Malton see off Staxton to seal Hospital Cup success
Malton &Old Malton eased to an eight-wicket win over Staxton in the final of the Hospital Cup at North Marine Road, with Mike Linsley the star man as the York League side won the pretigious trophy for the second time in three years.
Staxton won the toss and elected to bat and despite losing an early wicket, brothers Rob and Jack Pinder started brightly, putting 60 on for the second wicket.
Jack fell for a bright 33, becoming Linsley’s first wicket in the 10th over.
Chris Dove then added 30 off 24 balls before being caught at long on.
Linsley, along with fellow spinner Harrison Wood had changed the game and restricted the scoring rate.
Wood claimed an impressive 2-24 from his five overs and Linsley finished with 2-42.
Rob Pinder was losing partners and also holed out for a well compiled 51 from 47 balls.
Momentum was lost and the last five overs saw Staxton only score a further 25 runs to finish on 135-6, with most observers believing this was around 20 runs under par on a good batting track at North Marine Road.
Matty Turnbull opened up for Malton alongside Linsley and both started well.
Turnbull reached 20 before being well caught at midwicket by Rob Pinder off the bowling of Linden Gray, who claimed 1-19.
Tom Bumby soon followed, run out for just three after good work in the deep by Kyle Outhart.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Gill joined Linsley and both players coupled smart running with latching onto anything short or loose.
Linsley passed 50 and with Gill in determined mood, Malton were easing home.
Linsley sealed a superb individual performance by finishing unbeaten with a sublime 69no, including five fours and two sixes, with Gill adding a well crafted 32 not out off 26 balls as they got home with 13 balls to spare.
Malton skipper Bumby received the trophy before a cheque for £1,000 was handed to Scarborough Hospital.