Seconds upset the formbook (From Evesham Journal)

Seconds upset the formbook

6:10pm Friday 27th July 2012 in Cricket

SHIPSTON-on-Stour seconds shocked promotion-chasing FISSC with a 22-run win to move out of the Cotswold Hills League Division Two relegation zone.

Stand-in skipper Neil Harper claimed an important toss for a patched-up hosts and made first use of the track.

Andy Righton held the innings of 185 all out together, looking on for a first league century until he was stumped for a fine 81 with eight fours and four sixes.

FISSC reached 163-8.

In Shipston’s innings, the dismissals of openers Harper (17) and Mark Ireland (5) meant Alex Welsby and Righton rebuilt, putting on 43 runs in nine overs.

Welsby was bowled for 21 but Righton launched several boundaries with support from Roger Wickson (21), Steve Hedderman (10) and Dave Phillips (10).

Shipston looked to push on for the last few overs but slumped from 170-5 to 185 all out inside 42 overs, handing FISSC the bowling points and some momentum.

Mark Schaus’ experience and control gave the hosts a great start as he picked up three crucial early wickets with two lbw decisions and a catch by Hedderman.

Joe Godson bowled another batsman to leave FISSC in trouble at 59-4 in the 19th over before Phillips made it 74-5. However, FISSC rallied and Shipston struggled in the sun before Harper discarded his wicketkeeping duties to bowl and quickly claimed a crucial wicket.

A stunning catch at long-on from Godson restricted FISSC further and they ended up 23 runs short of victory from their revised allocation of 48 overs. Schaus took 3-26 from 10 overs, Phillips 2-28 and Harper 2-16.

• Dumbleton’s annual cricket week is fast approaching with a host of old friends and past members taking part.

It begins on Saturday at Dairy Lane with a West of England Premier League Gloucester Division tie at home to Woodmancote (1pm).

Dumbleton’s six-a-side competition follows on Sunday (10.30am) with a roundrobin format also involving Gloucester Gipsies, Ebrington, Cheltenham and Kays.

Fixtures then follow with Chris Townsend’s Strollers XI on Monday, Bredon Hill on Tuesday, Western Court Wanderers on Wednesday and Shanklin on Thursday (all 11.30am).

Tables are available in the marquee during the week where lunch and afternoon tea will be served.

Anyone interested can call Richard Simpson on 07980 600241 for further booking information.