Hinckley Amateurs v Loughborough Greenfields Cricket Club 1st XI on Sat 07 Jun 2008 at
Loughborough Greenfields Cricket Club Won
Loughborough Greenfields headed to Hinckley for a top of the table clash at Ashby Road Sports Ground. With conditions still but overcast and the wicket looking fairly flat, it was always going to be a tough call at the toss. The Hinckley captain put the visitors in and his side got off to a strong start, openers Rehal (5) and King (5) removed in the first 7 overs with the score only on 15. Moore (21) looked in good form pummeling a cover drive to the fence and following it up with a huge straight six, at the other end Widdowson (114 not out) was patiently going about his business, scoring exclusively in boundaries but happy to knock back the good deliveries. The pair were building a nice partnership until Moore having looked on for a big one was trapped in front and was left to trudge back to the pavilion. The game was delicately poised at 48-3, Loveridge (31) arrived at the crease in determined mood and set about putting some runs on the board. Widdowson now looking in imperious form continued to score freely and soon reached his 50, Loveridge was a little unfortunate to be caught but having shared a partnership of 83, the innings was in good shape on 131-4. Clarke (9) joined Widdowson but found runs hard to come by, eventually perishing to a catch at mid off, with Horner (26 not out) joining Widdowson at the crease the scoreboard had ticked over to 149-5 from 35 overs. Greenfields amassed another 85 runs from the final 10 overs, Widdowson smashing the unfortunate Woodward to all parts of the ground, deservingly reaching a magnificent century, Horner at the other end playing his part smashing the ball through extra cover and running aggressively. The innings closed on 234-5 which was a fantastic total on an unpredictable pitch.
Hinckley were immediately on the back foot, with openers King (12.2-2-33-5) and Cassell (9-1-43-3) making things difficult for the batsmen. Cassell removed M.Lester with a fantastic delivery, nipping away off the pitch and taking the top of off stump. King followed this up deceiving J.Lester with a short ball, which he could only fend back to the bowler for a simple catch. With the score on 9-2, Greenfields could be pleased with the start but needed to back it up. With few runs coming, the Hinckley batsmen decided to hit themselves out of trouble and the cordon gasped delivery after delivery as the batsmen swished but were unable to get anywhere near the ball. Cassell repeated his Jimmy Anderson impression once again taking the top of off stump with a pearler and then beat Grove for pace as the batsmen was bounced out attempting a pull, Rehal the man taking the catch. Green, who threw himself around all afternoon, took a well deserved catch behind off King to leave Hinckley reeling, Greenfields now sensed victory in the air with the score on 45-5. Sylvester was removed LBW shortly after but at the other end the gritty determination of Snow was to frustrate Greenfields, his new partner, Martin looking like the best Hinckley batsmen somehow down the order at 8. The game drifted along with both batsmen looking solid, Rehal (6-1-10-0) was unfortunate to have a chance dropped in the slips, Stockdale (7-5-10-2) was the man to make the breakthrough, Snow thrusting his pad across the stumps one time too many, trapped LBW to a straight one. Greenfields fielding positions were becoming increasingly aggressive and finally Clarke snaffled a chance at slip from the bowling of Stockdale. Hurst provided some resistance, before King remembered where the stumps were and knocked a bail to fine leg. The end was nigh and came with 8 overs to spare, Widdowson pouching a simple chance at mid wicket to give King 5 wickets.
A fantastic result for Greenfields which sends out a message to the rest of the league.
Loughborough Greenfields Cricket Club 1st XI Batting
234 for 5
Hinckley Amateurs Bowling
Hinckley Amateurs Batting
110 for 10
Loughborough Greenfields Cricket Club 1st XI Bowling