Survival hangs by a slender thread

Published on 6th September 2007 in Sport

Carlton Towers I 158-8

Studley Royal 159-3

Carlton Towers made it to the penultimate match of the 2007 season without being relegated, but face an impossible task to preserve Division One status, writes Stephen Carr.

Whitkirk need one solitary point to condemn the side to Division Two for the first time since 2000, and ironically, the local 'derby' with Goole Town on Saturday will see their destiny confirmed.

Studley Royal were the opponents on Saturday, fresh from their appearance in the Premier Cup final. With Paul Wright missing from the Carlton Towers line-up, it was always going to be an uphill task.

The first three wickets fell for only 29 runs, with only Richard Knapp reaching double figures. However, a fourth-wicket stand between Neil Robinson and Jamie Pocklington changed the fortunes of the side as the pair added 59 before the latter was out for 37.

James Still, having made his debut for the side following his transfer from Kelfield, again showed some aptitude for the task ahead, making 23 in a fifth-wicket partnership of 44. This was broken up when Robinson was out, having made 47. Once again he had been one of the most effective Carlton batsmen in this season of disappointment.

The side made a modest 158-8.

In reply, Studley Royal showed their potential in what is a poor season for them too. Last season the side narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing third and now mid-table security.

The opening pair put together a stand of 41, until Mark Spetch clean bowled Walmsley for 18.

However, contributions from Anthony Mackle (38), Rob Nicholson with an undefeated 52 and Rich Mackle with 24 not out, saw the target overtaken in just 30 overs.

Dringhouses II 180-9

Carlton Towers II 106-9

Carlton Towers II secured yet another draw, losing out after being in a winning position against rivals Dringhouses II.

Having reduced the hosts to 64-5, Carlton seconds were in a good position to secure victory, only to see their hopes disappear as Dringhouses produced an eighth-wicket partnership of 38 and a ninth of 49, to make 180-9. Dave Storr made 43 and Andy Thrall 23.

The Carlton Towers opening attack of Steve Landers and Robert Haw were well in control. Landers took 3-31 from his 10-over spell, whilst Haw removed opener Geoff Smith for 17.

The introduction of Graham Spence into the attack also brought a quick reward as he had the dangerous Jack Aaron caught by Robert Haw for 29.

However, having been 64-5, the innings began to take shape with 95 runs coming from the last 20 overs, to take the score to 180, Spence finishing with figures of 4-38.

Missing the influential Darren Graves, Carlton Towers put Stephen Carr in as replacement opener. With David Hoe, who made 14, the pair put on 22 for the first wicket. There followed a second-wicket partnership of 31 with Graham Spence, who made 23.

After Carr was out for 22 the innings fell apart, with the next six batsmen adding only 45 runs to take the score just over the century.

With Shaun Morris making an unbeaten 14 at the end, the side held out for a draw on 106-9.

Weekend fixtures

Hunters York and District Senior League

Division One

Carlton Towers v Goole Town.

Division Six

Goole Town II v Carlton Towers II.

HPH York Vale League

Division Five

Huntington II v Carlton Towers III.