Newtown Linford win derby clash
NEWTOWN Linford hosted local rivals Cropston at Main Street for their first Division 1 clash of the season and recorded a comprehensive 127 run win.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first on a damp wicket, Newtown Linford had a sticky start with both openers removed with 37 on the board.
South African Branden Brodell (82) and skipper Craig Chapman (56) then added 103 for the third wicket to put the home side in a strong position.
Darren Bulpitt (39), Matt Bennett (20) and David Woods (25 not out) ensured the team posted a large total of 262-6 from their 45 overs.
In reply Cropston never got going and were bowled out for 135, David Woods was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-40.
Newtown Linford’s 2nd X1 travelled to Birstall Village with a young side as a result of a number of injuries, holidays and first team call ups.
After being asked to bat first on a difficult wicket, Tim Moult (63) and Nick Platt (39) used their experience to cope with the difficult batting conditions and add 103 for the first wicket in 30 overs.
The innings closed on a competitive 150-7 as batting didn’t get any easier.
In reply Birstall struggled against accurate bowling from Ben Tansley (2-6) and Dan Bowley (3-19) and were soon in trouble at 10-3.They staged a recovery to add 70 for the fourth wicket but when Nick Platt (1-39) made the breakthrough, Newtown started to pick up regular wickets
Skipper Richard Whittall kept the pressure on with 2-26 from his 12 overs and when Bowley returned to pick up 2 wickets at the end of the innings, Birstall were 117-9 with 2 overs remaining.
With everybody surrounding the bat, Newtown were unable to take the last wicket and had to settle for a winning draw.
Newtown Linford’s 3rd X1 had a day to forget against Leicester Lions.
With a number of their team promoted into the 2nd X1, their lack of experience showed as the visitors racked up 240 all out before Newtown were rolled for just 37 in reply.