Londesborough Park’s winning streak extended to one game as they just missed out in a nail biting affair against Woodhouse Grange last Saturday.
Skipper Tom Eagling’s success at the coin toss eluded him once again and the Britcom boys were predictably invited to bat. The Park were dealt an early blow when Michael Drewery departed for a single but James Hanley (42) and Charlie Rook (43) put the visitors in a strong position, despite a tight spell of bowling from Paul Grewer who conceded just 25 runs from his 12 overs. Three middle order cameos from Eagling (17), Steve Dawson (20) and Lucas Stephenson (16) bolstered the scoreboard total but 4 wickets for Tom Quinn prevented any major partnerships as the Park once again fell short of a really competitive total, closing on 163 for 7.
Ciaran Brooke claimed two early successes for the Park, trapping opener Marcus Smith LBW for 1 and sending Matthew Durkin back to the sheds without troubling the scorers. However a significant partnership between skipper Robert Daniel (71) and Sam Beales (44) steered Grange into the driving seat. It was then a case of the ‘Toms’ dragging the Park back into the contest. Williamson removed Beales, Sowersby ended Daniel’s occupation of the crease and bowled Matthew Shepherd, Eagling chipped in with a brace and then Sowersby removed Quinn to leave the hosts 8 down, short of their target and not many balls left. Unfortunately for the Park Tom Burdett and Grewer held their nerve to earn victory with 2 deliveries to spare.
A tight contest but the Park’s third win remains elusive. The Harpers fish and chips man of the match award was shared between Messrs Hanley and Rook whilst the match ball was generously sponsored by Martin McCarrol.
Londesborough Park 1st XI 163-7 (C Rook 43, J Hanley 42, T Quinn 4-52) Woodhouse Grange 2nd XI 167-8 (R Daniel 72, S Beales 44, T Sowersby 3-43)
The Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI hosted North Duffield’s 1st XI with a full squad which, when asked to bat first, produced a very defendable total of 213 for 9. Skipper Ed Smith finally came to the party with 92 scored off just 75 balls including 13 fours and 2 sixes. The bulk of the remaining runs came from the bats of William Stephenson (30), Sam Dodd (28) and James Beevers (20). For the visitors Jamie Pickles with 5 for 66 and John Patrick with 3 for 10 took the bowling honours.
The Park’s defence of their total started well as Darren Moody sent both openers back to the hutch and James Beevers dismissed skipper David Buckley with 44 on the board. Two significant partnerships between Simon Houlder (83) and firstly Matthew Fortnam (55) and then Nick Hatfield (30 no) then took the visitors within sight of victory which, despite two late wickets for Ryan Curtis, was secured in the 41st over.
A much improved and competitive performance form the Park but little reward and a tough battle ahead to move away from the relegation zone. The skipper earned the Harpers man of the match supper and Market Weighton Farm Supplies kindly sponsored the match ball.
Londesborough Park 2nd XI 213-9 (E Smith 92, W Stephenson 30, S Dodd 28, J Pickles 5-66, J Patrick 3-10) North Duffield 1st XI 214-6 (S Houlder 83, M Fortnam 55, N Hatfield 30 no)
At the junior end of the club the under 13's, sponsored by The Star Inn, Sancton, are having an excellent season so far, playing in a higher league than last season. They have won 6 out of 10 games
played with good wins over local rivals Pocklington, Woodhouse Grange and Dunnington. The team has been well supported with over 20 boys playing in the matches. Special thanks go to Dicconson Properties Ltd for sponsoring the team’s new kit.