Baston improve, race for King Duck Cup heats up

By Jon Howard - June 14 2007
Baston improve, race for King Duck Cup heats up
Rico hits form
There were some pluses from Sunday’s game against Thomas Cook however the result was still the same and Baston remain winless. Also this weekend there was ample movement in the new feature King Duck Cup as the Baston batsman racked up another five ducks(see new link on side menu under 2007 season)
Baston won the toss and on a beautiful summers day on a track as a flat as the beer in the spinner they had no hesitation in batting first. It was not long before Baston’s recent frailties and lack of confidence at the crease came to the fore. Davies x2, Sismey, Sorley and Lloyd all came and went before you could say ‘dig in, concentrate, play straight’.

It was left to Richardson and Howard to steady the ship and try and set some sort of target for Thomas Cook to chase, which they did admirably adding 66 for the 6th wicket, they took Baston over the hundred and looked set to post 150+ and really ask the question of Cook’s batsman however as soon as they were dismissed Baston again collapsed and were bowled out for 132 with still four overs remaining.

Richardson played especially well showing not only the grit and determination that was required but also the bucket loads of talent that had been hiding away for some years now. Once well set he despatched some gorgeous cover and back foot on drives that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a more established arena.

I word for the King Duck Cup as Mr Barnes loaded the pressure on Felix’s innings with a mouth watering late cut placed perfectly through the five slips and two gulleys that were waiting for it to bag himself 2 runs. Felix came out, took guard and for the second week running was very shortly back off again after being bowled first ball through the gate. In fact not really a gate…no… better resembles a garage in Orton with door battered to f*ck and left hanging akimbo leaving free entry to all.

Cook started brightly and soon had Baston on the back foot but wickets gradually began to fall as Dyer and Richardson built pressure bowling numerous maidens and forcing Batsman into making errors. Cook were definitely rattled at 85-6 but old campaigner Dudley came to the crease with experience, patience and a determination to win and in the end he saw his side comfortably home.