Amateur settle for a draw

AFTER winning the first four games of the season Hinckley Amateur had to settle for a draw against Ratby Town in a rain-affected game at Ashby Road.

Going to bat first, Ratby’s opener Paul Cockerill managed to score 83 before he was caught and bowled by Jamie HarrisEnsor.

A superb 102 from skipper and wicket keeper Mike Chadwick was the other mainstay of Ratby’s innings as they totalled an impressive 247-3.

Chadwick was not out but Adam Mortimer (1) and Johnathon Armson (37) were both stumped by Amateur wicket keeper Craig Hatcher.

A heavy thunderstorm at tea reduced the overs to 37 but the Amateur batsmen took on the task, Harris-Ensor’s 40 and debutant Shoib Dadu’s 52 got the innings off to a fast start.

Ed Proctor (21) and Sam Smart (36) kept up scoring rate but with a flurry of wickets the 1st XI settled for a draw on 196-8.

Amateur 2nd XI got their first win of the season at Broughton Astley.

Opening bowlers Matt Debbage and Surya Poodipeddi with two wickets each got the home side in early trouble, Steve Proctor with another two and skipper Matt Smith with 4-21 as Broughton were skittled for 69.

There were a couple of early scares in reply but Gareth Patterson, with an unbeaten 27, and a steady innings from Gary Roach got the Amateurs home by seven wickets.

In the County Cup on Sunday, Amateur 1st XI lost to Broomleys, three wickets each for Alan York, Jay Tipping and Mick Butterworth as the Coalville side reached 229-9 in their 40 overs, Amateurs lost early wickets in reply and despite Sam Rowe with 61 and Ed Proctor (35) they lost 167 all out.