Thirds remain faultless in Vale League after closely fought win

Published on 22nd May 2008 in Sport

With the respective firsts and seconds now split in the York Senior League through status and reorganisation, Goole and Carlton games this term are scarce.

However the third teams of both can lock horns in the York Vale League Division Five, and in a fine contest at Westfield on Sunday, newcomers Goole maintained their 100 per cent record so far with a fine win by five wickets with only two balls remaining.

Some can say perfect timing, and it would be hard to disagree, but at one stage it did appear that Towers' accurate bowling might see them to a win before the experienced Mark Hinchcliffe found a most willing ally in the highly talented Will O'Donnell and they saw their side to victory.

Earlier, Carlton had posted a challenging 173-7, the highest against the thirds this season to date, mainly thanks to Tate with 65 including ten boundaries and 22 each from Smith and Baker.

They were also helped by 35 extras, chiefly from wides, but were also kept in check early in the innings by Hinchcliffe, who took 2-23 and O'Donnell 1-32.

On a good batting wicket, the target was achievable and captain Chris Sugden and Jack Drakeley launched a fine counter attack with 98 for the first wicket.

Drakeley reached his first half century of the season, before he was bowled by Cochrane after hitting nine fours.

Goole had to keep going though and lost Neal, Sugden for 38 and young Grant Hooghiemstra before Hinchcliffe with an unbeaten 40 and O'Donnell 14 saw their side home and into second place in the Division Five table.

Take nothing away from good game of cricket, though, where Carlton played their part and local criclet looks in good hands with talented players like this on display.