Arnside 208-9, Shireshead firsts 139 all out

In a topsy-turvy match Shireshead firsts had the home side on 83-6 but could not press home their advantage as Arnside posted an impressive 208 which the visitors didn’t get near as wicket tumbled through the innings.

Arnside won the toss and elected to bat, with home side hoping to take advantage of a fast outfield – but opener Jamie Whincup was clean bowled by Irfan Quyuum in the fourth over.

Shireshead settled into a good spell as the next four wickets were all caught behind by Matt Yates, bowled by Dave Jack.

The dangerous Adam Richardson was caught by Nick Rafferty for 37 off Dave Jack who finished on 5-77.

With the score at 83-6, Shireshead could taste victory but failed to capitalise on the situation as Arnside’s number seven Mike Shepherd, 36, number eight Adam Cowperthwaite, 47, and number nine Rob Shepherd, 29, ensured Arnside set a very competitive total of 208.

Joe Cunliffe bowled a tidy spell at the end finishing with 3-30, and Irfan Quyuum (1-43)

Shireshead knew they would have to bat well but knew with the fast, dry conditions 209 was possible. However the innings started disastrously and by the 14th over the visitors were 36-5.

Tom Jacques, Paul Yates, Joe Cunliffe, Nick Rafferty and Matt Yates were all back in the pavilion scoring nine between them. Opening bowlers Adam Cowperthwaite 4-30 and Lee Illingworth 2-28 did the damage.

Simon Gould played positively as wickets fell at the other end making 30 before being caught. The potentially dangerous Joe Oliver also came and went.

Dave Jack hit a quick 14 but it was Andrew Murphy who gave Shireshead a glimmer of hope hitting 48 off 17 balls including two fours and six sixes before being run out going for a risky second run.

Phil Oliver, 13, and Irfan Qayuum, 12 not out,  provided some late entertainment putting on 26 for last wicket before Phil Oliver was caught behind with a sharp diving catch from James Whincup.

It was a disappointing day for Shireshead but as the season reaches the half way point, the first team can take a lot of positives from the first half of their campaign to take forward to second half.