GARGOYLES SHOW REAL WILL POWER

After all the recent thrills, this match between Ashbourne CC and Alstonefield CC proved an anti-climax. No complaints from the Gargoyles though, as they dominated a young Ashbourne side, running out victors by 9 wickets and with 9 overs to spare. Superb bowling from man of the match Will Siddons who took 4 for 13 and authoritative batting from Andy Bray, with yet another unbeaten 50 and Harry Jones with 43 not out, meant that Ashbourne’s 137 was never going to be enough. Click here to read more.

Ashbourne batted first and made a reasonable start until Andy Bray removed both openers with his deceptive flight. Mishra and Hill junior then set about the bowling and added 40 before captain Simon Smith got one to turn sharply away from Mishra and Rob Handscombe did the rest in the gulley. Will Siddons then tore into the middle order, taking 3 quick wickets for 3 runs. So, at the halfway point, Ashbourne were 86 for 6 as Andy Hill joined his son Richard in the middle. These two made a fight of it, adding 34 in good time before Hill junior edged Ian McKay behind for an accomplished top score 39. Andy Hill quickly followed, misjudging Will Siddons’ pace and giving the bowler a return catch and deserved fourth wicket. The tail was efficiently mopped up and tea taken early. 137 looked achievable.

And so it proved. Neil Shotton and Andy Bray opened, as captain Simon Smith rotated his squad. Far from fluent in the early overs, these two progressed steadily to 35 off 10 overs, before Shotton was bowled by Tilley for 14. That was Ashbourne’s only cheer. Harry Jones read the pace of the wicket perfectly and looked in control from the first ball, with time and a range of delicate shots between the fielders. Andy Bray was suddenly galvanised and began timing the ball powerfully. No bowler was spared. These two just knocked off the runs without fuss or falter. Jones guided the winning runs with 9 overs remaining after a stand of 95 between these two excellent batsmen.  All so simple really…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASHBOURNE CC 137 ALL OUT LOST TO ALSTONEFIELD CC 138 FOR 1 BY 9 WICKETS