all very jolly. But it's not very authentic!' In November last year, city councillor Simon Smith said the market would not be "destroyed" after it "survived Vikings, Black Death, wars and recessions". He added that people in the city needed to get a 'sense of perspective', reports He said at the project is still at an early stage and that they would continue to discuss the designs and proposals with traders and members of the public. It survived Vikings, Norman conquest, several outbreaks of the Black Death, Civil War, multiple harvest failures, innumerable economic recessions, two world wars, can we just get a sense of perspective in this city, this council is not out to destroy the market. Cllr Simon Smith Cambridge City Council During a meeting on November 28, Cllr Smith said: "There are people worried that we are about to destroy the market; if there is one thing about the 1,200 year market it is resilience. "It survived Vikings, Norman conquest, several outbreaks of the Black Death, Civil War, multiple harvest failures, innumerable economic recessions, two world wars, can we just get a sense of perspective in this city, this council is not out to destroy the market." He added that the authority hoped the changes proposed would also reduce the city council's operating costs. A majority of councillors agreed to move forward to the next design stage, aiming to submit a planning application over summer 2025. 'Our plans have been adapting in line with feedback' Councillor Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Climate Action and Environment, told The Sun in a statement: 'We remain committed to supporting the thriving seven-day market on the market square, with the same square meterage of stalls as there is currently. "Our plans have been adapting in line with traders' feedback, including increasing the number of permanent stalls being proposed to 36, alongside 58 demountable stalls. "Feedback from our recent consultation supports an approach that allows more space to host events throughout the year. 'All traders who have a contract when any construction works begin will be able to return to the new market so, unless they choose not to, the variety of products on offer for local people and tourists is not set to change. "We have also committed to freezing rents for the first year after the works are completed. Our new balance of trade policy also shows our commitment to getting the right balance of stalls, which the current market achieves. 'Anyone who has visited the market will have seen that the floor desperately needs relaying, as well as the need for new underground bins, electrics and lighting. 15 Minnie believes the changes will be good for her stall selling gelato and lemonade drinks Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 It is one of the oldest markets in the UK Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Carlos says the market is the 'soul of Cambridge' Credit: Andrew Styczynski "So the market itself and the surroundings will see much-needed improvements. The consultation showed support for a new covered seating area with a wide range of seating styles, more pedestrianisation in and around the square to improve accessibility, improved cleanliness, and more greenery. "We are proposing to provide all of this, with new seating areas including a new covered area to offer places with sun shade or rain shelter to support those eating food from the market. "The pavement, road and setts on and around the market currently prevent people from accessing the market if they are wheelchair or pushchair users; we will be resurfacing the whole area to make it much more accessible, while preserving the Victorian granite setts. We will also be planting to make the area more biodiverse and provide natural shade in the square. 'The ambition of the project is also to enable more flexible use of the space so that, on quieter days when there isn't such a demand from traders for stalls, we would have the option of holding events in the square or there just being open space for residents to enjoy. "The demountable stalls will allow flexibility to expand and contract depending on demand from traders. This would be similar to other markets across the UK and Europe, which also use demountable stalls like the ones that have recently been trialled by Cambridge Market traders. 'We hear regularly from traders and the wider community that late night antisocial behaviour in the market square is a concern, and that having stalls standing vacant contributes to this as it enables antisocial behaviour to take place hidden from CCTV cameras and natural observation. "The ability to put away the demountable stalls overnight will help to address this concern for the community too. 'This work is being carried out with the support of a Markets Expert and our Markets Manager who have supported the development of a new Business Plan for the market, which sets out an improved service offer for traders including enhanced cleaning, waste management processes, and a team to construct and deconstruct the demountable stalls. "This improved offer will see a phased increase in rents in the coming years, which will bring rents more in line with those charged in other thriving UK markets, reflecting the enhanced level of support." Do you know more? Email 15 There are currently 80 stalls Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Locals visit the market every day Credit: Andrew Styczynski 15 Daniel Radcliffe as the title character in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Credit: Alamy
Bloomberg
07-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
UK Declines to Rule Out Wealth Tax as Reeves Faces Growing Calls
The UK government declined to rule out imposing a new tax on Britain's wealthiest people, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves faces growing calls from prominent left-wing figures to introduce such a levy. 'I'm not going to write a future budget for you now,' Tom Wells, a spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, told reporters on Monday in a briefing during which he repeatedly refused to rule out the prospect of a wealth tax. 'I'm not going to comment on future fiscal events.'
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hodder strikes sensational 165 to help Swanage to nail-biting win
SWANAGE'S 'star' all-rounder Ben Hodder played an extraordinary innings of 165 not out off just 140 balls - this included 31 boundaries, seven of which were maximums, to help his team record an incredible nail-biting victory in the last over. After losing the toss on a beautiful, sun-kissed afternoon at Days Park - unsurprisingly, Mark Stacey's side found themselves in the field against Marnhull in their latest Premier Division 2 encounter. The visitors got-off to a 'flying-start' - making use of the first 10-over Powerplay, however, when Stacy introduced his two main slower bowlers Charlie Dyke and Pete Richards - the hosts were able to build some pressure (especially, as they both not only bowled with fantastic control, but also, claimed vital wickets). The hosts were, then, hampered by the loss of a key bowler - who damaged his finger going for a catch. Despite this, Swanage's other change-bowlers - James Harding and Harry Long, also, bowled with great consistency too. Harding took a brace of wickets as the visitors recorded 345-7 from their 60 overs. In reply to this mammoth score, the hosts recovered from the loss of an early wicket with a half-century stand between Stacey & Hodder and despite Stacey being brilliantly caught for a quick-fire 32, the momentum of the innings was maintained by Tom Wells - who smashed 48 with a strike-rate of over 100. Hodder was, then, joined by Dan Salmon - who played some ferocious shots (particularly square of the wicket). These three cameo-innings had kept the hosts in with a chance - especially, because they only had 50 overs in which to reach this huge total and despite losing two quick wickets Hodder remained. He was, then joined by Matt Beard and at this point 140 runs were still needed off 14 overs. But together they managed to hit the required two boundaries an over and keep-up with the required run-rate. Until it got the stage where the hosts needed 11 runs off the final seven balls, at which point, Hodder hit the biggest six of his innings. Beard then scored his 35th run to simply get Hodder back on strike, and fittingly, he drove the next ball straight back past the bowler to complete a truly phenomenal innings/run-chase. Also on Saturday, the 2nd XI travelled to their Marnhull counterparts in Division 4. The visitors batted first and recovered from a poor start (32-3), with a half-century partnership between Ben Allatt & Sam Wells. However, when they were both dismissed in quick-succession for 51 and 24 respectively the game remained in-the-balance at 107-5. Despite this, Michael Barry and Mike Nash firstly consolidated the innings and, then flourished towards the final overs with an important stand of 77, until Nash, who also made 24 was dismissed. But Barry remained undefeated on a run-a-ball 63 - which included smashing the last ball of the innings to the boundary (his 9th) to enable the visitors to reach the respectable total of 216-7 off their 40 overs. In reply, the hosts got off to a brilliant start reaching 103-0. Despite this, the game changed with the introduction of Andrew Hancock's off spin. He not only broke this partnership but also bowled with fantastic changes of pace. He went on to complete an incredible five wicket-haul and along with the returning Ryan Stearn & Wells helped restrict the hosts to 151 all out - after being 138-2 at one stage. This puts the team in a positive frame-of-mind for this weekend's top-of-the-table clash against Winton at Days Park. As well as that, the 3rdXI were involved in (another) nail-biting finish on the Nursery Ground at Days Park in Division 5. The hosts batted first made a very respectable 237-6 from their 40 overs. With the stand-out performers being Chris Wood (61), Geoff Willcocks (64 not out), Tony Fowle & Josh Gould. In reply, Poole kept-up with the run-rate, despite some excellent bowling by Mark Savage & Alan Marks - who claimed three and two wickets respectively. Unfortunately for the hosts, one of Poole's up and coming young 'stars' came out and hit the last ball of the match for six to register a three-wicket win - in what was an exceptional game of cricket.
