Temple Cloud Cricket Club enjoyed a weekend to remember with victories for both their first and second XIs as their promotion campaigns gathered serious momentum.

In the first XI’s fixture away at Wellington, Temple Cloud were made to bat first after the hosts won the toss on a damp and difficult surface.

Wellington were able to get off to a strong start with the early dismissal of Lucas Hales for just one run, as the ball misbehaved on the sticky pitch. However, Temple’s innings was revitalised by an explosive knock from Reece Croker, who smashed 87 from 69 balls in a commanding counter-attack.

His innings included five sixes and set the tone for the rest of the side.

Croker was well supported by Gary Filer (38), and a crucial late contribution came from Andrew Mortimer, whose 41 ensured that Temple Cloud posted a competitive 234-9 from their 50 overs. Toby Stizaker was the pick of the bowlers for Wellington, claiming 4 for 33 with a probing spell.

In response, Wellington launched a ferocious reply, reaching 80 within the first eight overs, though Temple Cloud were able to kewp their composure. Filer bounced back from an expensive opening spell to claim three wickets, and George Fox chimed in with two of his own.

The real difference, however, came from Croker, who completed a fine all-round performance by bowling ten tight overs and taking 3 for 25.

Despite their blistering start, Wellington were unable to recover from the steady flow of wickets and were eventually dismissed for 190 in under 40 overs, handing Temple Cloud a deserved 44 run win.

The victory sees them close the gap at the top of the table to just five points with key fixtures still to come, with their next tie being at home against Butleigh first XI, which will take place on Saturday July 26.

But the first team weren’t the only ones in action over the weekend, as Temple Cloud’s second XI battled to achieve a key victory over Churchill’s first XI.

Taking place at Temple Cloud’s home ground, the second XI needed a win in order to keep their own promotion hopes alive. After opting to bat, Temple Cloud lost early wickets, with Brooks, Riyaz Shaikh, and Liam Raisbeck all falling cheaply to leave the hosts wobbling.

Haydon (28) and Hayne (21) attempted to steady the innings but were both dismissed in quick succession, with Brafield and Lenton causing problems. With the innings in the balance, Chris Arbery played a match-defining knock, scoring his maiden half-century for the club.

His composed 69, supported by Dan Raisbeck’s 26, helped lift the team to a fighting total of 180-8 from their 40 overs.

Churchill began their chase brightly through Dom Bush (22) and former Temple Cloud player Jacob Gale (34), putting them in a strong position at 100-2.

But a disciplined bowling effort led by Appleyard, Comer, and Dan Raisbeck swung momentum back. Raisbeck took the crucial wicket of Oli Masters (36), followed by two more, while Shaikh added two late scalps to help wrap up the innings.

Churchill finished on 164-8, falling 16 runs short, as Temple Cloud celebrated a hard-earned double win. The 2nd XI now look ahead to a showdown with promotion rivals Bear Flat first XI on Saturday July 26.