LPCC 2nd XI vs. Castleford 2nd XI- Nice weather for ducks
The red lion sponsored 2nd XI this week entertained West Yorkshire's finest, Castleford 2nd XI. With a damp and soft track no doubt waiting for the loser of the toss, LPCC needed a bad call from Castleford skipper. He called correctly and had no hesitation in asking LPCC to have a bat.
With the ball seeming and bouncing unexpectedly the 2nd XI didn't apply themselves against the Castleford attack. 4 of the first 6 batsman failing to trouble the scorer, including 2 members for the primary club. Only 14 year old Lucas Stephenson showed fight and bravery, no doubt black and blue from some vicious deliveries to the arm and chest. At 7 for 5 LPCC were in danger of being home for the days 3pm football kick-off. The returning Tom Noble, more accustomed to an oar nowadays, shared a 21 run partnership with Lucas before being bowled by the 12th delivery of the 16th over. When Lucas departed for 10 LPCC had amassed 34, skipper Williamson watching the destruction at the non-strikers end. 2 more ducks, with another for the primary club, had Park 43 for 9. Alex Varley joined Williamson in the middle tried to add some respectability. The ball was still moving about, but with change bowlers not having as much pace as the openers, Williamson and Varley doubled the score to 86. Varley was then caught, playing aggressively against the young Castleford spinner, out for a well made 19. Williamson with an unbeaten 17.
The wicket still had its demons as Castleford opener Tucker was caught behind by Ben Shingles off the bowling of brother Joe. Fellow opener Collins played well and punished anything short and raced to 42, before being removed by Eddy Salmon, courtesy of a smart catch at first slip by the skipper. Castleford reached their target without further loss as Park were left to rue the fact that the game was probably won and lost on the toss of a coin.