Seconds escape relegation as firsts end session in entertaining fashion

WITH Stocksbridge CC’s first XI sat comfortably in mid table and well clear of relegation, they travelled to Sheffield Centralians for what was a dead rubber.

Chris Thwaites ended Richmond's challenge

Captain Pete Broomhead won the toss and elected to bat in the sunshine. The Stocksbridge innings didn’t get off to a good start as the in form Matt Price was bowled first ball of the game. Captain Broomhead dug in well on what was a lively wicket before being caught at mid on.

Chris Pickford and Jack Newton put on excellent partnership before Newton was dismissed for 34. Pickford continued his excellent innings bringing up his 50 in style by hitting three sixes in a over, Pickford was finally dismissed in his 60s as he looked to up the run rate. The lower order scratched around as Stocksbridge posted 166-9 from 46 overs.

As this was the final game, the first XI made some changes in the field as opening bowler Joe Hibbert took up a new role as wicketkeeper. The bowling was rotated throughout as all 11 Stocksbridge players bowled.

There was some interesting bowling however Jack Lyons and Steve Perry formed an excellent bowling partnership picking up the opening two wickets. Jack Newton got the third wicket however Centralians reached the target with seven wickets in hand.

Stocksbridge CC second team finished the season with a home game against Richmond CC first team and needed to win to have a chance of staying in YDCL Division Three.

Stocksbridge batted first and got off to a great start with Jack Murfin scoring a rapid 62 including a huge six that landed in the car park from the top wicket. A partnership of 100 between Bob Newton 46 and captain Chris Ogley 73 took Stocksbridge to 195-3 and a late order cameo from Tom Dobson 25 took the home team to there biggest total of the season 289-8.

Richmond CC first team reply was ripped wide open by an incredible spell of bowling from paceman Chris Thwaites who took five wickets in his first four overs for no runs and the scoreboard read 0-5. Two run outs, a wicket from Jim Tomlinson and two more wickets from Chris Thwaites, who finished with season best figures of 7-16, ended Richmond’s innings on 105 all out after a fifty from their captain gained a little respectability.

With Hathersage CC second team losing, this result put Stocksbridge above them and De la Salle and to safety after a great effort of winning three out of last five games. So after promotion last season it was good for the second team to end on a high and plan for further progress next season.