Sutton hits unbeaten 103 in Earl Shilton 2nd XI win
EARL Shilton 2nd XI played at home against Leicester Ivanoe 4th XI and produced a fantastic performance to gain their first win of the season.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Shilton’s opening bowlers were consistent and patient with their line and length. Matt Bedder and Adam Garner kept creating pressure, eventually paying off as Garner bowled opener Jones with a beautiful delivery that seamed away.
Matt Bedder then removed the number 3 batsman, caught by Captain Hemil Patel at mid off with the score 49-2 after 11 overs. The pressure started to be applied further as Shilton’s bowlers only conceded 31 runs in the next 10 overs, picking up two wickets in the 22nd over, one caught by Ben Sutton bowled by Matt Bedder, removing the batsmen Duncan for 43. The other was a run out by Shiva Chopra, with the score reading 80-4.
Harry Longdon and Tom Simons took over the baton and continued to apply pressure with the ball, beating the bat and creating opportunities several times. Ivanhoe weathered the storm and got to 132-4 after 29 overs. Captain Hemil then came on and picked up two wickets in two balls reducing Ivanhoe to 136-6 after 30.
Ivanhoe Captain Paul Davis wasn’t giving in as he started to apply pressure, making his way to 69 before getting bowled by youngster Harry Fitt. This being the first men’s wicket for the 14 year old. He then had another wicket two balls later.
Ivanhoe then finished their innings with a run out by Alan Gibson, with the score 211 all out off 39.4 overs.
Earl Shilton took to the field and got off to a quick start before losing the first wicket at 20-1. Tom Simons continued the aggressive approach by smashing two fours in consecutive balls before unfortunately being run out. Alan Gibson then took the over the reins and smashed a quick fire 22, including 5 fours with the score on 53-3 off 11.
Captain Hemil joined Ben Sutton and watched Ben hit some beautiful cover drives as he built his innings. Hemil fell for 5 bringing in Hemanth, who scored 20 in 8 balls blasting 5 fours in an over, before being bowled at 92-5 after 16 overs.
Shilton increased the run rate with Ben and Adam Garner playing aggressively and scoring quickly. The runs started to flow and by 30 overs Shilton were 189-5 with Ben nearing a 100. Shilton were now in cruise control with victory in sight. With one run to win the game and one to get his 100, Ben smashed it up and over mid off for his ‘ton up’ and the win. Shilton finished on 215-5 off 36 overs winning by five wickets with four overs remaining.
Captain Hemil Patel said: “What an Innings and what a player. Ben finished on 103 not out, batting through out the innings and took Shilton to their first win of the season. An unbeaten 123 run partnership with Adam Garner, who finished on 38 not out was a highlight, but the day belonged to Ben, for a 100 full of class and composure!”