Sport Return of former skipper leads to superb weekend
Fenner 127
Carlton Towers I 128-3
Mark Holmes played his first match back at Carlton Towers, and was at his inspirational best on his return to the fold, contributing to a seven-wicket success - and that against leaders of the Division Fenner at Marfleet on Saturday.
It was only their third win of the season and saw them close the gap on the mid table comfort zone group.
Former first team captain in 2005 and 2006, and having played at Goole Town for only one full season, Holmes made an unbeaten 11 as Carlton Towers required only 33 runs for victory, but also took an impressive boundary catch to dismiss the dangerous Peter Scrowston.
Fenner were simply no match for a rejuvenated Carlton Towers and at one stage had been reduced to 5-4 from eight overs.
Paul Wright was once again the architect of the demolition, taking 3-3 in an impressive early spell. He eventually finished with figures of 4-27 from 14 overs.
The first four batsmen scored only two runs between them. Mark Chambers, who has replaced John Burton as wicket keeper, had two wickets, giving him a tally for the season so far of 18 victims.
Mark Spetch was also at his best. The youngster, who had taken a hat trick against Sykehouse in the Snaith Evening League Arthur Brant Trophy quarter-final on Thursday, gave Fenner no room to make runs at the other end to Wright, bowling nine impressive overs and taking 2-14.
Although Davy and Park added 51 for the fifth wicket, this was no more than a consolation prize as the side was all out for 127, with two overs to spare. Shaun Morris took 3-20 late on to leave Fenner with nothing more that a modest total for their efforts.
The backbone in the Carlton Towers middle order now has an extra dimension with Mark Holmes.
The confidence showed by the early order was testament to his presence and although Paul Wright was an early casualty making eight, Jonathan Dilks with 28 and Mark Chambers who made 21, kept the victory well in Carlton Towers sights.
In the end it was left to Darren Graves, who has been a pivotal part of the batting line-up this year and made yet another half century with an undefeated 53 and Holmes with his 11, saw Carlton Towers home with eight overs to spare.
Carlton Towers II 180-8
Stillington II 137-6
A stronger Carlton Towers II gained some revenge from the embarrassing defeat at Stillington on the first day of the season when they were all out for 28, by gaining an advantage draw by a margin of 43 runs and with it climbed to the half way spot in Division five B.
Nick Kline played his first match for the side since May and produced a fine knock of 79.
The innings included one six and 10 fours and his fifty came from 56 balls. Chris Heald contributed 20 to the score following on from his fine innings two weeks ago, whilst David Squires struck an undefeated 33 from 24 balls, late on, to take the side to 180-8.
In reply Stillington were never really in the hunt, thanks to a determined Carlton Towers attack of David Squires, Richard Cowling and Steve Landers. Landers in fact bowled his first three overs without the batsmen troubling the scorers and eventually took a brace of wickets, conceding only 24 runs from his ten over spell. Veteran Dennis North, who has made many runs at the Fishpond Field in the past, was run out in the fifth over but the prized wicket was that of Kevin Borwell, he was clean bowled by a Yorker from David Squires and was therefore unable to carry out his demolition job that he did last season when he made a personal 170, earning the advantage draw the other way.
Whilst a third wicket partnership of 55 from Jack Cartwright who made 30 and James Hartley with 36, bucked the trend, it was always going to be the case of Stillington not going to be bowled out and an advantage draw for Carlton Towers giving them 25 out of a possible 30 points on the day.
Semi final place earned
Carlton Towers 225-7
Harrogate II 180
There was no giant-killing at the Fishpond Field on Sunday as Carlton Towers cruised into the semi finals of the Edward Readman Memorial Trophy with a 45 run success after 30 run handicap against Division Four Harrogate II.
The highlight of the match was a maiden first team century from Jonathan Dilks, he made 105 including four sixes and twelve fours and featured in a second wicket partnership of 105 with Darren Graves, who contributed with 32, and is in fine form himself. Jamie Pocklington made 37, to take the side to a confident 225-7.
Although the Harrogate opening pair put on 81 for the first wicket, the result was never in doubt thanks to a fine bowling and fielding display with two run outs and six catches.
Paul Wright, David Squires and Robert Haw all took a brace of wickets each, whilst Darren Graves, Robert Haw and Jamie Pocklington, each took a brace of catches. Mark Chambers again gave a solid display behind the stumps.
The result has earned a semi final tie at Fenner this coming Sunday for a place in the final at Beverley on August 3. Saturday's league success turns the match into a promising encounter.
Forthcoming fixtures
Tonight, Thursday, July 17
Snaith and District Evening League - Arthur Brant Trophy Semi Final
Carlton Towers v Drax II.
Saturday, July 19 2008
Hunters York and District Senior Cricket League - Division Two
Carlton Towers I v Ripon.
Division Five B
Thorp Arch and Boston Spa II v Carlton Towers II.
HPH York Vale League - Division Five
Stockton and Hopgrave II v Carlton Towers III.
Sunday, July 20
Edward Readman Memorial Trophy Semi Final
Fenner v Carlton Towers.
Headley Memoria Cup Semi Final
Pocklington or Malton and Malton v Carlton Towers III.
Published on 17th July 2008 in Sport.
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