Earl Shilton 2nd XI just miss run chase
EARL Shilton Town 2nd XI played away at Loughborough Charnwood Old Boys 2nd XI, and eventually lost after a determined run chase.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl Shilton made the perfect start as Matt Bedder removed their opener for 4, in the opening over. Old Boys then took the attack to Shilton bowlers scoring 105-1 after 15 overs.
Ben Sutton came into the attack and took a wicket with his first ball, removing their left hander with the score on 125-2 after 20 overs.
Shilton then kept Old Boys quiet with Ben and Captain Hemil Patel picking up the next two wickets.
At 30 overs Old Boys were 180-4 with Shilton reducing the run rate and starting to build pressure.
The Old Boys captain Manraj Juttla brought up his 100 and piled the pressure on Shilton by finishing the innings 124 not out and his side in command with 262-6 after 40 overs.
Shilton took to the field to bat with Shiva Chopra immediately going on the attack scoring 30 in quick time with the score 40-1 after 4 overs.
Unfortunately Shiva was out caught bringing in Alan Gibson, who fell shortly after.
Adam Garner and Tom Simons took over and rebuilt the innings for Shilton as the score reached 72-4after 15 overs.
After Adam was dismissed Captain Hemil came in and batted with intent, taking the score to 100-4 after 20 overs before being bowled.
Hemanth Kokkirala came in next and showed his big hitting ability, scoring 52 in quick time, taking Shilton to 182-6 after 32 overs.
Tom Simons also brought up a solid 50 and made sure Shilton continued to attack from the other end.
Shilton eventually finished on 214-8 off 40 overs after a great fight!
Captain Hemil Patel sai:d “Well done to the opposition and especially to Manraj their captain for an outstanding 100. We put up a good fight, however the senior batters have to carry on, myself included!
“We definitely could have got even closer, Tom and Hemanth showed that we can play our style of cricket on any wicket and that’s what we need to stay true to! We go again next week.”