CREDIT TO GAME AND LEAGUE

By Glen Sands, North Lindsey League

Many teams might well have thrown in the towel when faced with the prospect of taking on table-topping Luddington with only nine men but plucky Bottesford decided to play the match , much to their credit and despite suffering a hefty defeat every one of their players can hold their heads high for their determination to complete the fixture against all odds.
Skipper Dave Kilgallon put Luddington into bat, his decision being as much to do with ensuring an afternoon of sport rather than a potentially short match but his team were made to toil as Ludd openers Darren Clark and Danny Taylor batted their way to a century opening partnership. With Luddington having loaned the visitors a fielder, Bottesford never shirked in their effort, although they didn't help themselves when dropping several catches as the runs began to pile up. Clark has been in exceptional form in the Lindsey League and he rode his luck to move to yet another half-century whilst Taylor played the anchor role at the other end. Oliver Kilgallon bowled really well, far better than his figures suggested, but with several gaps in the field it was a thankless task for Bottesford who in the end conceded 221 runs and only picked up one wicket, that of Taylor who was trapped LBW by veteran Willie McVey for 39 - but it was to be Darren Clark's day, the Ludd youngster scoring a terrific 125 not out, aided by Andy Lawson at number three who made 38 not out in the drizzle.
With the damp and drizzly weatherv having stopped Bottesford set about their reply with skipper Dave Kilgallon and the newly arrived Matty Baxter at the crease but unfortunately for the latter his race to help his team after finishing work proved to be in vain as he was bowled by Graham Clark without scoring, and when Clark picked up a second wicket, that of Kilgallon who edged to wicket-keeper Steve Proctor for 17 the inevitability of a Luddington win loomed large. The only thing likely to prevent it was the weather but even that appeared a forlorn hope as Matthew Mellers then ripped through the middle order. Richard Thorpe was his first victim , caught by Andy Lawson for two then Matthew Housam who had batted bravely through a strike to the stomach and the hand was bowled by the in-form strike bowler who really is having a purple patch at the moment. He added two more wickets with a further two accurate deliveries that hit his opponents stumps but the weather was closing in and Luddington were still in need of three further wickets. However they had just the man to see them home and that man Barry O'Brien stepped up to the plate once again to produce two exceptional deliveries to bowl the stubborn Oliver Kilgallon and last man at the crease Ryan Dixon to wrap up three valuable points for the Isle side, Arron Curry chipping in with the other wicket when bowling veteran McVey for five.
So with the rain becoming more persistent, Luddington snatched victory against a team who can only be given tremendous praise for their attitude in such trying circumstances. They were sporting throughout the whole contest despite being on the wrong end of things and credit must also go to umpire Mick Walker who adjudicated sensibly all afternoon, getting the game played to a conclusion in what were far from ideal conditions at times.
Everyone involved should be complimented on their sportsmanship in what was a credit to the game of cricket.