LPCC 2nd XI vs. SHB 2nd XI
This week the Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI travelled to the picturesque ground of Sheriff Hutton Bridge. The 2nd XI welcomed back a few regulars from their holidays, including Jack Sowersby back after a year down under.
Skipper Williamson won the toss again, and with the covers still in position, decided that even with rain breaks forecast to have a bowl. Park had to wait till the 13th over before breaking the opening partnership, Michael Drewery just disturbing the off bail of opposition skipper Kiernan for 23 with the score on 39. 1st change bowler Lewis Medley, happier with the older ball in hand removed the experienced Crowder in his 1st over, caught behind by 'keeper Ben Shingles. The pleasant figure of Scaling was next in and begin to play his shots right from his first ball. Michael Drewery completed his 12 over spell with a wicket in his last over, caught at point by Toby Stephenson, leaving SHB 75 for 3. Park then took a hold of the game, taking the next 4 wickets for the loss of 2 runs. Lewis Medley with 2 caught behinds and the returning Sowersby with 2 wicket maidens with his first 2 overs, including Scaling caught between arm and chest by Joe Shingles. It was at this point that the dark clouds in the distance loomed and soon Parks momentum was halted by a rain break. With SHB 83 for 7 off 30 overs, and the rain about stopped tea was taken to avoid the loss of additional overs. A sunny 30 minute break was taken and with darker clouds approaching Park managed just 10 balls before yet again everyone was back inside. With both Captains and umpires discussing the new rain affect rules Park returned to the field in what was now a 60 over game. For all results to be possible Park would need to be given 24 overs to chase the score posted by SHB in 36 overs. With an agreement of a total for Park to chase in 24 overs dismissed by SHB skipper, Park returned to the field. The 36 over declaration unsurprisingly never materialised and Park eventually bowled SHB out in the 39th over for 114, a run out, Joe Shingles and Williamson taking the final 3 wickets.
The equation was now simple, to win Park needed 115 from 20 overs meanwhile SHB needed 10 wickets to win. Any other result would mean the statutory 5 rain points plus batting and bowling bonus points were all that could be achieved. Park lost Michael Drewery early, playing aggressively as Park initially set about chasing down 115. Harry Gamble played the anchor role finishing 25 not out, with only Ian Hodson making a significant contribution of 24, as Park frustrated the SHB fielders finishing on 70-4 from the 20 overs. Williamson blocking the final 4 overs for 0 not out, much to the dislike of SHB fielders. Park left with a tally of 12 points, while SHB finished with the minimum for rain affected game of 9 points, surely left to rue the lack of a declaration denying them of a winning draw and possible 20 plus points. Park frustrated that without the interruption of rain they would have had 50 overs to chase 115 to win. Collecting the fish and chip voucher this week, Lewis Medley for his 6 over spell of 3-22, all 3 wickets caught behind.