Defeat against fellow strugglers

EARL Shilton Town CC fell to a disappointing 68 run defeat against fellow relegation candidates Electricity Sports at Keats Lane on Saturday.

Having asked the visitors to bat, with the threat of rain lurking, Earl Shilton got off to the worst possible start with the visitors racing to 86-1 in less than 10 overs.

In addition Town, failed to hold on to a number of catches to make the situation worse.

Electricity Sports closed on a challenging 262-8 in their 45 over with openers Clake (94) and Gratrix (66) and Phillips hitting a quickfire (33 off 13 balls) in the latter stages.

Phil Crouch, as ever, bowled well for Earl Shilton and ended with figures of 12-1-36-3

At the tea break, the covers were required as rain began to fall, leading to a short delay. Town were then set the task of reaching 246 to win in a reduced run chase off 41 overs.

Having lost opener Lester in the first over, Holmes(47) and Phillips(40) continued their positive seasons with the bat with a partnership of 78 for the loss of the second wicket. However, with the visitors bowling tightly on a pitch that was offering support, and poor batting light, the task of 246 in 41 overs was never really in sight.

Payne batted well for a well made 30 but the Town innings ended on 178 for 8 in 41 overs.

The defeat means Earl Shilton go into the last two games against Enderby (A) next Saturday and Enderby (H) on the last day of the season, knowing while still in their hands, a win in one of the last two games is now absolutely imperative if relegation is to be avoided.