Battling draw versus a strong Ibstock side

Ibstock won the toss and batted on what looked like a wicket full of runs, Sharp and Oliver set of with intent, and prospered tho not without some good fortune. Thorpey was unlucky not to snare a wicket, however it was the skipper Luke who made the breakthrough when he bowled Oliver for 27. Never one to do things by halves Luke's next ball ripped out Jake Robinson's stumps and for the 3rd consecutive week he was on a hatrick, a quite amazing feat! Smith survived the hatrick ball but he didn't hang around long with Luke again shattering the stumps as Ibstock slumped to 39-3

Guy Collier joined Sharp and between them recovered the situation, again with the help of lady luck. Toony came into the attack and immediately struck gold, bowling the dangerous Sharp for 53 Jake Poole played some great shots, however Toony then dismissed both Collier, bowled and Poole, who chipped to Waggy at mid wicket. Craig then had Harry Taylor caught by Waggy in the gully and at 155-7 there was a real opportunity to bowl out the promotion hopefuls for less than 200.

It was not to be as Ibstock showed why they are near the top, Joe Finch batted excellently with first Will Pickering and then Luke Poole adding 38 for the 9th wicket and 49 for the 10th as Ibstock finished on 251 for 9 Luke and Toony both taking 3 wickets with Gaz nipping in for 2 at the death.

In reply Countesthorpe soon slipped to 39 for 4 and as Ben joined Dave the odds of a good result looked very long! Ben was soon into his stride, outscoring dad by 2-1 The 50 partnership arrived after 15 overs and 2 overs later the hundred was reached. Dave had found his touch smashing Matt Sharp for a maximum to bring up his 50 and soon after a stylish drive saw Ben bring up a high quality half century. Next the pair reached a hundred partnership, in what was a great moment for the family. More importantly the possibility of a win had emerged.

Although the rate needed was 10 an over it was gettable on a lightning outfield. Ben hit Sharp for a huge 6 but soon after perished on the long off boundary for a brilliant 61 Jonny joined Dave and looked to be timing the ball well, runs flowed until Dave received a long hop from Sharp only to top edge and was held by the keeper for an excellent 71. Bonus points were now the order of the day and Waggy straight drove Poole to secure maximum batting and an extra draw point. A losing draw but plenty of encouragement to take from the result as Ibstock looked a very good team on the day.