Leach burst turns screw for Carlton

Published on 10th August 2006 in Sport

Carlton Towers I 187-9

Thirsk 184-9

Carlton Towers made a huge dent in Thirsk?s promotion prospects, thanks to a well-earned advantage draw by three runs.

It was an unexpected success as Thirsk, chasing Carlton Towers? modest 187-9, went from 161-2 to 184-9. This was mainly due to the efforts of Ian Leach, who came back to the attack with eight overs left to take 5-30 in his eight-over spell.

The visiting attack is one of the most intimidating of all clubs in Division One, with Barry Petty and former Driffield all-rounder David Towse consistently destroying the wealth of other teams? batting line-ups.

It was, however, the efforts of Jamie Pocklington that defied the odds and former second team captain Martyn Denby. The pair added 58 for the seventh wicket, with Pocklington making an awe-inspiring and unbeaten 83. The elder statesman of the side continues to impress as he took his total runs for the season to 322 from only five innings. He struck three sixes and 10 fours building a fine recovery from 64-6. Denby made 30 before being dispatched by Barry Petty.

Towse took 4-55, with Barry Petty returning figures of 5-85 from his mammoth 24-over spell.

An opening stand of 86 between McKendry and veteran Des Wyrill, with 23 overs remaining, put Thirsk in control. However, having being brought into the attack in the 23rd over, Abhay Sharma produced what was described as his most effective bowling performance in his three years at Carlton Towers.

The Indian, who represents Indian Railways in Delhi, bowled 13 overs, taking 2-39. His spell turned up the pressure on Thirsk, who despite a third wicket partnership of 72 between Wyrill and S. Holmes, who made 45, fell from that 161-2 to 183 -9.

Wyrill?s dismissal was fundamental to the success as his colleagues, without his immense experience, attempted to finish off the match, in hurricane as opposed to cricket, style.

Ian Leach returned in the 42nd over and took all his five wickets in his last three overs, including four wickets from 11 balls.

After the close finish against Osbaldwick last week, this result was even more satisfying, as Carlton Towers continue to take points to ensure their survival and chase what was seen as an impossible dream.

Survival is now assured in York Senior League One, and they can confidently look forward to the remainder of the campaign.