On a glorious Sunday day at Bassett Avenue Countesthorpe CC welcomed Blaby Village CC to commemorate Countesthorpe’s Centenary in a replay of the club’s first ever fixture.

In an 85 over game, allowing for a draw. With few restrictions to attempt to somewhat mirror how the original game would’ve looked Blaby won the toss and elected to bat.

James Waddington made a breakthrough in the opening over finding the edge to leave Blaby 0-1. However, the visitors recovered well with Nick Doyle (65) and Simon Pettitt (50) adding 110 runs for the second wicket.

Countesthorpe then turned to spin to work their way back into the game, chipping away at regular intervals with Ben Martin claiming 6-71 supported by Niffy skipper Dale Stean (2-44). Blaby hit some late lusty blows from Ryan Blick (35) and Luke Dyke (22*) to take them to 225-9 off 45 overs.

Leaving Countesthorpe a target of 226 from 40 overs.

A traditional sit down cricket tea was served for all players, officials and guests. A huge thank you goes out to all those involved in organising, preparing and serving a wonderful spread.

Countesthorpe made a steady start with Matt McDonald (22) and Tyler Garrad (33), however 4 quick wickets shared between Luke Dyke and Craig Jacobs (2-44) left Countesthorpe struggling at 86-4. However a 59 run stand between Rushin Patel and Dan Stokes (22) edged the Niffy back into the contest.

Steve Wagstaff returned to the attack to dismiss Stokes, and James Waddington added a quick fire 19 to keep the game in reach. Dyke returned claiming 2 wickets to finish with 4-43, leaving Countesthorpe requiring 32 from 4 overs with 2 wickets remaining. Patel and Dale Stean took the game to the last over requiring 9 to win.

Patel was ran out for a superb 84 still requiring 5 to win, and Countesthorpe could only scramble a leg bye from the final ball, as the game finished in a fitting draw that ebbed back and forth throughout.

Thanks go to Blaby for an excellent game of cricket, played in a great spirit the game although being highly competitive.

Blaby also generously donated a plague to commemorate the wonderful occasion. Presented by Blaby Captain Jeff Collington in the accompanying photo.

The club would like to thank the umpires Karl Hawker and Mel Swingler for standing in the game (the bowlers appreciated the leniency on wides), and also Georgia Inkley and James Inchley for scoring the match, with the full scorecard available on Play cricket.

Massive thank you to Terry Swingler for the idea of holding this match and all his hard work in organising and bringing it to life, on what was a wonderful day.

There are photos from the day available to view HERE, kindly taken by Kasfat Mostafa. Can you spot yourself?