Big hits send team to defeat

Published on 14th August 2008 in Ents

Goole Town 3rd XI 125

Burn II 127-5

Taking centre stage at Westfield once more this weekend, and not for the first time due to the inclement weather, Goole's previously unbeaten third team came a cropper in their York Vale League Division Five encounter with Burn seconds on Sunday afternoon.

Their first defeat in league and cup came amidst the onslaught of Burn's middle-order batsman Gary Parker, who took the bull by the horns, took his chance with lusty blows and made the modest total of 125 a comfortable proposition, which it had looked nothing like at 35-4 in the 15th over.

He struck 13 boundaries and a huge six as the bowlers, Thorpe and Lockwood in particular, took fearsome punishment, and there was nothing that captain Chris Sugden could do about it this time.

Parker found a willing ally in Thompson, who finished unbeaten on 21. The pair added 88 in 78 balls to whittle the target down quickly, and when the former was out, leaving to a standing ovation from team mates, opposing players and supporters, he had seen his side virtually to the winning line.

Earlier in the day Goole batted first on a track that was understandably damp, given the heavy rains of the previous day, but they reached 37 in the 14th over before captain Sugden was out, leg before to Parker, whose day it undoubtedly was.

Scott Thorpe made 30, but it was then left to Scott Biggs with a late 26 not out to see Goole above the 100 mark as England, with 4-17, supported elsewhere slipped through the order.

Coulbeck with 18 was the only other batsman into double figures.

The assumption that could be made was that the visitors might struggle in reply and at 10-3 and 35-4, thanks to a good opening burst from Kerr and O'Donnell.

O'Donnell had both openers caught by wicket keeper Dan Neal, and Kerr had Butcher and England cleaned up in comprehensive fashion.

It seemed that the modest total might be enough, but Parker had other ideas and the changes were capitalised on with maximum effect. Burn, beaten twice on their own patch in league and cup previously, had their revenge with eleven and a half overs to go.

Goole still remain favourites for promotion. though. despite this setback.