Sport Old and young see side safe
Carlton Towers 198-5
Bolton Percy 193
Carlton Towers hopes of safety in Division two are about fulfilled save for a mishap of Biblical proportions.
It took a sixth wicket club record partnership of 151 to achieve this victory though, with Darren Graves unbeaten on 84 and the ever maturing Mark Spetch, who made his best ever score in the first eleven, making an undefeated 63, including a six to give Carlton victory with eight overs to spare.
The pair beat the previous sixth wicket partnership best of 137 achieved by Jamie Pocklington and Steve Townend against Goole Town in 2006.
Bolton Percy arrived at the Fishpond Field knowing that nothing short of a victory would give them a life line from relegation and it showed early on as the opening pair of Westwood who made 63 and Ballack 19 put on 90 for the first wicket in 23 overs.
It took the introduction into the attack of Robert Haw to break the partnership though, taking the wicket of Ballack with only his second ball. A further five runs were added before he caught Westwood. His first two overs had produced two wickets without conceding a run.
Carlton Towers' hopes were fading though as White and Lawrenson added 48 for the fourth wicket, to take their side to 164, before Mark Spetch had White caught by Richard Knapp for 41. It was the first of what would be his three wicket haul on the day and the start of what would be an impressive all -round performance too.
With the last five Bolton Percy Wickets falling for only 26 runs, the visitors had still made 193, a challenging total in such a crucial contest.
Carlton Towers chances of reaching the target soon went downhill as the visitors were quick off the mark to preserve their total. With wickets falling like the rain in recent weeks and at 47-5, there appeared to be only one result.
Mark Spetch, 15-years-old, going on 27 in cricket terms, is Carlton Towers' successful under 15 side captain and the responsibility on his shoulders is carried out without fear.
His partnership with Darren Graves, whose performances in the first team this term have been one major reason for the survival of the side, was immense. Spetch struck two sixes and eight fours in his 63, the pair putting together a total of 151 from 24 overs.
Bolton Percy now find themselves down even with two matches to play, whilst Duncombe Park and Sewerby, appear to be on a collision course for the remaining relegation place, the sides playing each other on the east coast in the penultimate match of the season next Saturday.
As for Carlton Towers, a Division Two place next season is enough reward for their continued period of transition. Whilst it has not yet been secured, the performances of Darren Graves and Mark Spetch, as shown today, give Towers reason for optimism, both now and in the club development for the future.
Whitkirk II 88-5
Carlton Towers II 86
Carlton Towers seconds' hopes of promotion to Division Four ended at Temple Newsam on Saturday as the side's inconsistency this term came to haunt them.
Missing a number of regulars, only captain Steve Watson, Simon Boddye and Richard Cowling reached double figures as Carlton were all out for 86. Watson and Boddye both struck 20, and Cowling 14, coming in at number 10, although there were four players who failed to trouble the scorers. James Ineson took 4-21, in a six over stint that did most of the damage.
In reply, Whitkirk were never troubled by the score, reaching the target for the loss of 5 wickets in 24 overs. Simon Boddye was once again the top wicket taker taking 3 for 38, with Will Brown and Richard Cowling taking one wicket apiece.
Although Carlton Towers retained fourth place in the table despite this defeat, the remaining two matches will determine the nature of the end of term report.
Forthcoming fixtures
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hunters York and District Cricket League - Division Two
Clifton Alliance II v Carlton Towers
Division Five B
Carlton Towers II v Stillington II
HPH York Vale League - Division Five
York R.I. v Carlton Towers III
Published on 4th September 2008 in Sport.
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