Beverley Open Up 35 Point Lead In York Senior League

Once again the rain affected play as Beverley Town Cricket Club’s 2nd XI played Dringhouses at the Norwood Recreation Ground, with the game reduced to 40 overs. Dringhouses won the toss and put Beverley into bat.

New opening partnership of Michael Cooke and Tim Smith saw Beverley off to a good start, before Smith was out caught. Michael Cooke continued to bat through as Beverley lost another wicket in Ben Fish, but Cooke and Tom Haytack put on a 70 run partnership until Cooke was trapped LBW to David Brown (4-23).

Beverley then lost 6 wickets for 25 runs, with Haytack falling to experienced bowler Michael Kenyon (5-42) for 38. Brad Dobson batting at number 10 played some fine shots with a four and a six to take Beverley to 170 all out.

In reply Dringhouses got off to a good but steady start and at 80 for 3 the Dringhouses batsmen were looking comfortable, until Jamie Roe (2-49) and Steve Blake (3-20) slowed the run rate down.

Together they also dismantled the Dringhouses middle order, with Blake claiming the wicket off Chris Storey (77) who was looking as if he was going to win the game single handedly. Two quick run outs followed as Dringhouses looked in trouble for the first time in the game at 152 for 9, but they managed to hold off Beverley’s attack as they finished on 154 for 9 off their 40 overs, Beverley earning a winning draw.

Beverley Town Cricket Club now sits at the top of Division 2 of the York Senior League, with a 35 point margin between themselves and second-placed Tadcaster.

Beverley now travel to York 3rds away, hoping to keep the margin, or extend it by results elsewhere swinging in their favour.

Report by Jamie Roe | Photos by Paul Linton