LPCC 2nd XI vs. Tadcaster Magnets II
This week the Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI travelled to the land of the breweries, Tadcaster, to face the Magnets 2nd XI. The Park side were much changed with only Edward Smith, Rich Foster, Joel Taylor and the skipper Tom Williamson available from the previous week for the 2nd XI. In came a trio of Stephensons, Neil, Tim and Lucas. Also juniors Jacob Todd and Luke Hewitt, who was making his senior debut. Park also included Pete Williamson and the heavily pain-killered Darren Moody, available for the 2nd XI due to a muscle strain.
Skipper Williamson maintained Tadcaster’s 100% loss record at the toss and invited the hosts to bat. Joel Taylor shared the new ball with Rich Foster and Joel was rewarded in the 7th over as Wilson skied the ball into the safe hands of Williamson P. Rich Foster then removed numbers 3 and 4 thanks to catches from Jacob Todd and Neil Stephenson, as Tadcaster reached 15 for 3 off 14 overs. The skipper introduced himself into the attack earlier than normal, and R Hill and A Hill increased the scoring rate before A Hill was caught off the bowling of Williamson by Ed Smith for 14. Rich Foster finished his 12 over spell, his economy compromised with a boundary off his last delivery, overall his 12 overs costing 14 runs, with 6 maidens. Joel Taylor replaced the skipper and continued his good form with the ball. Moody, bowling off 2 paces, took a wicket in his 2nd over with a brilliant diving catch from Tim Stephenson at first slip. Moody then had R Hill back in the pavilion, clean bowled for 42. Moody managing just 3 overs before looking for some paracetamol. The Tadcaster batsman then all played aggressively, Williamson and Taylor adding 2 more each to their personal tallies, 3 each overall as Tadcaster were dismissed for a below par 99 in 36 overs.
With the combined age of Park’s opening pair of Tim and Neil Stephenson totalling more than the required score, Park set about chasing down the low target. With a large outfield, boundaries were difficult to come by, more leisurely singles and the odd 2 as Park accumulated runs at a steady pace. Park did lose 2 wickets in consecutive balls, Neil and Lucas Stephenson both out to S Ward. Park reached their target in 30 overs, Tim Stephenson carrying his bat for a patient 27 not out, and Mr Average himself Edward Smith 32 not out, who finished the game with a 6.
This weeks Harpers Man of the Match, for his patient innings combined with his catch at first slip, was Tim Stephenson. Thanks to other results in the division Park increased their lead to 42 points over second place.