FIRST TEAM

The 1^st XI were away to Knaresborough Forest on Saturday and with several players unavailable we put out a weakened team. Considering that, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, we put in a terrific batting performance which saw us make 225 all out from 42.2 overs. Sam Arkwright led the way with 81 not out assisted by Josh Baines 26 and Thomas Mountain 22. 26 Extras also helped the cause.

We took a wicket at 17. Unfortunately, what followed could only be described as carnage. Our second success came at 105 – and that was that. They stormed home by eight wickets in the 37^th over, with opener Joseph Smith making 101 not out and skipper Henry Ogilvie 58 not out. Struan Mackenzie and Sam took the two wickets to fall. We stay in tenth place, nine points behind the team above and twenty-six points ahead of the team behind.

The 1^st XI are at home to Darley this week and without stating the obvious need to start winning games.

SECOND TEAM

The 2^nd XI were at home to Bolton Abbey 2nds at the Billy Bob Ice Cream Parlour ground. A “cynic” would ask where all their players popped up from considering they had conceded their last two matches. Be that as it may, we won the toss and elected to field with our side weakened by First team calls.

They smashed their way to 243 for 6 in the overs. Ben Jolly had 2 for 37 and Gareth Wooler 2 for 55. Matt Buckmaster and Caspar Bean took the other two wickets to fall.

For once our reliable failed to come up to the mark and we closed on 168 off 36 overs. Gareth made 52, Caspar 38, Scott Gee 22 and Matt 20.

League leaders Crakehall 2nds had a free week, so we missed the opportunity to go 17points clear at the top. As it is we are just four points clear. The 2^nd XI have to travel to Knaresborough Forest 2nds and get “the wheels back on the cart”.

Our sponsors this week are The Elm Tree Inn and Raj @ the Paper Shop.

Trevor Coe – ECC Chairman

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