LPCC 2nd XI vs. Stamford Brdifge II
This week Park entertained Stamford Bridge II, the form team in Division 4 West, in a first v second contest. Bridge looking to avenge defeat earlier in the season.
Opposition skipper D Healey won and asked the hosts to bat on a brand new wicket. Yet another new opening pair of Tom Noble and Rory Stephenson played well against the moving ball, Noble with some excellent cover drives. Noble fell in the 15th over with the score on 47. Stephenson and Ed Smith soon followed back to the pavilion as Park entered a re-building stage with Sam Dodd and Ben Lewis at the crease. The pair had added 84 when Dodd was bowled for 36, Lewis also out 7 runs later for a well made 34. 4 more wickets fell as Park looked for a sizeable total, Park finishing 182-8 from 45. Pimlott and D Healey the pick of the Bridge bowlers with 4 and 3 wickets each respectively.
Bridges’ reply started badly as Rich Foster removed J Winfield caught behind with only 5 runs scored. From the llama end Ciaran Brooke constantly beat the outside edge, as his first 5 overs were all maidens. Lewis and Williamson picked up a wicket a piece as similar to the first innings Bridge slipped to 43-3. Pimlott and Tipping began the rebuilding task. A 90 run partnership followed before Park brought back the opening bowlers in a gamble to take wickets. Foster removed Pimlott and Tipping in consecutive deliveries, the batsman with 74 and 31. Bridge only needed 6 an over and their cause was helped by some strong hitting from L Wilson, Williamson’s over going for 15 and swinging the game back towards Bridge. Lewis did remove Wilson but the damage had been done as Du Toit knocked off the required runs with 12 balls remaining. Rich Foster once again pick of the Park’s bowlers with 3-25 from his 12, well supported with a wicketless but economical spell from Ciaran Brooke.
The Harpers Man of the Match was Rich Foster for his bowling and good low catch. Park still remain top of the division but their lead has been cut dramatically over the last 2 weeks, and now stands at only 9 points.