Bolton-le-Sands vs Burneside A, 26th April 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 134-5 vs Burneside A
Rain stopped play
After the driest March and April for several years hopes were high for a rain free start to the season, but once again the weather played its part on Saturday forcing an early finish at Main Road.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bowl first on an understandably soft track. Veterans Postlethwaite and McKnight bowled intelligently with the new ball, but after an early breakthrough, Sands upper order took charge. Trevor White rolled back the years with a half century, and put on 53 for the third wicket with debutant Jon Millatt (42) in only ten overs. Millatt hit four big sixes in a quickfire innings and when he was caught behind, Jon White took up the charge, pulling a four and a six in one over from Metcalfe.
Any hopes Sands had of setting a large total were dashed as the rain arrived in the 37th over. Tea was taken early, but the ground had become too wet for play to restart and the match was abandoned.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Cartmel, 10th May 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 120-6, Cartmel 119
Sands won by 4 wickets
The first rain free Saturday of the season eventually arrived at the weekend as Sands defeated an under-strength but determined Cartmel side.
The visitors were sent into bat on a typical early season Sands wicket, and struggled to come to terms with the conditions. Rob Clarkson and Pete Morgan knocked over the top order and after thirteen overs, the innings was in tatters at 38-5. Ben Patterson (73) held things together and aided by a stubborn knock from Dave Unsworth, took the score to 78, before Tim Millatt took two wickets in successive overs. Patterson dug in, surviving two chances and despite falling in the penultimate over lifted the score to a challenging 119. All four Sands bowlers took wickets, Clarkson finishing with 3-37, Morgan 3-20, Millatt 2-30 and Ireland 2-27.
Cartmel skipper Wilson started with three maidens as Sands opened their reply, but Loxam (18) and Trevor White (22) put on 36 for the first wicket, Loxam surprising his own team mates with two sixes in his brief innings. Cole (19) and Jon White (20) kept the home side on course but from 84-2 they collapsed to 91-6 and suddenly victory looked a long way away. However, Martin Dyson (14no) and keeper Wolfenden stayed calm, and saw Sands through to their first win of the season. Wilson bowled unchanged,varying inswingers and leg cutters to take 3-38, Russ Lomas taking the other three wickets to fall.
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Warton A vs Bolton-le-Sands, 24th May 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Warton A 60, Bolton-le-Sands 128
Sands won by 68 runs
Sands notched up their second win of the season, eventually bowling out the home side with seven overs to spare on a breezy Saturday at the newly extended Hyning ground.
After losing the toss Sands found themselves put into bat on a wicket of low bounce and lost two early wickets, slipping to 14-2 after seven overs. Alan Cole (24) and Jon Millatt (22) repaired the damage with a stand of 37 before the latter cut a short ball to cover. Skipper Ireland (30) joined Cole and by the 25th over the visitors were looking healthy at 81-3. However, a succession of rash dismissals, together with some smart catching from Warton saw Sands collapse to 128 all out, Robert Clarkson being left stranded on 13 not out. Hanif Maje bowled a consistent line to take 4-35, and Ben Sammons proved to be a chip off the old block, taking 4-37. Mike Dudfield recovered from a blow on the knee to take three smart catches standing up to the wicket.
As against Cartmel, the veteran opening attack of Pete Morgan and Rob Clarkson proved too much for Warton's top order, reducing them to 18-4. Skipper Mick White (18no), Louie Davey and Maje led a partial recovery, taking the home side to 52-5, with thirteen overs left to bat. However, Maje's dismissal to a low catch by Wolfenden was the cue for the tail to fold, Tim Millat taking the last two wickets in three balls. Once again all the wickets were shared, Clarkson taking 3-10, Morgan 3-22, and Millatt 3-11.
Coniston vs Bolton-le-Sands, 26th May 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Coniston 93-8, Bolton-le-Sands 116-9
Winning draw to Sands
Sands narrowly failed to win their second game of the
weekend on Monday as 10-man Coniston held out for a draw in a see saw
encounter.
The visitors unsurprisingly lost the toss, and were inserted
on a well grassed wicket. Despite the loss of an early wicket Dave Loxam (40)
and Alan Cole (10) looked comfortable at the crease, Loxam pulling two sixes,
and by the eighteenth over Sands were looking good at 46-1. Cole fell lbw to
Colin Knipe, but Jon Millatt (18) increased the scoring rate with some lofted
drives. However, as on Saturday a collapse left Sands reeling and 76-3 quickly
became 87-6 as Knipe turned the screw. The overs were batted out on this
occasion however and a late flurry from Jimmy Nightingale (12no) helped Sands
past the 100 mark. Knipe was rewarded for his accuracy with 8-28 from 22 overs,
including 11 maidens.
Coniston's reply began slowly, both openers
falling in the first ten overs, but skipper Andy Knipe (32) showed patience and
together with Glen Todd (24) helped the score pass 50 after 21 overs. Clarkson
bowled Todd, but the home side were still favourites, Knipe surviving a chance
behind the stumps. Tony Pennington struck the major blow, having Knipe caught by
Wolfenden and the followed up by having Fryer stumped, the ball rebounding off
the keeper's pads onto the wickets. Sands now took control, and the last pair
were left to bat out nine overs to secure a draw. Former skipper Brackwell held
firm, with his partner Rouse less so, but together they defied the Sands attack
and saved the match. Clarkson took 3-31 from 20 overs, Pennington 4-26 off 12.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Holme, 31st May 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 173-7dec, Holme 113-2
Winning draw to Sands
A century from Alan Cole proved to be in vain as eight man Holme kept Sands at
bay on Saturday restricting the home side to just two wickets on a very warm
Saturday afternoon.
The visitors won the toss and elected to field, and
despite the shortage of numbers managed to take three early wickets as Sands
slipped to 15-3. Alan Cole and Matthew Ireland put the home side back on track
with a half century stand in nine overs. Ireland fell for 23 and another quick
wicket left Sands at 95-5, but Cole took charge sweeping two sixes of Fawcett.
Despite the efforts of Stuart Hunter, who bowled creditably in the conditions,
Cole was not to be denied and reached his century in style with a pull for six
finishing with 103 not out. In all he hit ten fours and four sixes, his fourth
ton for the club. Hunter took 3-111, Fawcett 3-41.
Holme openers Barnes and
McFarlane were unmoved by the prospect of batting out the fifty one overs for a
draw and almost managed it themselves as Sands failed to take a wicket until the
43rd over. Barnes gave one chance to cover during his innings of 66 not out, and
it took a top edged pull from McFarlane (28) well caught by young Peter Morgan
to break the deadlock. By then, it was too late, one more wicket falling as
Sands bowlers toiled in the heat. Rob Clarkson took both wickets to fall, at a
cost of 27 runs. Sands 4pts, Holme 1pt
Bolton-le-Sands vs Cartmel, 1st June 2003
Milnthorpe Taxi Services Trophy Round 1
Bolton-le-Sands 220-6, Cartmel 94
Sands won by 126 runs
Sands progressed to the semi-finals after a convincing victory over visitors
Cartmel on another warm Sunday afternoon as Alan Cole rounded off a superb
weekend by taking a hat-trick.
On a flattish wicket, Sands were inserted and
got off to a flying start, Ireland hitting 16 off eight balls before being
needlessly run out. Cole and Trevor White kept up the cavalry charge, Cole
pulling two big sixes and the half century was passed in the seventh over.
Willie Crowe, with his rarely seen off breaks, removed Cole lbw for 39, but
after 13 overs the score had reached 123-2. Two quick wickets, including White
for 45, slowed the scoring rate but Rob Clarkson opened hs shoulders and smashed
a rapid 55, including a six into the main road. Martin Dyson (23 no) proved an
able ally as they put on 71 in eight overs. None of Cartmel's bowlers escaped
lightly, Wilson taking 2-39, and Readman 2-35.
The visitors were hoping for a
similar start to Sands but were pegged back early on by some tight bowling and
good fielding, Dave Loxam taking a fine tumbling catch to remove Patterson.
Whilst the dangerous Crowe and Harvey were together Cartmel always had a chance,
but Cole bowled Harvey, had Wilson lbw and then for the hat-trick ball, let go a
low full toss that Lomas somehow scooped to mid wicket where Vipond took an
excellent running catch. At 54-6 the contest was over, and the innings fell away
to be all out in the 23rd over. Cole had excellent figures of 5-15 off four
overs, Clarkson took 2-9 and Ireland 2-19
Bolton-le-Sands vs Carnforth A, 7th June 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 187-9, Carnforth A 188-3
Carnforth A won by 7 wkts
Just decided to do a quick report of this match, as my recollection is rather hazy (I have tried to erase it from my mind). Sands lost the toss and were put into bat on a belting wicket. Despite Dave Loxam's maiden half century and 33 from Alan Cole, the innings fell away and 187 looked about 30-40 short. Carnforth's innings was held together by young Forsyth with 50 not out, Neil Dugdale smashing a rapid 69 as the visitors knocked off the runs in 39 overs. Both batsmen were dropped (difficult chances admittedly) but the bowling looked uninspired on a batsman friendly wicket.
Kirkby Lonsdale vs Bolton-le-Sands, 14th June 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Kirkby Lonsdale 74-2, Bolton-le-Sands 73
Kirkby Lonsdale won by 8 wkts
Sands found themselves on the receiving end of another bad defeat as the home
side won with time and wickets to spare at a warm Lunefield Park on
Saturday.
Kirkby won the toss and sent in the visitors on a hard but
cracked wicket. James Dixon took two early wickets, bowling both openers and the
run out of Cole left Sands struggling at 25-3. Jon Millatt held things together
though and after 16 overs the score had recovered somewhat to 47-3. A further
clatter of wickets ensued, Barry Smith removing Ireland and Clarkson, Phil Pease
dislodging Millatt for a battling 33, and young Andrew Metcalfe had the lower
order in a spin taking 3-6 off seven overs. All Kirkby's bowlers performed well,
never giving the Sands batsmen any respite. Smith finished with 3-15, Dixon
2-30, and Pease 1-12.
Peter Morgan forced Storey to play on in the second
over, but Tom Blanchard ensured an early finish, hitting a huge six over long on
as well as eight fours in a whirlwind innings of 48 not out, the match ending at
5.15.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Heysham, 15th June 2003
Hackney & Leigh Trophy Round 2
Bolton-le-Sands 222-6, Heysham 187-8
Sands won by 35 runs
On another glorious afternoon, Sands recovered from the previous day's mauling
to reach the quarter-finals of the league's premier cup competition.
The
visitors won the toss, and elected to bowl on a reasonably firm track. Sands
openers Matthew Ireland (70) and Dave Loxam (36) got the innings off to flier,
passing 50 in the fifth over and putting on a century stand in just ten overs.
Ireland hit three sixes and ten fours before being caught on the long off
bounday, whilst Loxam hit two sixes before lobbing a skier to the keeper. Alan
Cole (21), Brian Stockdale (17) and Robert Clarkson (39 no) made sure Sands
posted a challenging total. For Heysham only Andrew Hill (2-29) and Jamie
Antcliffe (1-16) avoided punishment with the ball.
The visitors started
equally as confidently with the bat, Andy Thomas (27) and Dave Cunningham (33)
opening up with a stand of 64 in seven overs. Three quick wickets left the
innings in the balance, but father and son Paul and Jamie Antcliffe (32) kept
Heysham in touch with a partnership of 44. However, with the required rate
rising to eleven an over, wickets again began to fall, and despite Townsend (36)
hitting two sixes late on, the visitors fell short. Alan Cole again proved to be
the most effective home bowler conceding just 16 runs of his allotted five
overs, whilst Tim Millatt took 3-47, Brian Stockdale 2-50.
Sands now face
Windermere at home on July 6th.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Heysham, 21st June 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 203-6, Heysham 186-7
Winning draw to Sands
Alan Cole narrowly
missed out on his second century of the season as Sands fought off a brave run
chase from top of the table Heysham.
The home side won only their second
toss of the season and, after some delay, elected to bat first. Boundaries came
thick and fast in the opening overs, a hard wicket and fast outfield allowing
Sands to post 50 after 12 overs, albeit at a cost of three wickets. Skipper
Ireland (32) helped Cole to add 44 runs in just seven overs for the fourth wicket
before the inevitable catch to square leg. Rob Clarkson was more serene as the
slower bowlers, Dave Cousins and Paul Antcliffe, helped to slow down the scoring
rate. The fifth wicket fell at 119 in the 28th over, bu Cole continued
to prosper, hoisting three big sixes in the latter stages of the innings. Martin
Dyson (18) again provided stability down the order, the pair adding 64 for the
6th wicket. Cole ended undefeated on 94 as Sands passed 200 in the final over
of the innings. Andy Thomas returned the best Heysham figures, 2-39, whilst
Gary Sharples took 2-39.
The Heysham reply was solid, Jamie Antcliffe (17) and Mike Powell (52) putting on 32 in eight overs, and Parker played some powerful shots in his 19. However, from a highpoint of 78-1 the innings fell to 120-5, and the momentum seemed to be lost. Richard Townsend (20) briefly threatened to turn the game back towards the visitors, but with ten overs left, Heysham needed 54 but with only three wickets in hand. Despite some late boundaries from skipper Shane Fisher, 25 no, the target proved too much and the visitors settled for three bonus points. Percy Stockdale was the pick of the Sands bowlers, claiming 4-29, Rob Clarkson taking 2-38. Sands 5pts, Heysham 4pts.
Moor Hospital vs Bolton-le-Sands, 28th June 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Moor Hospital 112, Bolton-le-Sands 156-9
Sands won by 44 runs
Sands overcame a shaky start to record their third league win of the season
against Moor on Saturday.
Yet again the vistors were inserted after
losing the toss and found themselves 5-3 in the eighth over, Mark Armistead
taking two wickets including the prize scalp of Alan Cole bowled leg stump.
Matthew Ireland (46) and Jon Millatt (33) came to the rescue with a stand of 81
in 20 overs, both batsmen surviving chances in the field as several shots went
airborne on a pitch freshened by Friday's rain. Steve Padgett ended the
partnership, trapping Millatt lbw and veteran all-rounder Chris Mason had
Ireland caught off a skier at mid off to leave Sands on 86-5 with sixteen overs
left. Seventy runs came off these final overs, mainly due to a hard hitting 42
from Robert Clarkson, who was well supported by Tim Millatt and Mike Wolfenden.
All four Moor bowlers tasted some success, Darren Wilkinson finishing with 3-51,
Armistead 2-21, Padgett 2-44, and Mason 1-35.
Moor's reply was as solid
as Sands had been indifferent, Martin Beck and Mason putting on 24 in seven
overs before Mason was bowled by Peter Morgan. Beck soon followed, but Alan Beck
(19) and Mark Cheal (15) kept up the scoring rate and put on 30 to leave Moor
needing exactly 100 off 28 overs. Morgan then struck twice in one over, Beck lbw
soon followed by Phil Martin, who cut to gully. Cheal followed five overs later
caught at mid wicket but Steve Emery provided Moor with a lifeline until he was
bowled by a shooter for 27. Alan Cole wrapped up the innings with three late
wickets as Sands completed victory in the 41st over. Morgan finished with
figures of 5-33 off 14 overs, Cole 3-19, Rob Clarkson and Tim Millatt taking a
wicket apiece.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Millom A, 29th June 2003
Oxbridge Cumbria Cup Round 2
Bolton-le-Sands 251-6, Millom A 202
Sands won by 49 runs
Spectators were treated to another Sunday run-fest as Sands progressed to the
quarter-finals, defeating their North Lancs League counterparts by 49 runs at
Main Road.
Sands skipper Matthew Ireland lost his 12th toss out of 14 and
the visitors elected to bat. As against Heysham a couple of weeks earlier,
Ireland (59) and Dave Loxam (23) got the innings off to the perfect start,
smashing 70 from the first ten overs. Alan Cole (19) continued the assault with
a massive six into the trees, followed by Jon Millatt with an equally aggressive
27, including two sixes. The 100 was passed in the 18th over, and after 25 overs
the score had reached 151-3. Despite wickets falling regularly, Millom's bowlers
could not find a decent line and on a good pitch with short boundaries struggled
to keep the batsmen in check. Tim Millatt (22) and Mike Wolfenden (15) provided
lively cameos, allowing Robert Clarkson to finish the innings on a high note
with three sixes in his 46 not out. The most successful visiting bowler was
Cumbria U14s left armer Holmes, who took 2-19.
Faced with a required run
rate of over six an over, Millom needed a brisk start but were pegged back by
Clarkson (1-13) and Cole (3-27). Ryan Brown (24) tried to force the pace but was
yorked by Tim Millatt, and at 96-6 off 20 overs the match was all but lost.
However, Sands change bowlers were unable to follow the lead of the openers and
Swarbrick (41) and Evans (47) smashed a rapid partnership of 66 off only seven
overs to offer the visitors a lifeline. However once Swarbrick fell to a good
catch by Hardman in the deep, Evans soon followed, top edging a pull shot, and
the remaining batsmen were unable to keep up with the rate. Ireland recovered
from a mauling in his first few overs to take the last three wickets at a cost
of 49 runs, Millatt took 2-68, Loxam 1-30.
Cartmel vs Bolton-le-Sands, 5th July 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Cartmel 176-6, Bolton-le-Sands 66
Cartmel won by 110 runs
Another forgettable game that merits only a short report
Turning up with only nine men (the other two on the way) and then making the mistake of bowling first set the tone as Cartmel knocked up 176-6 on a wicket that probably played slower than it looked. Bob Simpson made 61, and Mike Taylor 41 not out as the fielding quite literally went to pot late in the innings.
42-8 after 24 overs isn't quite the halfway score you are looking for when chasing 170 plus, but some odd dismissals and general bad batting saw the usually less than threatening Readman take 6-34 and his partner in crime Taylor 4-21. Brian Stockdale hit two sixes into the racecourse, but that was the only entertainment as the innings folded for 66. A match that was out of tune with the remainder of the season.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Windermere, 6th July 2003
Hackney & Leigh Trophy Quarter Final
Bolton-le-Sands 138, Windermere 142-7
Windermere won by 3 wkts
Once again, a short summary of a game where I didn't manage to do a report for the papers.
Can't remember who won the toss, (think I may have won it) but Sands batted first on another good track. After seeing off the dangerous Nick Lewthwaite the innings was flying at 84-1 after eleven overs and a healthy score looked probable. However the skipper dragged one on for 33, Alan Cole fell soon after for a well struck 55, and the innings faltered. 138 was not a par score for the wicket even if the opposition was a first division side.
Windermere coasted to 48-0, before three quick wickets left them at 59-3. Nick Lewthwaite and Jim Crawford put on 40 but again a flurry of wickets saw the visitors wobbling but they eventually made it home in the 24th over with seven wicket down. Highlight of the day was undoubtedly Robert Clarkson's 1000th first team wicket, achieved over a twenty year career.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Ingleton, 12th July 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 270-3, Ingleton 102
Sands won by 168 runs
After last week's shambolic display at Cartmel Sands returned to form with a
crushing victory over Ingleton on Saturday.
The home side won the toss
and had no hesitation in batting first. Despite an accurate first spell from Tom
Brown, who swung the ball prodigiously at times, Sands raced to 43-0 off the
first ten overs. Openers Matthew Ireland and Trevor White cashed in on some
indifferent fielding with several flowing drives and sizzling cuts and passed
the century mark in the 20th over. However, just when it seemed Ireland would
reach his century, he was bowled by opposition skipper Chris Heald for 90,
having put on 151 with White for the first wicket. White followed soon after for
52, but Tim Millatt (64no) and James Loxam (29no) showed no mercy for the
Ingleton bowlers with an unbroken stand of 104 off just fifteen overs. Brown
finished with 2-39 off fourteen overs, the only bowler to trouble the Sands
batsmen.
Eddie Day (23) opened the Ingleton innings with some lavish
drives before falling to Rob Clarkson, still on a high after taking his 1,000th
career first team wicket last weekend. Chris Heald also provided some stuborn
resistance scoring 24, but after reaching 88-3, the innings collapsed in
spectacular style. Alan Cole took advantage taking five of the last seven
wickets to fall at a cost of only nine runs. Clarkson ended with 3-26, with Mike
Wolfenden taking three smart catches as well as a eagle-eyed stumping off
Clarkson.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Westgate A, 19th July 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 125-3, Westgate A 149-8
Rain affected draw
Torrential
rain ended Saturday's match just when it seemed Sands would collect maximum
points against Westgate A at Main Road.
The home side won the toss and decided
to bowl first on a slowish wicket. Despite losing skipper Horne early on, Ian
Fisher and Saeed Patel made steady progress as Westgate reached 40-1 in the
fourteenth over. Quick work by Martin Dyson saw Fisher run out for 23, but the
visitors were still well placed at 47-2. Matthew Ireland then turned the game
on its head, taking four wickets in five balls as the Westgate middle order
went AWOL, Hannigan falling to a reaction catch by James Loxam, Griffiths edging
to slip, Greenwood lbw and Tattersall bowled round his legs. Patel was joined
by Andrew Hill and the pair calmly went about repairing the damage and put on
40 before Patel was bowled by Cole for a well worked 44. Jim Humpage contributed
two sixes in a cameo knock of 29, Hill fell for 24, and Rob Shillitoe hit the
final ball of the innings for six, Westgate recovering well as the last six
overs produced 40 valuable runs. Ireland finished with 5-26, Alan Cole taking
2-32.
Sands reply began in bright sunshine, and Trevor White and Ireland took to the bowling, putting on 66 in just fourteen overs. By this time however the clouds had arrived and a burst of heavy rain saw the players leave the field. Play resumed twenty minutes later and Patel made the breakthrough, trapping Ireland lbw for 42. Cole hit a six into the houses but then smashed a full toss to cover. James Loxam cracked a rapid 32 as Sands tried to finish the match but a second downpour proved to be fatal, the wicket became unfit for play and the match was abandoned just after seven o'clock.
Westgate A vs Bolton-le-Sands, 20th July 2003
Milnthorpe Taxi Services Trophy Semi Final
Westgate A 151-8, Bolton-le-Sands 150-9
Westgate A won by 2 wkts
Cup holders Westgate booked a return spot in the final after a nail-biting
encounter at Cross Hill Park on Sunday.
Once again Sands won the toss and
elected to bat first on a surface that would prove to be lively throughout the
match. Trevor White and Matthew Ireland put on 27 for the first wicket before
White fell caught and bowled to Patel, and Cole fell soon after, lofting the
ball to mid on. Despite several deliveries rising off a length, Ireland (51) and
James Loxam (22) put Sands in a commanding position with a stand of 69 off eight
overs. Ireland reached his half century with a sweep for six only to fall next
ball, another caught and bowled victim. Loxam fell in the next over, and from a
high of 103-2, the innings stuttered to 120-7 with only four overs left. Thirty
runs came off these last four overs, thanks mainly to Mike Wolfenden (20no) and
Martin Dyson. Chris Hill returned the best figures for Westgate with 5-23 off
his five overs, tempting the batsmen late in the innings, son Andrew took 2-30
and Saeed Patel 2-26.
The home side lost two early wickets in their
reply, James Vipond accounting for Fisher and Patel, both caught behind. Alan
Horne and Dave Hannigan made light of the situation, knocking the ball into gaps
for quick singles and cracking the odd boundary in a stand of 66 off eleven
overs. Although a mix-up saw Hannigan run out for 21, Paul Griffiths slapped a
six over long on and Westgate required 55 off ten overs for victory. However,
Dave Loxam held a steepling catch to remove Griffiths, and the returning Vipond
had Horne caught behind for an excellent 60. Vipond found extra bounce again to
dismiss McDermott and Andrew Hill, and with Sowerby falling to Millatt, the game
had turned to the visitors. Humpage joined Tattersall with 36 required off seven
overs with two wickets remaining. With the spectators on the edge of their
seats, the Westgate batsmen survived several hairy moments, including a catch
off a no-ball to move closer to the target. Eleven runs came off the 23rd over,
Humpage crashing a four through extra cover, and with seven needed off two
overs, Tattersall flicked a four past fine leg and followed up a with a three to
seal the match and leave Sands dejected. Vipond took 5-33 for Sands, unlucky not
to have won the match for his side.
Holme vs Bolton-le-Sands, 26th July 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Holme 92-6, Bolton-le-Sands 152-6
Winning draw to Sands
Sands were once again frustrated in their bid for victory as relegation
threatened Holme held firm on Saturday.
On losing the toss the visitors
were put into bat on a green strip, and lost Alan Cole (14) to a run out in the
ninth over with the score at 22. Dave Loxam (28) and Matthew Ireland (37) put on
57 for the second wicket, and James Loxam contributed 19 but none of the top
order went on to play the dominant innings required. Martin Dyson (16) and Mike
Wolfenden (16no) made useful contributions later in the innings despite a five
wicket haul for Alan Strong who took 5-52.
The Holme innings started
quietly as Peter Morgan bowled seven maidens in his first nine overs, Macfarlane
and Kevin Barnes (24) putting on 33 for the first wicket. The introduction of
the slower bowlers was the cue for wickets to fall, Cole and Tony Pennington
sharing six wickets between them as Sands turned the screw. Gillard held up the
visitors with a lively knock of 23 and it was left to the veteran of all
veterans Mick Fawcett (24no) to salvage a draw for his team. Cole took 4-19,
Pennington 2-26.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Moor Hospital, 2nd August 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 188-3, Moor Hospital 187
Sands won by 7 wkts
A
depleted Moor side gave Sands a run for their money on Saturday but eventually
succumbed to a seven wicket defeat at Main Road.
With only nine men the
vistors decided to bat first on a damp wicket, and lost skipper Phil Martin
to a reaction catch by Tim Millatt in the gully. This early setback and the
shortage of numbers seemed to fire Moor up and Andy Young played some meaty
drives in an explosive knock of 65, well supported by Beck and Emery. After
Young's dismissal, Andy Parkin took up the baton, with a sparkling 33, and Holt
(24no) and Dyson (22) piled on the agony for the home bowlers. Only three late
run outs prevented the score reaching 200. Peter Morgan took 3-43 and Alan Cole
2-50 for Sands.
A
solid opening stand of 66 between the young Dave Loxam (31) and the old Trevor
White (27) set Sands on the path towards victory, before Martin dismissed both
in the space of three overs. The shortage of fielders began to tell as Matthew
Ireland (52) and Cole (51no) took advantage of the gaps during a partnership
of 69, and despite the best efforts of the visitors, victory was wrapped up
in the 36th over. Martin finished with 2-44, Parkin 1-24.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Coniston, 9th August 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 231-3dec, Coniston 113-6
Winning draw to Sands
On
a sweltering Saturday afternoon, Coniston batted out for a tame draw to leave
Sands frustrated.
On winning the toss, the home side decided to make
first use of a firm pitch and once again were given a solid start by openers
Dave Loxam and Trevor White who put on 54 for the first wicket. Loxam paid for
a lapse in concentration falling lbw to Colin Knipe for 23, but the opportunity
for a double breakthrough was spurned as Alan Cole was dropped on nought, and
then hit two big sixes to rub salt into the wound. White continued to carve
his way past 50 and then in sight of his century was bowled by Andy Knipe for
84, having hit 13 fours and a six in an always entertaining knock. Matthew Ireland
hit 10 boundaries in a quickfire 42, and Cole finished on 60 not out as the
innings was declared after 40 overs. Colin Knipe finished with 2-41 for the
visitors.
Coniston started off with a bang, racing to 40 off eight overs as McGinley (25) used up some luck before pulling to square leg off Robert Clarkson. Andy Knipe (33) fell to Peter Morgan, soon followed by Glen Todd for a duck to leave the visitors at 64-3 with nineteen overs. Despite the number of overs remaining and the wicket offering no real assistance to the bowlers, Coniston made no attempt to secure any bonus points on offer with Colin Knipe the main culprit, batting forty one overs for a soporific 18 not out. Although three further wickets fell Sands were unable to capitalise, and once again had to settle for four points in a game where they totally outplayed the opposition. Morgan finished with 2-35, Tim Millatt 2-8.
Carnforth A vs Bolton-le-Sands, 16th August 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Carnforth A 226, Bolton-le-Sands 185-8
Winning draw to Carnforth A
Sands, missing 5 first team regulars, made the short journey to neighbouring Carnforth and produced a spirited display. Electing to field first Sands picked up wickets on a regular basis. In the top order Preston (15), Darby (15) and Reghilini (16) all got under way but were unable to break the shackles as Morgan 3 for 48 and Millatt 4 for 79 aided by good fielding kept the brakes on. At 86 for 6 Sands were confident of running through the remaining batsmen but as the bowling duo tired and the makeshift bowlers were introduced Bradley and Teasdale set about a repair job. Cautious at first they soon accelerated. Bradley was the first to go for a superb 59 by which time the partnership had realised just short of 100. Carnforth were flying, Teasdale (47) continued to stroke the ball around the ground assisted by Gladstone (24no). The innings closed with a run out in the 45th over. The final total of 226 was a body blow to Sands and a boost to Carnforth.
Sands reply was fierce, despite the loss of Brown lbw early doors, White (33) and James Loxam (42) plundered the bowling. 90 runs were on the board after only 17 overs, unfortunately both batsmen had perished at this stage. The tempo settled as Clarkson set about building an innings, but when he was joined at the crease by Millatt the run chase was back on. Millatt perished on the boundary edge to a steepling catch for a well earned 25. Man of the match Bradley had now joined the fray and a fine display of spin bowling gave him the best figures of the day, 5 for 25.
Clarkson had to shepherd the lower order, junior captain Beaumont was rock solid until a delivery from Bradley popped and caught the shoulder of the bat. Clarkson’s 50 came up in the last over and off the last delivery of the day he despatched the ball out of the ground for a towering 6 to earn Sands a second bonus point.
Burneside A vs Bolton-le-Sands, 23rd August 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Burneside A 191-5, Bolton-le-Sands 195-6
Sands won by 4 wkts
Almost back to full strength after the holiday season Sands stormed to a convincing 4 wicket victory against fellow high fliers Burneside. Electing to bowl first Sands, try as they may, found wickets hard to come by. A solitary success with the score on 52 was all the bowlers had to show by the 20th over. The second wicket was not captured until the 41st over by which time the score had raced to 173. Dave Halsall (18) contributed to the steady start but it was ex first team stalwarts Roy Swidenbank and Russell Stewart who entertained the crowd. Combining a mixture of patience and excellent stroke play they took the game by the scruff of the neck before plundering runs at will off the disconsolate bowlers. Swidenbank was the first to fall having scored 79 before being closely followed by Stewart who collected 77. Good bowling over the remaining overs by Sands stopped a complete route and kept what at one time looked like a score of 230 plus, below 200. Peter Morgan 1 for 31 and Tim Millatt 3 for 64 were the successful bowlers.
With a reshuffled batting order due to Rob Clarksons impending dinner appointment, Sands brushed aside the loss of both openers, as the all rounder proceeded to demonstrate that he to could play shots around the ground. Clarkson fell for a well struck 42, trying to up the tempo, in the 21st over. James Loxam (13) and David Brown (16) featured in useful stands but the hero was visiting skipper Matthew Ireland. Entering the fray at 65 for 4, he was still there at the end with an unbeaten 90. An excellent innings compiled off just 19 overs, Burneside were left to rue the one chance he offered. Ireland peppered all parts of the massive ground whist Tim Millatt (20 no), not for the first time this season, showed considerable maturity in the support role.
Westgate A vs Bolton-le-Sands, 30th August 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Westgate A 205-7, Bolton-le-Sands 207-5
Sands won by 5 wkts
Youthful exuberance combined with a little experience saw Sands complete another thrilling run chase as the Loxam brothers and Alan Cole excelled at Cross Hill Park on Saturday.
On winning the toss Sands elected to bat, and initally the decision looked justified as Peter Morgan and Tim Millatt kept a tight rein, Westgate reaching only 12-1 after nine overs. However Sid Gani (33) laid a solid foundation for later batsmen taming the early demons in the wicket along with Saeed Patel with a brisk 29. The fireworks later in the innings came from Dave Hannigan with 44, and Paul Griffiths with a quickfire 50 as Sands bowling and fielding became ragged in the onslaught. Gary Tattersall added 16 not out, which included an all run 6 off the final ball of the innings. Morgan was the unlucky bowler, finishing with 3-59 whilst Alan Cole took 2-40.
Having knocked off 191 the previous week Sands were unfazed with the daunting target, Dave Loxam (40) and Alan Cole (44) putting on 55 for the second wicket after the early loss of White for 17. Patel made a double breakthrough, trapping Loxam lbw and bowling Ireland in his next over to leave the visitors at 88-3 after twenty seven overs. James Loxam made light of the situation, allowing the bowlers little margin for error as he crashed boundary after boundary whilst Cole looked on from the other end. Cole fell for 44, but was replaced by another old head in Robert Clarkson. Victory was achieved in the penultimate over, Loxam finishing on 81 not out, a blistering innings which included two sixes and thirteen fours. Rob Shillitoe took 2-55 for Westgate, Patel 2-40.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Warton A, 6th September 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 188-8, Warton A 125-4
Rain affected draw
A combination of rain and hailstones put paid to an intriguing match at Main Road on Saturday, with Warton A bravely attempting to maintain their Division 2 status.
Morning rain had made the pitch greasy and on winning the toss, the visitors unsurprisingly elected to field, the match reduced to 40 overs per side. The accurate Hanif Maje took two early wickets, as Mick White took a good catch to dismiss elder brother Trevor White. Denwood removed danger man Alan Cole, but skipper Matthew Ireland with 78 not out, steered Sands to a formidable total. Solid support was provided by James Loxam (40) continuing his good form from last week, and Robert Clarkson with 20. Wickets fell quickly towards the end of the innings, as the home side looked for quick runs, and Warton managed to prevent the score passing 200. Maje returned figures of 3-50 from 15 overs, Matthews took three late wickets at a cost of 22 runs.
Needing as many points as possible to put the pressure on Cartmel at the botom of the table, Warton lost an early wicket as Dudfield edged an outswinger from Millatt to slip. Skipper White fell for 11, cutting to point and new batsmen Ryan Nelson and Nick Rafferty were both given a torrid time by Robert Clarkson (2-15), as the ball fizzed past the outside edge on several occasions. However, they recovered well, 14 year old Nelson in particular playing very correctly, and put on 71 valuable runs for the third wicket. Any partial glimpse of victory receded when Rafferty (46) fell to a fine diving catch by Ireland at long on, and Cole bowled Nelson for 41. With eight overs left, the rain which had threatened for most of the afternoon finally arrived and play was abandoned, both sides having to settle for four points each.
Bolton-le-Sands vs Kirkby Lonsdale, 13th September 2003
Westmorland League Division 2
Bolton-le-Sands 180, Kirkby Lonsdale 181-5
Kirkby won by 5 wkts
Kirkby's promotion bid was ended on Saturday, despite a quickfire victory against Sands as Westgate A's win at home consigned them to third place in Division 2.
The visitors won the toss and elected to field first. However, Sands set the early pace, the 100 being passed in the 21st over although at a cost of four wickets. Dave Loxam (33), Matthew Ireland (27) and Jon Millatt (21) were the chief contibutors in the top order, but it took an entertaining 29 from number eleven James Vipond (including three sixes) to lift Sands to a final score of 180. Spinners Andrew Metcalfe (3-31) and Jim Kettlewell (3-40) took the lion's share of the wickets, but Barry Smith also bowled tidily taking 2-39.
The home would have expected their score to have been a decent total, the wicket showing signs of being two paced, but Kirkby showed scant respect for the bowling, the winning runs being knocked off in the 34th over. Openers Shaw and Kettlewell put on 51 in fourteen overs but this was mere serenity as Tom Blanchard hit eight massive sixes in a whirlwind knock of 66, well supported by Phil Pease with 36 not out. Only Robert Clarkson of the home bowlers kept a handle on proceedings with 2-16 from six overs.