Honours even

28 July 2008

Mid Wales and the Midlands had to share the spoils after a double-header at Luctonians Cricket Club.

In the first match, which was for players in the Zodiac Category - high levels of disability - Mid Wales stormed to a convincing 97-run victory.

Batting first, Mid Wales scored 117 for five from 25 overs with Shane James finishing unbeaten on 30, which included five boundaries. There were other useful contributions from Ryan Coster, Steven Bailey and Lance Reville who helped the batting side post a respectable total.

For the Midlands, Paul Evans and Chris Goddard both took two wickets apiece while Robert Darlington claimed the other wicket to fall.

The Midlands' reply was a disaster - only one batter managed to score a run as they were dismissed for just 20.

Danny Percy and Stephen Bailey were the pick of the attack with three wickets each as the Midlands collapsed in style.

The Midlands restored some pride in the Zenith Category, which is aimed at people with medium levels of disability.

Dave Hassell starred with the bat, hitting 13 boundaries in his innings of 64, although he received valuable support from Dave Ingram, who made 26, and Peter Scrivens, who chipped in with 25 as the Midlands finished on 160 for nine.

Ashleigh Harris was the leading Mid Wales bowler with two wickets.

In reply, Mark Davies cracked a fine 66 not out in which he struck ten fours and three sixes, but none of the other Mid Wales batters could follow his lead and they fell 30 runs short.

Shane James, Harris and Alan Tay all reached double figures but no-one could provide Davies with the necessary support.

Hassell completed a fine all-round performance with three wickets for the Midlands while Scrivens, Billy Jones and Kristian Little were also successful with the ball.

In a women's pairs competition that was played on the same day, Gillian Lynch and Jo Botterill emerged victorious ahead of Kirsty Frakes and Catherine Edwards.