Defiant draw despite struggling start to weekend match

BURBAGE Cricket Club turned in a defiant performance to claim a draw with visiting Ibstock Town at the weekend.

Despite not firing on all cylinders, Burbage took a good share of the points from their LRCL Division Four West clash.

They will travel to Leicester Ivanhoe this week no doubt looking to build on the result.

Against Ibstock, Burbage won the toss and chose to bowl first in overcast conditions.

However, the visitors made a solid start with both openers looking in good touch despite one or two streaky shots.

It was the introduction of skipper Owen Williams and Asif Patel which paid divi- dends for Burbage, as the pair shared the eight wickets taken as Ibstock made 179 from their 45 overs.

Joe Broadbent (39) was the stand-out performer in the Burbage reply.

The opener got his side off to a quick start, punishing anything short on a slow track.

Despite the hosts losing some silly wickets, they never looked in danger of being bowled out.

A late cameo of 24 from Huw Marsden helped them up to 162-8 from their 45 overs, as they took 12 points from clash with Ibstock claiming 16.

An understrength Burbage second team put up a tremendous fight at Hinckley CC in their Division Seven West clash.

Burbage mustered 136-8 before putting in a fine per- formance with the ball as they took seven wickets before the hosts finally clinched victory in the 40th over of their innings.

Burbage Cricket Club is looking for new players of all ages and standards to join.

The club practices at Hastings High School, every Wednesday, from 6pm.

Anyone who would like to join is more than welcome to attend nets.