Thorpey stars as first hold on for draw

Thorpey elevated to alrounder status was fully justified in his promotion with a great performance, initially dragging the side back into the game with 5-28 as Egerton Parks' quick start was curtailed. He then went on to share a 44 run partnership with Craig after the top order subsided to 37-4

Toony also bowled a fine spell as Egerton collapsed from 72-1 to 146-9 prompting thoughts of a possible opening day victory, however skipper Nick Watchorn and Joe Barnard scraped together an invaluable undefeated partnership of 35 for the last wicket, to put the game in the balance. Toony finished with 3-50 and mention must be made to the Sharpe boys for excellent catches on a day the brass monkeys were huddled by the fire.

In response Gaz batting with a runner after a fielding collision, departed in the 2nd over and then a horrible mix up between Sy and Ben resulted in Sy being run out by a few yards. The Sharpe boys then followed quickly and it was left to Craig and Thorpey to repair the damage. With 100 needed from the final 20 and 6 wickets in hand thoughts of victory again started to surface, however Craig was then bowled by Tom Glover for an excellent 42 and Glover also accounted for Toony caught behind.

The lower order then batted out for a draw picking up valuable batting points, along the way. Waggy and Spenno added 39 for the 9th wicket in an untroubled fashion, both hitting powerful shots when the bad ball came along, as the overs concluded, Countesthorpe secured the draw points, in a performance that suggests a bit of rustiness still exists from the winter break, but with potential for bigger and better things as the youngsters establish themselves in the team