LPCC 2nd XI vs. Whitkirk II
This week the Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI faced West Yorkshire rivals Whitkirk, in a game between 1st and 3rd place in Division 4 West.
Williamson once again won the toss, and even with the threat of a few showers asked Whitkirk to bat. Park bowled and fielded excellently, especially Tom Noble in for his first game of 2015, as Whitkirk were dismissed for 98 inside 40 overs. Joel Taylor claimed the first and last wickets, both caught by Jack Sowersby. Rich Foster bowled with his usually accuracy and was unlucky to claim just 1 wicket, however his 12 overs costing a miserly 11 runs. Rory Stephenson claimed 1 wicket, thanks to a catch from the skipper. Williamson himself took 2 wickets, Hodson with a rare stumping and another catch from Jack Sowersby. Jack was the pick of the Park bowlers. Managing to control the wildly swinging ball as he claimed 4 wickets for 24, with 3 clean bowled and a catch for Sam Dodd at gully. For Whitkirk Stuart Pickles the highest scorer with a hard fought 18.
The heavens opened as tea was taken, as Park rushed to get the covers on. There was a short delay after tea as Park mopped up the wet patches. Vast amounts of saw dust on the old wicket ends, thankfully the Chairman was present to oversee. The park innings started badly as John Williamson and Rory Stephenson were soon back in the hutch. There was a halt in proceedings as the Whitkirk bowlers required yet more saw dust. Thanks to Grasbys Haulage, as an emergency phone call and collection from John meant the game could continue. With difficult scoring conditions and the pressure evident, Park lost wickets at regular intervals. Sam Dodd with a useful 24 and Ed Smith 19. At 77-8 Parks chance looked slim with Rich Foster and Jack Sowersby at the crease and Joel Taylor left to bat. Foster and Sowersby took the score to 90, in hostile conditions, at which point Foster was dismissed for 7. Jack Sowersby took Park to within 3 runs of victory before being the last man out. Opposition skipper Gommerson finding the edge, and then Jack Sowersby with an honourable and sporting gesture of walking. James Ineson and Sam Rudd taking 4 and 3 wickets respectively, Park all out for 96.
The Harpers man of the match went to Jack Sowersby for his 4 wickets and 3 catches and almost seeing the Park home. Next week sees no let up as 2nd placed, and form team, Stamford Bridge II visit Londesborough.