The highlight of Saturday’s Premiership matches was a stunning century by Chris Hawke for Peel and St John’s. His hundred, made in only 60 balls, included no fewer than 13 fours and 5 sixes. He shared a third wicket stand of 101 with Peter Lewis which took the Saints from a shaky 33 for 2 to a dominate position. Nick White cracked 62 from 42 balls and Nick Hawke made 56 as their side ended on 289. For the Town Tom Kennaugh and skipper Richard Jackson each took three wickets.
In reply Sam Anteney-Hoare and Jack Newbery put on 47 for the first wicket before Nick Hawke struck. The total moved to 94 when Newberry fell to Ollie Webster for a splendid 57 which contained 6 fours and 3 sixes. Wickets then fell at regular intervals and, despite a defiant 31 from Jackson, Castletown were dismissed for 160. Nick Hawke ended with 3 -23 and there were two wickets each for Webster, and Chris Hawke.
Cronkbourne had a scare in their home match against the Schools Eleven. Batting first the Tromode side were bowled out for 131 with Will Woods taking four wickets. Carl Mellors held the innings together with an excellent 58 and Nathan Knights gave good support with 30 before falling lbw to Mark Williams. In reply the Scholars looked well placed at 59 for 2, but a four wicket spell from Max Stokoe wrecked their hopes and they finished on 102. George Burrows hit 24 and Eddie Beard 17, but Cronkbourne won by 29 runs.
Danny Kniveton was the star of Crosby’s win against Ramsey. He scored 42 not out, took four wickets for 15 runs, held three catches and was credited with a run out. Ramsey had started well, but at 59 for 2 lost their way. Despite 24 from Andy Ball and 21 by Shaun Kelly, they were dismissed for 117.
Kniveton’s four wicket haul was key, but there was an important spell from Gareth Rowlands whose eight overs cost only 13 runs. Dave Picken put down six overs to return 2 -9 and Harry Horbury also took two wickets. The Marown batsmen lost only one wicket in reaching their target in 126 balls. Martyn Oates and Kniveton were dominant with each scoring 42 not out in a nine wicket win.
The Crosby “B” team moved into the second round of the Blincoe Cup after victory against Finch Hill. This was a two innings per side tie and, batting first, Crosby piled on the runs. The pace was set by opener Joe Rothwell who crashed 76 not out. Floris Venter followed with 32 and Jay Gandy ended on 24 not out as the total reached 175 for 4.
46 by George Burrows led the Finches reply and John Parker got 31, but no other batsman reached double figures. The innings finished on 121 for 8, which meant they faced a deficit of 54 when they went out to bat again. This time captain Ben Bennett top scored with31 before being run out. Burrows was again in action with a well struck 26 taking his total for the season to 343 at an average of 38.
Finch Hill ended their second innings on 116 for 8, leaving Crosby needing 62 to reach the next round. They did this in seven overs without losing a wicket. Chris Langford made 27 and Dan Jacobs 17. Crosby are now at home to Castletown Veterans in the next round on Saturday, 18th June.
