The Europhile weather gods intervened on a number of matches in the area last Saturday. In typical fashion one Londesborough Park side played through to a result whilst the other ended in abandonment when reasonably well placed.
The Britcom sponsored 1st XI stayed east of the inclement weather when they hosted Carlton Towers who elected to bat first. Opener Jonathan Dilks dominated an opening partnership of 25 until he was caught by the returning Ben Lewis off Joe Shingles’ bowling. Two further wickets for Shingles and Charlie Rook reduced the visitors to 38 for 3. A mini revival between Matthew Torn (23) and Darren Graves raised the total to 69 but three further wickets for the addition of just one run put the Park firmly in command at 70 for 6. Thereafter only Mark Holmes (22) and Louis Ellin (24) prevented an early bun fight as Ciaran Brooke chipped in with three wickets, the visitors eventually being dismissed in the 39th over for 124 courtesy of nine catches from a well drilled fielding performance.
A first wicket partnership of 39 between James Beevers and Ben Shingles (11) laid the foundation for what proved to be an emphatic win as Beevers (42 no) and Rook (65 no) steered the Park home to a 9 wicket victory despite the visitors employing the services of seven different bowlers.
This success moves the 1st XI into second place in the division at the half way stage of the season which continues on Saturday with the visit of Dringhouses. Last week’s match ball was kindly sponsored by The Market Weighton Post Office.
Carlton Towers 124 (J Shingles 3-14, C Brooke 3-32) Londesborough Park 1st XI 126-1 (C Rook 65 no, J Beevers 42 no)
The Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI travelled to Selby by the train track and finally produced a batting performance which accumulated a total in excess of 200. Despite the early loss of Joel Taylor, key contributions from Ed Smith (31), an excellent 68 from Ed Rook and a debut half century in the League for skipper Darren Moody ensured the Park took tea with a competitive total of 203 for 8.
With every dry train that passed, the prospects of a finish looked promising. The hosts’ response was positive as Andrew Wilson and Graham Philips (13) posted a partnership of 47 before the latter was caught by Jacob Todd to give Rich Foster another wicket. Unfortunately just as Mark Tissimantrapped Gareth Pearce LBW a wet train appeared and proceedings were brought to a sudden and final end with the hosts on 76 for 2 from 26 overs.
The rather soggy match ball was generously sponsored by Henleys Nurseries. The Park will be hoping for better weather this weekend when they travel to basement club Castleford.
Londesborough Park 2nd XI 203-8 (E Rook 68, D Moody 52, E Smith 31, K Heeley 3-39) Selby 2nd XI 76-2 (A Wilson 40 no) - match abandoned.