18th July
Shireshead
& Forton 113/8
Burneside
65/1 rsp
Rain saved Shireshead from defeat against Burneside on Saturday. Batting first the visitors struggled against the accuracy of Chris Dixon (1/38) and 6’ 7” medium pacer Ben Leacock (0/26) before three wickets from Lee Ellwood (3/12) and two wickets from Steve Airey (4/29) left them reeling at 49/6 from 29 overs. Michael Armstrong (28 retired ill) and Tim Mansfield (33 not out) battled hard, adding fifty before Armstrong, who had manfully tried to overcome a feeling of being unwell had to retire. 47 were added from the last ten overs, but Burneside were big favourites unless Shireshead could capture early wickets.
Phil Savage (1/25) did trap Rob Davies, but despite a probing seven overs by Dave Jack (0/8) Steve Cooper (36 not out) and David Halsall (21 not out) were proceeding serenely. 49 were needed from 21 overs when the heavens opened, and forty minutes later the square resembled a lake. Two miles away in Kendal there was no rain so Burneside can consider themselves particularly unfortunate.
Coniston 165/9 Shireshead A (0) 68/9 (all out)
A match marred by two hospital visits saw Shireshead pointless for the third week running.
Winning the toss on a damp green track home skipper Simon Moulson elected to bowl first. Alex Taylor (2/26) making his debut bowled with control dismissing Rhodes (9) caught by his father Malcolm, and bowled Eccles (0) in his second spell. His opening partner Peter Dodd (1/22) swung the ball excessively in the early stages causing the visitors to play and miss on several occasions. At 46 for 3 off 20 overs the home side were bossing proceedings. A fourth wicket stand of 33 between James Morgan (33) and the aggressive A.Johnson (80 n/o) gave the innings impetus. On 44 A.Johnson attempted a another big hit and suffered a blow on the bridge of his nose as the ball ricocheted off the bat. After a ten minute delay and first aid, Johnson bravely continued and completed his half century with a six over square leg. The wickets continued to fall as Joy Arun (2/39) and Malcolm Taylor (4/72) reduced Coniston to 114 for 8. But there was no stopping Johnson who was especially savage on Malcolm Taylor with 40 taken from his last three overs.
With A.Johnson on his way to A & E the Shireshead reply commenced, and within ten overs the game looked all but over with five batsman back in the hutch for 11 runs. Jamie Morgan (5/11) bowled with pace and seam movement and was too good for the home side's top order.
Two overs later John Coates (2) received an unintentional beamer which smashed into his helmet and caused a deep cut under his eye.After receiving first aid John bravely tried to contiunue but was unable to focus and became the second player to visit Lancaster A & E. Cameos from Malcom Taylor (20),Joy Arun (18) and Peter Dodd (15 n/o) gave the reply respectability as the home side were dismissed for 68.
M.Fryer (2/30) and D.Brackwell (2/21) were the other wicket takers.
Leven Valley 140 for 9 Shireshead 3rd 98 CLICK FOR PHOTOS
Shireshead won the toss with great jubilation and put in the home team. The visiting bowlers were frustrated by the dogged persistence of opener Luke Deveney who was content to hold his end by supporting his partners and taking the occasional run. He took advantage of the younger bowlers and began to score more freely until he was caught by Simeon Glen off the bowling of Rohan Jumani and he was out in the 37th over for 27 when the score was 114. Jumani was the most economical bowler with four for 22.
In reply, Shireshead’s batsmen gave their wickets away cheaply. Phil Nicholson (3/17) removed the openers for 26 and the only stands of significance were of 21 for the 5th wicket between Matthew Liptrott (8) and Oliver Yates (16) when Liptrott was bowled by Glenn Gibson (2/17), followed by one of 20 for the 9th wicket when Alex Bantleman (10), frustrated by being held down let a loose shot find the willing hands of Paddy Lambton off Maxwell Harrison (2/18). Before he was bowled by Harrison, Jack Kilshaw hit the vital 4 which ensured Shireshead gained one bonus point out of a disappointing game.