Stocksbridge survive the weather to take Civil Service by storm

Stocksbridge 118-7 (Jack Newton 29, Joe Hibbert 29, Liam Grayson 28)

Sheffield Civil Service 49 all out (Joe Hibbert 5-7)

After last weeks season opener in the beaming sunshine, this weekend’s conditions couldn’t have been more opposite as the 1st XI made the short journey to Ecclesfield to take on Sheffield Civil Service. With a very suspect forecast, play looked in doubt from the off. Due to the forecast both umpires suggested a shortened game, as this would give more chance of completing a game and both captains agreed to a 25 over game. The home side won what could have been a crucial toss and elected to put Stocksbridge in to bat.

FIVE WICKET HAUL: Joe Hibbers 5-7

Photo: Ian Revitt

The Stocksbridge innings couldn’t have started much worse as they were reduced to 8-3 inside 5 overs and they seemed in huge trouble. Liam Grayson came to the crease to join opener Jack Newton and the pair began to rebuild the innings however just as the pair looked comfortable, Newton was bowled for a well made 29. This now left Stocksbridge at 42-4 needed a strong partnership in order to achieve a reasonable total. Joe Hibbert joined Grayson and the pair added to last weeks excellent partnership to put on 58 for the next wicket. Grayson and Hibbert batted very well and determinedly in very difficult conditions before both being removed for 28 and 29 respectively. A few late runs from Steve Perry and Jake Vickers in the final overs, showing the sides batting depth, got the total up to 118-7 from 25 overs setting Civil Service a total of 119 to win.

At the halfway point both sides fancied there chances. With Civil Service’s dangerous top order, Stocksbridge knew that early wickets would be important. The innings got off to a perfect start when opening bowler Joe Hibbert removed the opening batter for 0 after just four balls. Hibbert wasn’t done there though, bowling with pace, accuracy and favourable wind, Hibbert tore apart the top order thanks to mixture of fast pace and assistance from the wicket. Before Civil Service knew it Hibbert had taken 5 wickets and Civil Service were 6 down and in huge trouble. Change bowlers captain Andy Hibbert and veteran Les Harris came into the attack and there was no let up for the Civil Service batsmen. Both A.Hibbert (2-7) and Harris (2-1) bowled with great accuracy and picked up two wickets each in quick time and Civil Service were bowled out for 49 falling 69 runs short of the target. Joe Hibbert was the pick of the bowlers ended with fantastic figures of 7-2-7-5.

Next week sees the 1st XI play there first home game of the season as they host Parkhead at Bracken Moor. The 2nd XI, who are yet to play this season due to a bye in the cup and this weeks game being cancelled due to the weather, will travel to Baslow hoping to get off to a winning start