Big winning draw boosts confidence

Being asked to bat first was not a disaster on a straw coloured wicket at Bassett Ave. Gaz and Eben took advantage of some wayward bowling passing 50 in the 9th over. Both openers were untroubled against an assortment of seamers, but Gaz was caught behind when spinner Sam Perkins entered the attack. Gaz's well made 50 included 6 boundaries.

Wade joined Eben and the tall left handed partnership quickly started to dominate as Eben reached 50 in his seasons debut. Putting the bowlers to the sword the partnership added 180 in 20 over before Wade perished LBW for 60 including 2 maximums and 5 fours. Eben had reached a brilliant ton and the cut lose, moving from 101 to 189 in just 26 balls the last 88 runs included seven 6's and 7 fours and the last 10 over yielding 147 runs.

Eben was caught on the boundary for 189 and Ash declared. Eben's innings included 20 boundaries and 7 sixes in what is a club record individual knock.

Ashby started brightly with 15 year old Spencer Clarke hitting some crisp shots, however Thorpy's experience told and he enduced a mishit to Smig at mid wicket to claim the first wicket. Overseas player Sam Kindlen hung around until his fellow countryman Wade had him snapped up by Badger behind.

Former skipper Nigel Ellis and John Adcock put together an excellent stand of 76 before Adcock was well held by Wade at Gully off Gaz. Tom Yates batted with fluency and Ellis in his usual style accumulated as maximum batting points were reached.

Ash returned to the attack and in a brilliant spell claimed 4 Ashby wickets, having Ellis caught by Jonny for 71 and bowling Yates, Szejok was then adjudged LBW before Poole was another bowled victim. Sam Perkins and Adam Hoult then survived a difficult last 4 overs to secure a draw for Ashby but with the majority of the points heading to Countesthorpe this was not a bad result. Ash finished with 4-41 a seasons best.