Earl Shilton retain league status despite loss

EARL Shilton Town CC can prepare for another season in Division One following a tense game of cricket on Saturday.

With Earl Shilton and visitors Enderby starting the day with question marks over whether they would still be in the division next season, they both managed to end the match with their league status intact.

However, this was very much a nerve jangling day for players and supporters alike.

Home Captain Hawkins, won the toss and elected to bat first on a damp, gloomy and cool day.

Enderby made an early breakthrough with the wicket of last week’s centurion in the fixture at Enderby, falling early to a smart catch by Mackay at first slip leaving the home team at 13-1.

Holmes and Singh looked to steady the ship, with the pitch offering support to the Enderby seamers. However, gradually things became a little easier for both batsman in the damp conditions, with two rain delays interrupting proceedings. This led to the game being reduced to 37 overs.

Holmes (69) following a productive season with the bat and Singh (34) put on 114 for the fall of the second wicket in the 28th over.

With Singh being run out with the score still on 114, it was Payne who provided valuable momentum with a vibrant 34 off 24 balls and Hawkins (16) and Verow (11) who saw the Keats lane outfit to 194-4 off the reduced 37 overs.

In response Town started well with Crouch clean bowling Coulson in the first over to leave the visitors at 0-1.

However, Hood (50) and Blanksby (45) rebuilt Enderby’s innings, taking the score to 102 until Hawkins bowled Blanksby.

With Patel (45no) and Graham 26, Enderby stayed ahead of the required run rate and despite the autumnal feel to the weather, Enderby were closing in on a victory which would ensure their Division one status. Town on the other hand were striving for wickets to ensure that even with a potential defeat looming, they would have enough points to retain their status.

Enderby did reach their victory target in the 33rd over, but at the same time Earl Shilton did manage to retain their division one status despite a fivewicket defeat. Hawkins and Verow both took two wickets apiece.

Earl Shilton now look forward to the 2019 season, with a focus on ensuring that they are not involved in a nailbiting relegation battle next time.