• Forgot password?

Foxton Granta CC News story


CHAMPIONS THWARTED IN STALEMATE

21 Apr 2013

TUCKER GARDNER PREMIER DIV. 1

Nassington 139-8 (48 overs) Foxton 173-8 (48 overs)

League champions Foxton were left frustrated at Nassington in the first fixture of the new season. Winning the toss and batting on a firm dry surface their openers Cei Sanderson and Henry Hunter made a steady start, and after 14 overs were on 44 when the latter was caught and bowled for 13 by Michael Sharp. The scoring rate then began to slow, and credit must be given to the Nassington attack with some tight bowling allied with keen fielding, and with pressure building wickets began to fall. After 43 overs the visitors were struggling on 113-7 with only Sanderson, top scoring with 54, and James Coe, unluckily run out for 16, reaching double figures. Aussie paceman Andrew Kealy with a whirlwind 30* from 21 balls backed up by Jason Coleman 14*, then pushed Foxton, who notched 53 from the last six overs, to a competitive final total of 173-8 from 48 overs. The wickets to fall were shared evenly between the hosts bowlers.
Following the break Nassington made a very cautious start against the bowling of Kealy and new recruit Tom Sherwin, who claimed the first wicket of Gary Scotcher, smartly caught in the covers by Kealy. Nassington skipper Alex Laud (18) partnered by 'keeper Daniel Robinson (15) then produced a watchful second wicket stand of 27 before both were dismissed l.b.w. After 20 overs Nassington had edged to 40-3, their position then worsened dramatically in the next 11 overs, as they lost a further five wickets cheaply to find themselves on 71-8 with 17 overs remaining to bat out the draw. It then seemed a formality for Foxton to wrap up the match, but Daniel Bandaranaike partnered by William Brice had other ideas, in a defiant ninth wicket stand of 68 they steered Nassington to a hard earned draw, and at the close the former remained unbowed on 41* from 72 balls with Brice on 28* from 53 balls. Foxton rang the bowling changes but could not effect the breakthrough, and apart from the odd play and miss the two never offered a realistic chance. Kealy was again the visitors top bowler with 3-47. Foxton returned home with 12 bonus points to show for their strenuous efforts.
Next week they visit Godmanchester.

Barry McCulloch - 21/04/2013