Saker dominates as Shipston triumph (From Evesham Journal)

Saker dominates as Shipston triumph

9:00pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Cricket

SHIPSTON-on-Stour’s bowlers laid the platform for a comfortable nine-wicket success against Bearley in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division.

The hosts’ attacked skittled their opponents for just 103 and that enabled the batsmen to make light work of the target.

Opening bowlers Jon Walker and David Saker made early inroads into the visitors’ batting line up in helpful conditions for swing.

S Eustace (10), Jurgen Anderson (6) and A Wood (0) had all departed within the first seven overs with just 21 runs on the board.

As the new ball lost its shine, batting became easier and Lee Ross and J Urquhart (13) staged a mini recovery, putting together a partnership of 37 before Marcus Ireland trapped the latter in front.

Walker (2-35) and Ireland (3-17) claimed the wickets of G Castle (3) and Darren Ross (5) respectively and any hopes of posting a decent total vanished when Dave Murphy held onto a return catch to end the innings of Bearley skipper Lee Ross for 30.

Another wicket each for Ireland (3-17), Murphy (2-12) and Saker (3-24) saw the visitors innings end on 103. In reply, Bearley needed early wickets but they failed to materialise as Julian Morris (15) and Saker forged an opening stand of 82 in 14 overs.

Saker was the dominant force, showing a range of powerful pulls, cuts and drives in a knock that finally tallied 14 fours and a six and ensured a home victory.

The supportive innings of Morris ended when he was given out after taking a blow from paceman Anderson and dislodging a bail with his foot. Jack Murphy (7) joined Saker (78) and the pair added 24 in just 2.3 overs to see the home side to their target.

Anderson was the only wicket-taker with 1-32 from eight overs.

Shipston seconds remain in trouble at the bottom of Division Two after a 10-wicket defeat at leaders Catherine De Barnes.

Having been skittled for 115, the hosts cruised to their target, taking 23 points to Shipston’s one.

Shipston are now only two points above second-frombottom Exhall & Wixford seconds but are 27 behind Winchcombe.

On Saturday, Shipston-on- Stour firsts travel to Elmley Castle for a derby clash, while Shipston seconds host Exhall & Wixford II.