TUCKER GARDNER PREMIER DIV. 1

Foxton 228-9 dec. (44 overs) St. Ives 230-6 (50.4 overs)

Foxton were beaten for the first time in the Tucker Gardner Premier League this season, but still hang on to the top spot. Their visitors St. Ives won the toss and invited them to bat on a good surface with a very fast outfield. Both sides were fielding somewhat weakened line ups but this was not reflected in the start Foxton made. Openers Max Bowen and James Clarke produced a watchful beginning against the pace of Robert Setchell and Mitchel Chandler, but after the latter had completed four overs the introduction of off spinner Robert Edmond saw the run rate immediately increase. Clarke was particularly severe helping himself to several boundaries and maximums in the spinners first four overs and the fifty partnership was reached after 12 overs. The runs continued to flow for a further 12 overs but on the last ball preceeding the drinks break a misunderstanding saw Clarke run out for a swashbuckling 78 (nine fours, four sixes) and left Foxton on 125-1 with Bowen, compiling his best knock to date, 37 not out. He continued to score freely for another 15 overs against Edmond and fellow spinner Ryan Withers who were finding bowling extremely difficult in the gale force wind blowing across the ground. Chandler then returned for a second spell and immediately snapped up Adam Webster and then surprisingly Bowen caught at point for a sparkling 91 (12 fours, two sixes) to leave Foxton at 199-4 from 39 overs. In the ensuing chase for quick runs several further wickets fell and after 44 overs Foxton declared on 228-9. Chandler finished with 3-51 and Withers 2-62.

Following tea Andrew Kealy struck three times in his first eight overs and backed up by two wickets for spinner and acting captain Tom Stone St. Ives were in serious trouble at 59-5 after 22 overs, with only opening batsman Tom Beale with 30 (six fours) showing any resistance. This left Chris Rogers and Withers together presumably aiming to bat out time for the draw or trying to achieve the unlikely target of 170 from 30 overs at almost a run a ball for the win. To their credit they applied themselves to the task and began to gain in confidence aided by some sharp chances missed by the Foxton fielders. Thoughts of a draw had vanished after 40 overs with the arrival of the century partnership and the score on 162-5 and the two batsmen looking stronger with every ball. The hosts skipper Stone rang the bowling changes but they remained defiant and with the target now in their sights Rogers was surprisingly caught in the deep by Ian Cambridge for a very well played 54 (ten fours), leaving Withers on 87. Any hopes Foxton had of more wickets were rapidly dispelled as Withers went on to complete a splendid century, and with number eight Setchell plundering 14 from the last three deliveries St. Ives were over the line with eight balls to spare. Man of the match Withers remained unbowed on 107 (15 fours, two sixes). Foxton were left with the consolation of 12 bonus points.
On Sunday Foxton visited Fordham and won by nine wickets in the Regional Final of the Yorkshire Tea Village Cup and now host Reed on Sunday, 1st July in the National Round Five.
Next week in the league Foxton are away to Nassington whilst the seconds host Ashdon.

Barry McCulloch - 17/06/2012