LPCC II vs. Tadcaster II
This week the Red Lion sponsored Park second 11 played host to Tadcaster Magnets II. Park required a victory and some intervention from the rain Gods to have any hope of finishing in the top 2.
After several phone calls confirming the ground was still playable and an update on conditions in Tadcaster, it had been raining there all morning, Tadcaster arrived just in time. The away team were shocked at the condition of the ground, as thanks to Malcolm Cartwright, Bryan and Phil High, the ground was almost bone dry. The trio had put in some hard work on Friday and not only covered the wicket, but also most of the square in a effort to get the game on.
Park skipper Williamson won the toss and invited the visitors to bat on an unused wicket. Rich Foster and Ciaran Brooke opened the bowling. Brooke picked up 2 wickets in his 6 over spell, Woffenden caught by ‘keeper Hodson and clean bowling Wilson. Tadcaster 13-2. Foster then took 3 wickets for himself. Hill was caught and bowled, Buckle and Shann both bowled, as Foster took his seasons tally to 36 wickets. Ever present Joel Taylor also helped himself to a brace of wickets, again both bowled, as Tadcaster slipped to 58-7. The tail was then finished off by Eddy Salmon, with 2 wickets, as 10 man Tadcaster were dismissed for 78.
Park easily knocked off the 79 run target inside 17 overs, after a fantastic tea. The only Park casualty was John Williamson, caught for 5. Leading run scorer Ian Hodson and Lucas Stephenson shared a 68 run partnership. Ian passing 500 runs for the season with 37 not out, and Lucas finishing the game with a maximum, to impress the on-lookers, with 26 not out.
This weeks Harpers Man of the Match was Rich Foster for his 3-14 in 12 overs, and his sandwich making skills. Sadly other results went with form and Park II had to settle with 3rd place, amassing a respectable 521 points in the process. A bad 4 week spell at the start of August probably costing Park the title.