Batting struggles in gettable chase

Matt Sharpe scored freely as Countesthorpe served up a bad ball an over. Waggy then suffered a bad Achilles injury and was soon of to casualty. Mark Harrison looked solid as the openers passed 50 Dave Sharpe's great throw secured the 1st wicket as Harrison failed to make his ground after his partner called a quick single. Sam Carline and Sharpe added 69 taking full toll of Countesthorpes weakened attack, before Carline was well held by Sy diving at gully. Clarke was still prospering and a score in excess of 250 looked likely. Gaz and debutant Nick Gurney then formed a tight partnership as runs dried up

Nick had Sharpe held by Tom off a skier and Gaz nipped out Oliver and Finch. Countesthorpe were looking at maximum bowling points when Sharpy secured a second run out with a great throw as Luke Poole was well short. skipper Collier had other ideas, and together with last man Dave Broster managed to drag Ibstock passed 200 finishing on 215 for 9

Finch and Luke Poole ran in hard as Ibstock ripped through Countesthorpe's top order. 36-6 told a familiar story, but skipper Luke had not given up. Taylor went the distance on 3 occasions as Thorpy and Luke added 57 Thorpy looked in good form striking a couple of great boundaries. Matt Sharpe came on and had Luke adjudged LBW for a hard hit 36 Nick Gurney's cameo was brief, so Joe Hawker arrived at the wicket with fully 13 over remaining. Great defence allied to some solid hitting gathered 2 more batting points as Thorpy neared his 50 However fate was to deny him his first half century as Joe defended the final over to secure a draw in a brilliant rear guard action