The curtain came down on Britcom sponsored LondesboroughPark’s season last Saturday with a home fixture against Clifton Alliance 2nd XI.
Skipper Greg Drewery had a mixture of first and second team members at his disposal and was asked to bat first by visiting captain Matthew Phillips. Tom Eagling failed to make it through the first over but James Beevers and Drewery enjoyed a lucrative partnership of 77 until the former was caught for 30. Lucas Stephenson fell victim to a run out and the visitors began to gain some momentum when the skipper departed for 41, at the same time taking his tally for the season to 522. William Stephenson (10), Ed Smith (21), Ciaran Brooke (19) and Rich Foster with 11 all chipped in to take the Park’s total to 168 for 9 at which point Drewery made the declaration, denying Steve Mudd the chance of making a big fifty. Ryan Turner returned the best figures for Clifton with 3 for 21.
The ever reliable Rich Foster made the initial breakthrough for the Park with the ball, bowling Jason Gatus for 9. Fellow opener Brooke then bowled John Thornton and Jamie Butt in quick succession before the visitors rallied with a stand of 38 between Phillips and Simon Corley (32) who was eventually deceived by Tom Williamson and stumped by Drewery. Beevers’ 3 over spell was rewarded with two wickets and Drewery again whipped off the bails from a Mudd delivery to dismiss Phillips for 44. The visitors lost their eighth wicket with 126 on the board but edged closer to the Park’s total courtesy of Matt Mellor (13 no) and Ryan Turner. However Brooke returned to bowl Turner and the lack of an eleventh man proved costly for Clifton and a bonus for the Park who claimed victory by 24 runs.
Thanks to Sweetmove for sponsoring the last ball of a season which has resulted in the first XI finishing in 6th position in Ebor division 2.
Londesborough Park 1st XI 168-9 dec (G Drewery 41, J Beevers 30, R Turner 3-21) Clifton Alliance 2nd XI 144 (M Phillips 44, S Corley 32, C Brooke 3-24)
Team selection for the Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI turned out to be a swift process – no team, no selection, 30 points for Stamford Bridge. Fortunately the Park’s points total prior to the game could not be overhauled as the twos finished the season in eighth position in Ebor division 3, just above the relegation slots.
As ever both senior teams are grateful to the ground staff, umpires, scorers, tea providers and all other club members and helpers who have contributed to an enjoyable season both on and off the pitch.