Decision proves to be vital in defeat (From Evesham Journal)

Decision proves to be vital in defeat

6:10pm Wednesday 1st July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

St Georges 147-6, Evesham 143 all out LOSING the toss proved crucial as Evesham fell to a four-wicket defeat at St Georges in Birmingham League Division Two.

Evesham arrived at their Telford opponents to find heavy overnight rain had seeped under the covers to leave half of the wicket extremely wet.

The game was delayed for an hour and the match reduced to 46 overs while a mopping up exercise began.

However, when St Georges won the toss and inserted Evesham, it was difficult to see any other outcome than a win for the side batting second.

Gary Lewis (22) and Matt Snyman (30) batted bravely to put on 43 runs for the first wicket but the middle order failed to assert themselves against some excellent bowling from the home side on a difficult wicket. Bachani with 4-52 and Ward with 4-34 bowled 33 overs between them and made life tough for Evesham’s batsmen.

It was left to Neal Radford (34) to steady the innings with a patient knock before he fell in the last over. Evesham’s total of 143 all out was looking at least 20 runs short as the wicket flattened out.

The visitors bowled well as St Georges set about a patient run chase and they were looking confident after the first 10 overs with 31 on the board for the loss of Miller (8), bowled by Josh Radford.

The introduction of Paul Thomas into the attack immediately paid dividends when he removed both Parkes (3) and Arif (20) to leave the hosts on 34-3.

Max Stokoe then showed his skill as an emerging pace bowler as he took three wickets to reduce St Georges to 74-6. Taylor steadied the middle order batting, playing sensibly after a dropped chance that proved to be decisive.

He and Tilt put together a match-winning partnership without taking any risks as St Georges reached their target with an over to spare. Taylor (49 not out) and Tilt (39no) saw them through to the finish. Stokoe finished with 3-25 and Thomas 2-24.

Evesham seconds claimed an impressive four-wicket win at home against Milford Hall, while the Thirds lost by 100 runs at Worcester.

Evesham claimed an emphatic 121-run win against Swindon in the Worcestershire Sunday League.

After winning the toss and batting first, Stokoe and Snyman (76) put on 177 for the first wicket.

Luke Radford hit 22 runs off just seven balls but the batting honours belonged to Stokoe, hitting his maiden century of the season with a fine 106.

Evesham’s total of 313-3 was always going to be a tough task and so it proved.

Luke Radford (3-31) and Jake Saunders (3-38) were the pick of the bowlers as Swindon’s challenge ended on 192-9.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)