First XI 2010

Vs Montgomery (Home) 24/7/10

Lilleshall, with a strengthened side, return to winning ways with a three wicket victory against Montgomery, but late wickets almost cost the home side.

Choosing to bowl first, Lilleshall made a good start with Will Askin (2-21) and Alex Russell (1-18) who ripped through the Montgomery top order. Sam Davies (31) showed some resistance with the bat, but when he was bowled by David Bicknell (1-19) the innings struggled to gain any more momentum. Pick of the bowlers was Simon Millington who finished with figures of 4-28 from 12 overs. A late 20 from Andrew Barker pushed the visitors total over the century mark, but 101 was well under par.

Adam Tempest (21) and Paul Bainbridge (29) led the Lilleshall reply; they were cruising with the score passing 70 with the loss of only two wickets. But when both fell, wickets started to fall mainly due to the bowling of Neil Tuffin who finished with figures of 4-25 from 15 overs. Rob Yewdall picked up three wickets, but it was a matter of too little too late as Richard Dakin hit the winning runs in the 31st over to give his side their first win in three weeks.

Now Lilleshall travel to Alberbury where they hope another good result can get them back into the top four of Division One.

League KO semi-final Vs Knockin (Home) 20/7/10

Despite the wet weather, the Twenty20 Legaue KO semi-final against Knockin went ahead and Lilleshall won by 8 wickets to reach their first final since 1981.

In a match reduced to 15 overs, Knockin were all out for a respectable 94 with Alex Russell taking 5 wickets with figures of 5-25 from 5 overs. Rob Bagshaw finished with figures of 3 – 15 and Adam Copsey took 2-18. Top scorer for the visitors was R.Williams with 17.

Lilleshall lost an early wicket, but Andy Lloyd (25) helped steady the ship with Dave Marshall (39*) who played a conservative innings and kicked on at the right moments. He was helped by the returning Paul Bainbridge who despite an injury to his leg made 20 not out. It was Marshall who hit the winning runs in the 12th over to send Lilleshall to their first final in 30 years.

The final is scheduled to be played on Monday 30th August at Frankton CC. They will play either Frankton or Wroxeter. Well Done Boys!

Vs Cound (Away) 17/7/10

Despite the efforts of Will Askin and David Bicknell, Lilleshall fall agonisingly short against fellow top three contenders Cound losing by just one wicket.

Cound won the toss and inserted the visitors to bat first which brought immediate success. Lilleshall lost early wickets at regular intervals. It was only the steady head of Kelvin Price (34) who managed to put an innings together as the bowling of Alex Johnson (2-6) and then Dan Wilson (2-6) ripped through the away sides batting line-up. Will Askin with the only other notable score of 18 as Lilleshall slumped to 113 all out in the 35th over.

With a low total, early wickets were desperately needed and when the in-form Graham Trow was sent back by Alex Russell (1-31) wickets started to fall. Askin (4-30) once again bowled consistently, reducing the run rate on the way to picking up four wickets. Small totals were notched up by the Cound batsman with Farrell Younger-Waters top scoring with 28. But some quick accurate bowling from David Bicknell (3-36) suddenly had the home side in trouble with only the tail remaining. It was left to the number 10 and 11 to scramble the home team over the finishing line in the 39th over leaving Lilleshall once again agonisingly close to victory against fellow top of the table contenders.

Next week they entertain Montgomery were they hope to bounce back from two straight defeats. Leading run scorer Paul Bainbridge, Vice-captain Richard Dakin and Chris Airey all return back from their holidays and should help strengthen the side, Adam Copsey however is unavailable.

Vs Worfield (Away) 26/6/10

In the summer heat, Lilleshall lose their cool against league leaders Worfield, chasing down a respectable 283, they crumbled to 89 all out with their Indian Professional Manny Singh taking five wickets sending the visitors to a heavy defeat.

The day started brightly for the away side with Adam Copsey (1-51) taking an early wicket which helped to restrict the Worfield run flow. The wicket brought Singh (26) to the crease, who has only been dismissed once this year, but when he was caught of the bowling of David Bicknell (2-51), Lilleshall were on top at the midway point. After drinks, wickets were hard to come by with Tim Perry (61) and Matt Turner (42) both getting high scores. Some good bowling from Will Askin and Alex Russell both slowed the run rate but came without reward. Steve McMahon finished the Worfield innings well top scoring with 81* as his side ended on 283 from their 50 overs.

Lilleshall had high hopes of reaching the required total, but these hopes were dashed right from the start. The away side lost their first four wickets for just six runs thanks to the bowling of Singh (5-37). He was assisted well by Gareth Lanchbury (2-21) who took two early wickets as Lilleshall continued to struggle as they lost their sixth wicket with just 22 on the board. But late runs from Chris Airey (13), Bicknell (13*) and Russell (25) helped their side reach 89 before young Joseph Arnold (2-18) finished of the innings sending Lilleshall to a heavy defeat.

Lilleshall are at home next week against Ellesmere where they hope to bounce back from a very disappointing result.

Vs Forton (Home) 19/6/10

Lilleshall 1st XI finally got their first home win of the season with a three wicket victory against Forton in what turned out to be a close encounter between local rivals.

Only winning their second toss of the year, Lilleshall took to the field first and gained the upper hand from the start. Despite some good striking from Adam Goulding (17), Forton lost five early wickets with Sam Catling (2-37) and David Bicknell (2-19) both picking up two wickets. This left the visitors struggling on 49 for 5, but the introduction of Richard Anthony (51) sparked a Forton comeback as he forged a 50 run partnership with John Hemmings (13). The momentum was slowly shifting towards the away side, but Will Paxton (4-19) put an end to this with some impressive economic bowling which helped him pick up four wickets towards the end of the innings. Top scorer for Forton was Anthony as he completed his half century falling on 51 to Paxton as the visitors were all out for 152.

The Lilleshall reply had an early setback loosing a wicket which resulted in a slow run rate, but Adam Tempest (36) was able to stick around and get the scoreboard ticking. He was assisted by Simon Millington (14) and then by Paul Bainbridge (35) who looked to be in control of the game until he was bowled by Chris Sayers (4-50). Despite this, some big hitting from Will Askin (26) moved the score onto 144 with 10 overs and six wickets remaining. But three wickets from Adam Goulding (3-42) changed the momentum of the match as Lilleshall kept loosing quick wickets. It was left to Vice-captain Richard Dakin (19*) to guide his team home with Will Paxton who finished off a good day for him by hitting the winning runs with four overs still remaining.

This was a big win as Lilleshall now have the momentum for next weeks clash away against table toppers Worfield. A win here could once again get Lilleshall back into the race for the Division One title.

Vs Frankton (Home) 12/6/10

Lilleshall 1st XI continue to struggle at home with another close game ending in defeat, this time against top four contenders Frankton by three wickets.

After losing the toss, Lilleshall were made to bat first and found it difficult to score in the early overs. Only opener Oli Todd managed to protect his wicket, despite starting slowly, he managed to kick on towards the end top scoring with 42. The home side were still short of runs until Will Askin (32) came to the crease and with some good striking, he brought his team back into the game. Chris Airey (29*) finished off the innings well with some confident strokes, but Lilleshall were all out in the 39th over for 177. Thomas Wilkie (4-18) was the pick of the bowlers for the away side.

The Frankton reply started positively as professional Nalaka De Silva (24) was scoring freely putting his side in control. But when he was bowled by Adam Copsey (2-41), the momentum shifted and wickets started to fall mostly thanks to Will Askin (5-50). He bowled his long 18 over spell from the start and with some fast controlled bowling he picked up five wickets. But the visitors replied with some big hitting from Jordan Parry (63*), including three sixes in a row, and he brought his side back into the game. He was assisted by Richard Parry-Jones (24*) and together they past the Lilleshall total with four overs still to go.

This was another hard defeat for Lilleshall who seem to not perform to their best on home soil. Next week they remain at home where they face neighbours Forton in a local clash.

Vs Llanidloes (Away) 5/6/10

Lilleshall 1st XI defy all the odds and come away from the long trip to Wales with a hard earned winning draw against Llanidloes XI and remain in the top four of the Manby Bowdler Shropshire Cricket League Division One.

After losing the toss and an early wicket, Lilleshall were up against the wall, but Andy Lloyd (36) made sure the bad start was only short lived. His partnership with opener Adam Tempest, who top scored with 62, was worth 76 and they laid the foundations for the rest of the team to kick on to get a big total. Paul Bainbridge continued his good form with 34 and he was assisted by contributions all the way down which helped the away side reach 191 of their 40 overs. Andrew Evans (5-58) finished with five wickets, three of which came in the final over.

Lilleshall came out in the second half with a positive mind-set and started well with Will Askin (3-31) taking an early wicket. Despite this runs continued to come from Thomas Goodman (27) and Andrew Evans (32), but a wicket before and after drinks from Chris Airey (2-26) put a halt to this. The home side tried to get themselves back into the game, but more good bowling from Askin, Richard Dakin and Will Paxton (1-32) ensured they finished short of the total. Llanidloes ended their 40 overs on 158 -6, but this total could have been considerably smaller if it wasn’t for the 40 extras, which included 26 wides, many of which came from some questionable umpiring.

Despite the long trip, hostile crowd and umpiring decisions not going their way, Lilleshall stayed focus throughout and came away with a very good seven point winning draw. They now look to maintain this momentum next week against Frankton where Lilleshall are looking for their first home win of the season.

Vs Wroxeter (Home) 29/5/10

On a rain affected day, Lilleshall narrowly fall short as they lose to league leaders Wroxeter and Uppington by six wickets, but they still remain forth in the Manby Bowdler Shropshire League Division One.

Being asked to bat first in a match reduced to 35 overs, Lilleshall made a slow start only scoring 30 runs from the first 10 overs with the loss of two wickets. But with the introduction of Andy Lloyd (49), the score started to move on and he served as a good partner for opener Adam Tempest (37). Their partnership was worth 75, but more fireworks were still to come. Skipper Will Askin played an aggressive innings with big shots in the final overs hitting a quick fire 72*. He was helped by some good running from Richard Dakin (15*) and they ensured their side ended on a very competitive total of 194. Pick of the bowlers was Tom Welti (2-42) who picked up two wickets.

After more rain, Wroxeter came out with a positive mind set with Captain Nick Bevan (35) getting his side off to a good start. But two quick wickets from Dakin (2-32) removed both openers and leaving the tie evenly balanced. In difficult fielding conditions, the home team continued to put pressure on the visitors keeping the scoring rate on. But boundaries kept coming from Chris Owen (28) and Tom Home who top scored with 60 and put his side in touching distance of victory. When he was bowled by Askin (1-33), they required eight of the final over. But a six from the first ball from Welti (22*) ensured Wroxeter would reach the total with three balls remaining.

Despite defeat, Lilleshall will take a lot of positives away from this as they were able to push the undefeated league leaders to the final over. It was an improved batting display and the side had a positive attitude through out. They must continue this next week as they take the long trip to Llanidloes hoping to bounce back with another away win.

Vs Condover (Away) 22/5/10

On one of the warmest days of the year, Lilleshall produced a red hot performance to beat Condover by 72 runs lifting their side into the top four of the Manby Bowdler Shropshire Cricket League Division One.

Lilleshall lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a pitch that very much favoured the batsman. Despite losing early wickets, the away side kept the scoring rate up with some good striking from Dave Marshall (20) who was then joined by Richard Dakin (30). But when they both fell, stability within the middle order was needed and this brought Kelvin Price (24) to the crease. He served as a good partner with the in-form Paul Bainbridge who once again played a controlled innings and top scored with 62. Their partnership was worth 79 and helped put their side well in control. The visitors were finally all out for 201 in the 43rd over, but this total could have been a lot bigger if it wasn’t for the bowling of Jon Mansell (8-50) who picked up his eighth wicket thanks to the comical stumping of Adam Copsey.

Lilleshall were boasting one of their best bowling attacks of the year and this immediately showed as Sam Catling (1-37) got an early break through. Captain Will Askin (4-38), despite the heat and still not being fully fit, bowled with out and out aggression throughout picking up four wickets from his 15 overs. The only resistance from Condover came from Charlie Haylett (43), but when he was bowled by David Bicknell (1-18) it put the away side in touching distance of victory. Copsey (3-10) finished of the home team with three quick wickets to give Lilleshall victory and 24 well earned points.

The big test for this newly shaped team comes next week as they face the current league leaders Wroxeter & Uppington at home. Victory here will shake up the whole league were Lilleshall can become serious title contenders. The bar will be open from 3.30 pm, so please come up, bring a picnic, show a little support and take in the new additions to the ground. Lilleshall 24 points.

Vs Alberbury (Home) 15/5/10

Lilleshall experience more disappointment at home as late wickets fell handing Alberbury victory in their FBC Manby Bowdler Division One fixture, despite the home side being in control for the majority of the game.

Will Askin, winning his first toss of the year, forced the visitors to bat first and he got an immediate break through dismissing one of the openers. But Alberbury recovered slowly with Mike Crawshaw and M. Jones (22) before the introduction of Richard Dakin removed Jones and pegged back the reply. More good bowling from Adam Copsey (1-25) made sure the away sides run rate was slow and Lilleshall were very much on top. But Crawshaw remained strong throughout the innings finishing on 86 not out ensuring his side finished on a competitive total of 197 from their 50 overs. Askin (3-51) and Dakin (3-46) both bowled well in their long spells picking up three wickets each for the home side.

The Lilleshall reply had an early blow losing Adam Tempest (13), but Oli Todd (39) and Chris Airey (46) kept the scoreboard ticking and their work left their side in control at drinks. Their partnership was worth 88, but with the introduction of P. Fletcher and A. Holloway (3-56), the pair found it more difficult to score runs and got bogged down during the middle overs. This resulted in a flurry of wickets as new batsman failed to get used to the bowling. Only Paul Bainbridge took fancy to the attack scoring a very good 52 to put his side in reach of victory, but five wickets from Fletcher (5-42) gave his side an unlikely win.

This was a hard defeat for Lilleshall to take after performing well in the field and good commitment throughout. Next week they go to Condover were they are hoping they can once again bounce back after a disappointing result.

Lilleshall 9 points

Vs Montgomery (Away)  8/5/10

Lilleshall 1st XI put the disappointment of last week behind as they produced a much improved team performance to win batting first away at Montgomery.

After losing the toss and put in to bat, the away side started off slowly and only 33 runs were on the board when both openers fell. Chris Airey (29) and Richard Dakin (16) built a steady reply and with some good running between the wickets pushed the score onto 75 with 11 overs remaining. This left Andy Lloyd (33) and Paul Bainbridge (41) to end the innings positively and with some big hitting this was achieved. Their fifth wicket partnership worth 75 of just 8 overs ensured Lilleshall finished on a very competitive total of 177.

The Montgomery reply had an early set-back as Will Paxton, on his debut for the club, took two early wickets for the visitors. He was backed up by more good bowling from his opening partner Adam Copsey (1-24) who was unlucky to only take one wicket. More chances came with the introduction of Dakin, but drop catches allowed Edward Davies hit a quick fire 29 for the home side. But Dakin finally got his man and finished with impressive figures of 3-33 from 11 overs. He was assisted by skipper Will Askin who also picked up three wickets from his five overs despite resistance from Lee Davies (36). It was left to Paxton to get the final wicket with just one over remaining and he finished with figures of 3-24 of 5.5 overs.

Team spirit was high throughout and this showed through in their performance. The win was well deserved and they now have an opportunity to carry this momentum into next week were they are at home against Alberbury.

Lilleshall 24 points.

Vs Cound (Home)  1/5/10

After much promise, Lilleshall made a disappointing start to their 2010 campaign in the Manby Bowdler Shropshire Cricket League Division One with defeat against promotion hopefuls Cound.

With the game reduced to 35 overs, winning the toss was crucial and unfortunately the luck wasn’t with new captain Will Askin as the home side were forced to bat first. On a difficult wicket, Lilleshall made a steady start, but Adam Tempest (16) and Oli Todd (15) failed to kick on only achieving 44 on the board before they both fell. This left Chris Airey (23) and Richard Dakin (23) to rebuild the innings and with some confident strokes brought them back into the game. But after the loss of Airey with the score on 73, wickets continued to fall at a quick rate as Lilleshall lost their last six wickets for just 24 runs ending their innings short on 97. Craig Heath and Kevin Hamer both claimed three wickets for the visitors.

Despite an early break through from Adam Copsey (1-18), any chances of a shock victory were dashed by Graham Trow who took fancy to the Lilleshall attack hitting a quick fire 42. Askin, despite not being fully fit, was the pick of the bowlers picking up two wickets, one due to an outstanding catch by Dakin on the boundary. But an unbeaten 31 from Farrell Younger-Waters ensured victory for the away side with the loss of only three wickets.

Lilleshall next week go on the road to Montgomery where the team are hoping for an improved performance to get their season truly up and running.

Lilleshall 2 points, Cound 21 points.