This week LPCC X1 played host to Selby, whom only 2 seasons ago where in the Premier Division of the YDSCL.
The ever revolving door that is team selection at Londesborough Park saw Sowersby, E Rook and Curtis incoming.
The all important toss went the way of skipper Moody who and to the surprise of the opposition captain decided to have a bat on a flat looking wicket.
Usual pairing of beauty and the beast(Gamble and Stothard) had a watchful first 5 overs as the confident Selby outfit bowled and fielded excellently. Both batted well and where in little danger(Phil was dropped 3 times) as Gamble began to out score Stothard as he took a particular liking to the spin of L.Wild until 1 sweep shot became too many and was LBW for 25.
Rook in next joined Phil who now was taking advantage of his 9 lives and was clearing the boundaries with great distance- I don't think the Selby players tactic of winding him up helped as the ball just went further every time. Phil's 2nd 50 of the season soon came around. A partnership of 41 was ended when it was 4th time lucky at catching Stothard who departed for a excellent 65.
Rook now in his usual playing for himself mode, was defending 5 deliveries and taking a quick single of the last ball was ticking along nicely.
Wicketkeeper this week Ben Shingles was looking good until he gave L.Wild a gentle caught and bowled, James Beevers joined Charles and both kept the scoreboard ticking, running well and Beevers even managed to hit his 1st ever 6(maybe not).
Next to depart was Rook(39) trying to get the scoreboard moving, Eagling his ever confident self couldn't back up his mouth and was back in the pavilion after 3 balls, Edward Rook joined Beevers towards the end of the innings looking for the magical 200 for full bonus points and where very close to achieving it, with the innings closing on a competitive 197/5.
After tea, skipper Moody handed the ball to Sowersby Tom who has been in good form for the development 11 when available, and he wasted no time removing Townend caught behind for a first baller. Eagling at the other end got lucky removing danger man Hoyle who played a gentle inside edge onto his stumps(7/2)
The 3rd wicket soon came around as Sowersby again had a caught behind to remove number 4 for 6(14/3).
The 4th wicket went to Eagling removing Smales LBW and included the longest walk of the pitch this season(batsman are never out) 31/4.
A 5th wicket partnership of 33 came to a end when skipper Moody replacing Sowersby(back wind of course) removed Roberts to give Ben Shingles his 3rd catch of the game(64/5). The 6th wicket took some time to get as Cruise and Precious did some rebuilding and punishing sloppy bowling, it came to an end soon after the impressive Elliott Precious was caught behind Again by Shingles of Moody, 126/6 and it was now game on.
Rook made it 148/7 bowling big hitter Romaniw for 14, Sowersby took over from Moody and bowled T.Rich to make the score 156/8. Moody then again took over from Sowersby looking to not let the batsman settle and bowled Moore for 9(170/9).
4 balls later it was game over as former skipper Rook removed Cruise for 28 and gave LPCC there 4th win of the season.
Excellent competitive game in which we played positively in setting a good total batting first and never giving up when we bowled.