By Graham Hackney, Cleethorpes CC
Sunday saw the Cleethorpes Cricket Club host its fifth annual Twenty20 Cup competition at Chichester Road with the hosts first up facing Yorkshire League rivals Hull YPI in the first semi-final. The second semi would see holders Sheffield United, also of the Yorkshire League, face newcomers West Indian Cavaliers of the Nottinghamshire Premier League. After putting Hull in, Cleethorpes’ bowlers, backed up by some excellent ground fielding and superb catching, responded by restricting their near rivals to just 91-8 in their twenty overs. Cleethorpes' Sri Lankan guest player Omesh Wijesiriwardena produced a hostile opening spell, while Alex Osmond picked up four late wickets to peg Hull back as they went on the offensive. With a large crowd gathering, James Osmond and Ishan Mutaliph treated them to some sparkling shots as the scoreboard rattled along. Despite losing Osmond, Cleethorpes had little trouble reaching their target in the 14th over for the loss of three wickets with Mutaliph out attempting to finish the game for a handsome 45.
The second semi produced an amazing finish after the West Indian Cavaliers had posted 127-6 against Sheffield United. Michael Millwood had hit three sixes and five fours when racing to 50 in just 30 balls for the Cavaliers before the holders fought back to restrict the Cavaliers. Sheffield looked to be coasting to victory at 87-3 before two superb run-outs led to a collapse that would see them enter the final over requiring four runs with just two wickets in hand. Another sharp run out and a scampered two left the game in the balance before a brilliant diving catch at the second attempt by Cavalier Andy Hayre gave the West Indians victory by the smallest of margins, one run.
The final saw the West Indians bat first and soon rattled up 46 in the first five overs. With Morteze Ali completing a rapid 50 the Cavaliers brought up the hundred with four overs remaining before racing to the day’s highest total as they closed on 143-7. This could have been considerably more but for another display of superb fielding from the Meggies who held some great catches, noticeably Charlie Tomlinson. In reply Cleethorpes soon lost Mutaliph to a disputed catch in the covers, while James Osmond started to smash the ball to all parts of the ground. Keeping up with the rate of seven an over, James reached his fifty before departing in the 11th over, having hit three sixes. With risks needing to be taken a flurry of wickets fell and after Alex Osmond departed for 30 the balance of the game swung Cavaliers' way. Eighteen off the final two overs looked a tall order but with Omesh having hit a massive six Cleethorpes knew they still had a chance. The final over started with Cleethorpes 136-8, needing eight runs win. With Jack Harrison run out off the first delivery going for a second run, and a well-run two off the second ball, Omesh gleefully smashed the third ball for six to claim the trophy by one wicket to the delight of the crowd and his team-mates.
Many thanks to Chris Broadburn of E.A Broadburn (Chemists) Ltd who kindly sponsored the event for the fifth year running and he presented the individual awards and trophy to winning skipper James Osmond.
This weekend Cleethorpes 1st X1 finish their Yorkshire League campaign with a clash at Chichester Road with champions York (12 Noon Start). Dan Tolson’s 2nd X1 travel to Alford knowing nothing but twenty points will give them a chance of lifting the Lincs Premier League crown, while results elsewhere must go Cleethorpes way. Sunday sees Paul Hewstone’s 3rd X1 entertain Appleby-Frodingham 2nds (1.30pm start)in the knowledge that a ten-point haul will clinch the Lincs League first division title. This will give them the double after earlier winning the Bob Welton Cup. Cleethorpes Academy finish their East Lindsey campaign with a trip to Holton-le-Clay where they face Tetney.
Pictured, from the top: Runners-up West Indies Cavaliers, champions Cleethorpes, Alex Osmond hitting a six and then receiving the trophy from the tournament sponsor. All images kindly provided by Graham Hackney.
More details of this event were posted on Lincs Cricket Latest on Monday this week, if you want to read, and see, more on the tournament.
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