Skippers Heroics keep Countesthorpe in the game

Early season rustiness and accurate seam bowling plunged Countesthorpe into deep trouble at 50-6 However Sam Spencer and the skipper batted with great common sense in a stand of 84 to put the innings back on track. Craig's first 3 scoring shots were maximums hitting the well pitched up ball back over the bowlers head, whilst Sam ticked over with ones and twos with the occasional big shot to the boundary

Sam was bowled for 26 as the search for quick runs intensified with overs running out, Craig reached a brilliant 50 with five 6's and four 4's more maximums followed before Josh Wicks took a fine catch on the boundary as Craig was dismissed for 69 Thorpey and Toony added 22 in quick time to ensure a forth batting bonus point in a total of 175-8

Shepshed started well, however Thorpey with nagging accuracy frustrated Taylor who chipped to square leg. Gibson soon followed caught by Spenno off Hayden. Karl Shaw was playing well but his partners were not lasting long as Callum Pratt was bowled by Toony and Danny Brown well held by Joe Hawker off James Hunt. Sam Smith looked in control as Shepshed reached 120 for 5 and looked favourites.

Ben Sharpe joined the attack and got rid of the dangerous Shaw and then Thorpey returned ripping out Shepshed''s middle order. skipper Felton and Ash Palmer settled for the draw as Shepshed finished on 131-8 Thorpey returned 4-27 with 6 maidens

A fighting display and with plenty of promise shown by the lads for ther season ahead