LPCC 2nd XI vs Thorp Arch and Boston Spa II
This week the Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI travelled to the picturesque ground of TABS. With an ever changing forecast and a lunch time call to say it was raining, the chance of play looked slim. A few changes from last weeks win with the return of Eddy Salmon and Ben Lewis. Play did eventually start, a little later than normal. LPCC skipper winning the toss and inviting TABS to bat on an uncovered pitch. Opener Riley wasted no time in finding the short boundaries, deciding that attack was the best form of defence. With the sky dark the drizzle began, but the game carried on. Rich Foster claiming the first wicket of Kilby, bowled in the 7th over. TABS number 3 Smith also played aggressively and with Park struggling to keep hold of the now wet ball. The rain did force a stoppage, reducing the game to 43 overs per side.The first ball back Foster found the edge of Smith and was well caught low at first slip by Ben Lewis. Foster claimed his and Parks 3rd wicket bowling Raine for 2, as TABS reached 64 for 3 at drinks. Joel Taylor bowled his 6 over spell and was unlucky not to take a wicket. Eddy Salmon and Jack Sowersby bowled well in tandem and Salmon was rewarded when opener Riley chipped the ball to Ed Smith, who took a good catch. Sowersby also took a wicket, Hill bowled for 8. TABS pair Mottershead and Rob Williams looked to consolidate as Park bowled well, reaching 93-5 off 36 overs. A late flurry of runs from the pair saw TABS reach a total of 155-5 from 43. Williams finishing 36no and Mottershead 37no.
After tea in the pub, Park returned to the ground in bright sunshine and not a cloud in sight. TABS taking the unusual approach of using spinner Mottershead as their opening bowler. John Williamson and Ian Hodson opening for Park. John now adopting the see ball hit ball mentality. it once again looked like he was out of luck as 2 full tosses were cleanly struck, but straight to the fielder. John did get off the mark 1st over, avoiding the Audi trophy. He then hit the ball all round the ground, taking a liking to the pace of Tomlinson, with boundaries through cover, mid-off and a pull shot. Hodson was first man out with the score 29, caught off the bowling of Mottershead. Sam Dodd swept Mottershead for 4 second ball, unfortunately he tried the same shot again and was caught next ball. With the TABS fielders now more vocal John and Edward Smith had to dig in, but punish any bad balls. Smith particularly ruthless against Kitson, who went for 16 in his only over. A partnership of 53 was ended by a sharp caught and bowled by TABS skipper Williams, John the man departing for 49. Park then suffered a mini collapse as Ben Lewis and Eddy Salmon both failed to trouble the scorers, Park wobbling slightly at 92 for 5. Tom Williamson and Ed Smith nulled the threat of Mottershead, who finished his 12 overs 3-34. Ed Smith then found the surrounding gardens on a couple of occasions, but then he played one shot too many as he skied Williams and was caught for 40, with Park still needing 42 runs. Foster joined Tom Williamson at the crease and initially played watchfully. The TABS chatter slowly becoming less audible as Williamson and Foster punished anything short. A flurry of boundaries in the 34th and 35th over took park past the 150 mark, and for the second week running the skipper hit a boundary to win the game. Foster not out 7 and Williamson not out 33.
This weeks Harpers Man of the Match award went to John Williamson for his knock of 49 at the start of the innings. The 30 points keeping Park top of Division 4 West, but with the chasing teams all winning kept the margin at 16 points.