Londesborough Park’s 1st XI visited York last Saturday and did enough to gain victory against the host’s 3rd XI but had to settle for a high points scoring draw.
Batting first the Park survived an immediate scare when opener James Beevers was dropped off the first delivery. Undeterred James produced one of his best innings for club before falling just 8 runs short of a maiden century. Captain Tom Eagling went one better, punishing some wayward bowling on his way to an excellent 102 from just 94 deliveries. Michael Drewery and Steve Dawson kept the board moving towards the end of the innings which concluded with Tom Sowersby, under pressure from his teammates who questioned his ability to hit the ball off the square, posting a glorious 6 over square leg, the Park closing on 278 for 5. Graham MacFall earned the bowling honours for York with 4-61.
Following a tea of improved quality on the 2016 creation York made a composed start against tight spells of pace and swing bowling from Sowersby and Joe Shingles. Despite an early drop in the gully, wickets began to fall at regular intervals, with only opener David Brown showing any resistance. When he perished to one of four catches by keeper Dawson with the score on 120-6, the Park sensed victory. However York’s 10 and jack held firm, the innings ending on 152 for 9.
A much improved performance from the Park with Eagling taking the Harpers Man of the Match award, although he may share his chips with Beevers. The match ball was kindly sponsored by Manterra Ltd.
Londesborough Park 1st XI 278-5 (T Eagling 102, J Beevers 92, G MacFall 4-61) York 3rd XI 152-9 (D Brown 55, T Sowersby 3-22, J Shingles 3-41)
A day to completely forget for Edward Smith’s 2nd XI when they entertained Goole Town’s second string. The decision to bat first backfired in spades as John Williamson (12) was the only batsmen capable of posting a double digit score. With several regulars missing the Park could only accumulate 45 which proved to be a breeze for the opposition who wrapped up proceeding inside 12 overs, the only bright spot for the Park being a wicket for Alec Scott.
Safe to say the Harper’s Man of the Match award remained in the friers and the match ball, generously sponsored by The Post Office, will probably do another game.
Londesborough Park 2nd XI 45 (J Kennedy 4-10, S Earl 3-18) Goole Town 2nd XI 49-1