Lawrenson Cup exit for Stacksteads
STACKSTEADS CC IT was a weekend of mixed emotions for Stacksteads CC as they clinched a dramatic victory off the last ball of the match versus Earby, but were then easily beaten the following day in the semi final of the Lawrenson Cup against Euxton.
Stacksteads put Earby 2nds into bat in a rain reduced game at New Hall Hey and despite making early in-roads the visitors posted a very healthy 190 for 5 off 31 overs, thanks mainly to 84 off just 65 balls from Yates and 56 off 35 balls by Hipgrave.
Matt Hussey was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.
Stacksteads got off to the best possible start in their reply with openers John Hindle and Jonathan Butterworth putting on 102 runs for the first wicket before the latter was bowled for 34.
Hindle followed soon after for 66 which contained 10 boundaries, then Ellis Hussey was bowled without scoring as the home team’s run chase faltered.
The remaining batsmen kept the scoreboard ticking over but it was Andrew Holt who proved to be Stacksteads saviour scoring an unbeaten 33 including a boundary off the last ball to seal a 10-point victory.
On Sunday, Euxton 2nds put Stacksteads in to bat on a damp wicket and their impressive seam bowlers used the conditions to their advantage as they reduced the home team to 20 for 3.
Matt Croney and Andy Holt started the rebuilding effort adding 20 runs before both were out in quick succession leaving Stacksteads in trouble on 43 for 5.
John Dawson and Francis Chadwick batted patiently as the wicket gradually got easier and the opening bowlers were rested.
The pair took advantage of the fielding restrictions during the second power play to see their team past the threefigure mark before the latter was caught out for 27.
Pete Hoskin (11) and Owain Tracey (5) both sacrificed their wickets in the quest for runs at the end of the innings with Dawson also being dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings for a disciplined 31 as Stacksteads closed on a below par 125 for 9 off 40 overs.
Dawson made an early breakthrough with ball as Joy was caught behind in his first over, however from then on the Euxton batters looked fairly comfortable, picking off the one loose ball an over they needed to keep ahead of the run rate.
Croney bowled out Bowden before Owain Tracey entered the attack and accounted for Bone with the total on 96 to give Stacksteads a glimmer of hope mid-way through the innings.
Dawson and Tracey both grabbed a consolation wicket each as Euxton closed in on the target but the visitors finally booked their place in the Cup Final in the 32nd over as Stacksteads were left to ponder their third semi-final defeat in recent years.
This Saturday Stacksteads are away to Ribblesdale Wanderers 2nds.