1sts hang on for draw V Sileby

Nick O'Donovan and Chris Bulmer set of at a rapid pace, posting 50 in the eighth over, Thorpey suffering at the hands of O'Donovan who smashed 3 sixes, however Luke found his line and length and for the 2nd consecutive week took out the opener and number 3 in successive balls, all bowled. Bulmer soon followed the same way as the brakes were activated. Luke's high quality spell kept us in the game and his 3-31 form 12 was a just reward

Thorpey who could have been downcast rallied brilliantly to remove the dangerous Ruddle and skipper Khan, as Sileby slipped from 58-0 to 87-5 Joe Charity looked in good nick, and was well supported by Ryan Dawson and Phil Chamberlain as Sileby tried to recover the situation. Good spells from both Craig and Toony never allowed a total recovery as Craig nipped in with 3-37 well supported by good catches from Gaz, and Toony, had Charity caught by Craig and bowled Dawson in the final over as Sileby were dismissed for 187

Coutesthorpe's reply started badly with Tom edging to 2nd slip and Jonny going the same way. Ash Hallam was brilliantly stumped down the leg side and Dave was bowled as C'thorpe slumped to 40-5 Gaz was digging in and anchoring the innings, but Craig's cameo was short lives as slip took a rebound from the keeper. Luke failed to clear mid off as the wickets tumbled.

Thorpey came out to give Gaz a hand, as Sileby picked up the volume. between them adding 40 and taking the score to almost a hundred with stylish shot making. Eventually Gaz's innings ended LBW for 43 but not before he had put us in sight of bonus points, The thought of points sent Thorpey into overdrive as Ford was punished for a couple of lose deliveries. Toony looked in good nick and clipped Preston through mid wicket to claim a second batting bonus point, before chipping to square leg in the penultimate over, where he was well held.

Ash Willan was undaunted with the task of seeing out he over, using his long stride to his advantage and keeping Dawson at bay. Preston started the final over to Thorpey and he was unfortunate that the high volume had affected the concentration of his slips, and just at the moment of victory, the chance went begging. Thorpey deservedly rode his luck and from the depths of despair 10 overs of the game, finished with a M.O M. performance with 2 wickets and 31 not out, perhaps a trip up the order is in the offing!!