| Match Report
The cliff top at Sewerby was the destination of Londesborough Park’s 1st
XI last Saturday as they attempted to repeat their first game of the
season victory against the seasiders.
An unfortunate choice
of pre-season spray on the ground has left the square devoid of grass
and the outfield a patchwork of green and brown with bobbles aplenty.
Consequently skipper Charlie Rook decided the opposition could bat first
to assess the cracked and barren pitch. Rich Foster picked up the
valuable wicket of Artley but felt his hamstring tighten so Tom Eagling
was introduced to the attack. What was not in the script was Tom’s
hamstring blowing up after just one delivery! So the skipper took up
the mantle with the hard working Mark Tissiman but found Dobson a hard
nut to crack. Tissy finally made the second breakthrough with the score
on 65, dismissing opener Purvis for 29. Acton and Dobson enjoyed a
partnership of 74 as the Park endured some leather chasing over the
expansive outfield. Sam Medley’s spin stemmed the flow of runs and
finally did for Dobson, caught by Rook for 79. Charlie (2-72) and Sam
(2-11) picked up further wickets as the innings closed on 188 for 6.
Big Bird and Medley got
the reply underway with 23 before Sam edged to the keeper. An incessant
appeal from the fielding side, vociferously led by their skipper,
finally swayed the umpire after a significant pause to adjudge Rook
caught behind, all the more galling when some of the opposition admitted
there was no nick. Funnily enough that admission was delivered after the
game. Big Bird could not repeat his dominance of the previous week when,
unbeknown to the reporter he actually ran a four, and departed for a
useful 24. Neil Stephenson and Sam Dodd kept the board ticking before
Sam became the keeper’s third victim with 20 to his name. Jonathon
Croft’s came and went all too rapidly and when young spinner Beasley had
Stephenson caught for 35 the Park’s score stood at a worrying 101 for
6. Pilot Nettleton and Tissy added a further 23 then Blaster joined the
Pilot, who was batting with some dexterity, and aided in a potential
match winning 8th wicket partnership. Blaster took on one of
the quickies by surprise with a trademark reverse sweep for four but
with 10 required from 9 deliveries and victory within their grasp the
Pilot just failed to clear the long on boundary and was caught for a
valuable 58. Tom Eagling couldn’t add to the cause so Blaster and Rich
Foster took no further risks and secured the 10 bonus points on offer
for the draw, frustratingly 8 runs short of the target.
The Britcom sponsored
Park slip to 3rd in the league but are still within striking
distance of Beverley and Clifton Alliance as they play host to Tadcaster
Magnet this weekend. The ‘spicy’ match ball was kindly sponsored by
Bengal Brasserie.
Sewerby 188-6 (B Dobson
79, M Purvis 29) Londesborough Park 181-9 (T Nettleton 58, N Stephenson
35, L Beasley 5-72)
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