Shireshead 149 all out Trimpell 150-8

by Mike Park

Trimpell saw off a fight back by Shireshead seconds’ bowlers who nearly claimed an unlikely win after the home side’s batsmen fell from 66-0 to 149 all out.

At 65-0 in the 17^th over Shireshead looked like posting a total well in excess of 200 but by the 24^th over they had advanced to just 84 but for the loss of five  wickets.

Twiname, 31, and Skipworth, 35, had once again provided a solid platform but the middle order were thereafter whittled away, largely by the excellent Ferguson, 6-32.

Foy, 26, and Rafferty, 16, looked like rebuilding Shireshead’s innings but fell as did Smethurst and Park leaving only Tom Wilson to usher the tail to 149 in 43 overs.

Heads turned as veteran bowler Beniston strode to the crease as opener but by the time he was dismissed in the 26^th over for 73, the game was effectively won with the home side ruing missed opportunities,

Beniston being dropped twice and escaping two ‘certain’ run outs. However, he can be applauded for his stroke play and determination.

Shireshead were always in with a chance of victory as Taylor took 2 for 27 and Park took 2 for 21 in his second spell. Trimpell wickets continued to fall – as 129 for 5 soon became 130 for 6, 136 for 7 and 142 for 8 but Bland grew in confidence seeing Trimpell home with an unbeaten 35.