Big win for Shepshed... but promotion bid fails
SHEPSHED CC’s 1st team were at home for the final time this season in a must win game if they were in any chance of getting promoted.
Batting first they set about the Broomleys bowlers with some style as Andrew Gibson and Jake Lister put on 37 for the first wicket. But soon the wickets started to tumble as Shepshed lost their two openers and it got worse for Shepshed as Williams and Pepper went Cheaply then Sam Smith came to the crease and he did a real rescue job for Shepshed as he smashed the ball to all parts of Morley Lane, four further wickets fell but Smith was still there as he reached his 100.
Christian Booth backed Smith up with a fine 17 and when he fell Jack Pilkington hung around as he smashed a quick fire 10 but Smith continued his onslaught to the very end as he finished on 136 not out, his very first century for Shepshed Cricket Club and Shepshed after their 45 overs finished their innings on 258 for 9 with Chambers taking 3 for 48 along with Wiggins 2 for 54 and Zaman taking 2 for 52.
In reply Shepshed bowled really well and Broomleys found it really tough going as wickets fell at regular intervals with Jack Pilkington the pick of the Shepshed Bowlers taking 3 for 37 and he was backed up by Andy Miller taking 2 for 15.
Broomleys were struggling as only three Broomleys batsman made double figures.
With Khan top scoring with 22, Chambers scored 17 and Green scored 13 and with all the remaining Shepshed bowlers taking a wicket a piece the game was over after 33 overs of the Broomleys innings as they were bowled out for just 101, Shepshed taking the points and the game by a massive 157 runs.
Unfortunately this win came a little too late for Shepshed as it was confirmed after the game that they could not get promoted as they needed results to go their way after Shepshed lost their game last week so at present Shepshed sit fifth in the Division 2 table with just one game to go and that game will be away at Ibstock Town CC 1sts.
Huncote CC 1sts were 80 for 6 in their game against Shepshed CC 2nds, who were 74 all out.
And Earl Shilton CC 2nds were 93 all out against Shepshed CC 3rds who were 96 for 6 off 21.1 overs, which saw the best Shepshed bowler Pete Pitts 5 for 21.