FIVE WICKETS HANDY FOR ANDY

By Graham Hackney

Cleethorpes 1st X1 slipped to their third successive defeat in the Yorkshire ECB Premier league despite a brave attempt to chase down a mammoth victory target set by Rotherham at Chichester Road on Saturday. Batting first, Rotherham racked up 300-9 in their 55 overs with all but Alex Osmond of the Cleethorpes bowlers coming in for some punishment. Rotherham set a good pace all the way through their innings with Gerhard Rudolph, brother of Yorkshire opener Jacques, particularly impressive in hitting 85 in only 71 balls. Andy Ellis came back for a productive second spell to finish with figures of 5/83 in 16 overs as Rotherham lost wickets in their attempt at setting an even bigger target. Cleethorpes bowlers struggled in the blustery conditions throughout. Harry Clewett claimed two wickets but went for 51 runs in his eight overs while Skipper James Osmond, who opened the attack for Meggies recorded 1/75 in a 13-over burst. Brother Alex at least kept a lid on the middle order with 1/41 in twelve overs on an excellent batting wicket. In reply, Cleethorpes got off to a positive start with Eddie Carlton and Bill Kirby adding 37 for the first wicket in under nine overs before Carlton was stumped after attempting a big shot over long on. The arrival of Peter Fulton looked like swinging the game Cleethorpes’ way as he and Kirby produced a dazzling array of shots in adding 153 for the second wicket. Fulton smashed nine fours and four massive sixes on his way to a brilliant 96-ball century before miss-hitting to cover to fall for 104, his second ton of the season and taking his league average up to nearly fifty. Kirby had been the more patient partner in the stand and he reached his half century in 100 balls. James Osmond (2) fell soon after but the key wicket was the dismissal of Kirby for 62 to a contentious caught and bowled when it appeared a bump ball. With the target reaching over eight an over, Cleethorpes middle order collapsed with only Charlie Tomlinson (22 in 23 balls) looking capable of threatening Rotherham. From 190-1, Cleethorpes were finally bowled out for 250 in the 51st over to leave them 50 runs short as the defeat leaves them fourth bottom of the league table.

Both Cleethorpes 2nd and 3rd X1 had excellent victories in their respective cup competition s to progress to the next round. Paul Sunley’s 2nd X1 came back from the dead to record a superb one-wicket win at Alford and take them into the quarter finals of the George Marshall Trophy. Alford set a target of 163 when bowled out in the 45th over. All Cleethorpe bowlers produced good spells with the highlight being Nathan Judah’s 2/17 in his nine overs. Richard Griffin (2/20 in 9 overs) and Indy Hayre (2/23 in 8.3 overs) provided good support with Rob Griffin continuing his fine form with his leg spin as he took 3/47 in ten overs. Elliot Drinkell’s 26 got Cleethorpes of to a quick start but wickets started to tumble. Patrick Hughes (30) was fourth man out with the score on 68 but a bottom order collapse saw Cleethorpes on the brink of defeat at 108-9 still 55 runs shy of victory. However Rob Griffin with a superb 45 not out batting at number nine and last man Judah (6 not out) managed to eke out the runs to take Cleethorpes home with two overs to spare. Cleethorpes will face Bracebridge Heath 2nds away on July 18th in their Quarter final tie.

Bob Welton cup holders Cleethorpes 3rds progressed to the Semi fainals with a four wicket win at South Kelsey 2nds on Saturday. Again a steady bowling performance saw all bowlers chip in with the pick being Simon Taylor’s 1/23 in his nine overs. Fred Lumby picked up 2/20 in seven overs while Lewis Markham and Richard Woodward were rewarded with three-wickets late on while Ian Mansfield took 1/43 in his second game for the side. Despite openers Ben Marris (20) and Ryan Harrison (10) getting Meggies of to a decent start they soon collapsed to 36-5 and looked in serious trouble. A superb sixth wicket stand of 111 between Andy Haith (69) and Simon Taylor (54 not out) though brought the game back to Cleethorpes and they clinched victory in the 41st over. They travel to Haxey 2nds for their Semi-fainal on July 25th.

Cleethorpes 4ths and Cleethorpes North Lindsey sides were not in action last weekend while the Academy X1, lead by Mike Shelton, recorded a comprehensive 91-run win at home to Sutton on Sea. James Windeatt (61) and Ian Mansfield (55) hit half centuries in Cleethorpes’ total of 215 all out in the 40th over with Josh Latimer adding 20. Sutton were bowled out for 124 in their reply inside 38 overs. Matty Owen stood out for the bowlers with a fiery 4/16 in eight overs. Tom Latimer to 2/26 in 4.5 overs with John Mansfield, Mike Shelton, Stuart Harvey and George Hawkey all chipping in with wickets.

This Saturday sees Cleethorpes 1st X1 travel to Hull in the Yorkshire league eager to record to first win in four games. Paul Sunley’s 2nd X1 face Messingham at Chichester Road (1pm Start) in the first of a Premier league double-header. They travel to Appleby Frodingham 2nds on Sunday. Cleethorpes 3rds travel to Louth 2nds for the second time in three weeks looking to repeat their 7-run win of a fornight ago. Cleethorpes 4ths face Messingham 2nds at the Stamford Club (2pm Start) this Saturday. Sunday sees both North and East Lindsey sides in action. Cleethorpes’ North Lindsey side aim to defend their top of the table status at home to Messingham (2pm Start) while the Academy X1 face Alford at the Stamford Club (2pm Start).

GRAHAM HAS KINDLY SUPPLIED ACTION PICTURES, WHICH WE WILL POST LATER, WHEN TIME PERMITS.