3s Claim Scunny Scalp in Cup

Saturday's game brought the start of the league's new invention - the 30 over Supplementary Cup for Divisions 3 and 4; four groups of four where everyone plays each other once over three game weeks. Top from each group makes the semis and then the winners take part in the final (to be played in July).

We hosted Scunthorpe Town 3rds and decided to bowl having won the toss. This started very well as Sam Nuttall claimed a wicket in the first over. Anton opened from the other end and bowled tidily as well, claiming a wicket in his third over to leave the score 24-2 after the first six overs. Same ended his early spell with a maiden and Kafait bowled three tight overs to build further pressure. Begley joined in and claimed the third wicket of their captain.
Pranav took over from Kafait and first ball took a wicket with one which did keep slightly low, pinning the batsman in front of all three.
At the halfway stage Scunthorpe were 44-4. The opposition opener stood firm whilst others fell around him. Pranav continued to chip away with two more wickets (including the opener for 30) ending with great figures of 6-2-12-3.
Brett joined in to claim (/burgle?) three wickets from the lower middle order and Anton returned to take the final wicket in the 26th over. Scunthorpe finished 82 all out.

It was a very quick turnaround as the format requires a quick refreshment break. Pranav and Begley made a batting partnership this time following the bowling exploits from earlier. It was a very watchful start on the soft wicket and accurate bowling kept us restrained. Begley fell for four in the sixth over with the score 5-1. Further maidens followed and when the first change of bowler claimed Pranav in his first over, it was 14-2 from nine overs. Martin came and went, making nine, and this left the 3s on 30-3 at the halfway stage with Hugo and Jacob at the crease continually being watchful. Credit to the opening bowlers of Scunthorpe with figures of (4-3-4-0 & 6-4-4-1).
Following the drinks break and some more bowler changes the tide also turned on the pace of the innings. Jacob, in taking the lead role, took on the attack to get the innings going again and struck three quick boundaries. Hugo then joined in and it looked as if they spurred each other on in making a 59 partnership when Jacob (26) was run out in the 22nd over with the score on 78. Kafait swiftly struck two boundaries to take us over the line. Hugo finishing on a very well managed 26 not out, judging conditions perfectly.

In the end the six wicket win came quite quickly after the steady start; initially setup by the great bowling and fielding display. It was a clinical performance which included contributions from all junior players in all parts of the game as they continue to show they are very much part of our senior sides on a Saturday. What great strength in depth we have. Well done lads!

Next week is another cup home game as we host Haxey 2nds.

Report by Matthew Brett