LPCC 2nd XI vs. Dunnington II
This week the Red Lion sponsored 2nd XI travelled to Dunnington. With a number of players unavailable due to holidays and work commitments the Park XI had a make-shift feel about it.
Williamson lost the toss and Dunnington skipper Millington took the positive approach of batting first, on what looked like an excellent batting track. Millington and Jackson started aggressively and the score soon started ticking, with a fast outfield meaning that once past the fielder the ball raced to the boundary. Things took a turn for the worse for Park when Tom Noble made a diving stop at cover but in the process dislocated his shoulder. With the Park down to 10 in the field and Tom on his way to A & E the Dunnington opening pair took the score to 100 in the 20th over. Park got their first wicket as Millington was cooly caught behind by stand in keeper Jacob Todd off Joel Taylor’s bowling. Park suffered yet another set back when Ed Smith pulled a hamstring whilst fielding and left the field. Park were then put to the sword by the Dunnington batsman, in particular Jackson. Park took 3 wickets in total, 1 each for Foster and Brooke as Dunnington amassed a large total of 271-3 for 45 overs, Jackson unbeaten with 120 and good support from Dyson and Wilson.
After what felt like forever in the field, Park enjoyed their tea and contemplated their response. With the target unlikely to be reached without their 2 main batsman, Park had chance to give some junior players the chance of a bat. Joel Taylor, keen as ever, was more than happy to open the batting with skipper Williamson in a partnership more likely to be found at the end of an innings. Taylor and Williamson played watchfully but still looked to score from the loose delivery. A partnership of 25 was ended when Taylor chipped a catch to mid-off, only for the catch to be dropped and Taylor run-out. Brooke joined Williamson and the score ticked over. Williamson made his first 50 of the year, but was then dismissed next delivery to a ball that kept a little low. Park 94-2 in the 30th over. Brooke played some lovely back foot punch shots, and together with Jacob Todd shared a 56 run partnership. Brooke reaching his first senior 50. Todd was bowled for 15. Ed Smith batting in severe discomfort and with a runner attempted a few lusty blows before being caught and bowled in the 43rd over. Brooke and debutant Zach Logozzi just blocked the final over, Park finishing on a credible 155-4. Brooke with an unbeaten 57. Park finishing with only 5 points and slipped to 2nd in Division 4 West. Thanks also to Zach and Travis for their first outing for LPCC in difficult circumstances.
This weeks Harpers Man of the Match was Ciaran Brooke for his all round performance with both bat and ball.