Cropston batting too strong

Fine knocks from Ryan Tilley with 95 and Alex Kent with 103 not out were the backbone of Cropston's 337-4 Fran Finnemore and Brady Glennon also contributed half centuries and Countesthorpe toiled on a flat wicket. Dave Sharpe pulled off a great catch as Hayden made the breakthrough dismissing Tilley with the score on 151 Eben's brilliant pick up and throw then ran out Finnemore with a direct hit 4 runs later, however Kent and Glennon added a further 118 in quick time. Wade returned and picked up 2 wickets but Cropston had amassed a huge total.

Eben and Gaz started well putting on 70 for the first wicket, Wade joined Eben in partnership of 85 before Dan Hickenbottom took a quality return catch as Wade tried to force the pace. 155-2 at 25 over was exactly the same score as Cropston at the same stage but then Countesthorpe collapsed losing 4 wickets for 3 runs. Eben's great knock ended when he was caught at cover for a fine 88 including 5 maximums and Richo who started well fell LBW to Hawkins.

A draw now needed fighting for and Jonny batted well before being bowled. Thorpy dug in but occasionally unfurled an imperious drive or scything cut to boost the score towards maximum batting points. Badge and Toony both perished and with 7 overs remaining and the skipper walking to the wicket a draw looked unlikely. Never fear good reader as Ash's huge stride forward frustrated the life out of the Cropston bowlers, who nearly went hoarse with their appealing. The over ticket by and Thorpy was left with the responsibility of the final 6 balls. The second ball of the over flew to the cover boundary as Thorpy notched a career best, the final balls were negotiated without issue and a draw was salvaged, Countesthorpe finishing on 236-9 and Thorpy undefeated on 32