SCCC 238-8 (M Simpson 70odd, J.Root 50odd, A Simpson 41, M Root 30odd), Doncaster 191-9 (Dixon 4fer, Richards 4fer (inc hat-trick)The seconds travelled to Doncaster on Saturday, in search of revenge following the disappointing defeat we suffered at home against them earlier in the season. Riaz won the toss, and batted. PAM and Rootie JNR opened the innings, and got us off to a great start that really set the tone for our innings. PAM played and missed as you would expect, but somehow got himself to 41 (10 4 s and a 1), before being plum lbw in front. This brought Root SNR to the crease, and father and son continued the trend. Joe batted really sensibly, resolute in defence and aggressive in attack, with the late cut a shot he appears to have mastered already at the tender age of 14. Joe got a richly deserved 50, but got out soon afterwards. Mike Simpson joined Rootie SNR, and after 3 years he finally came off . He hit the ball very cleanly, 6 after 6, 4 after 4. He brought his 50 up in no time, and really pushed our score along. Rootie was also chipping in well, but he was eventually caught cutting straight to gully. Simmo continued the onslaught, supported slightly by the lower order, before eventually being bowled for what proved to be a match winning innings.

Nice tea.

Bully and T opened the bowling, and Bully picked up their opener in the first over of their innings, with one that swung and seamed before taking middle and leg (it was straight). There was little in it for either bowler after this though, and after 6 apiece, Bully and T were replaced by Rootie (snr) and Dicko respectively. They had built a healthy partnership, and a wicket was crucial. This came, when their other opener, who had made a patient 50, smacked Dicko to midwicket where Simmo caught it in his gusset. Wickets continued to tumble, but the key one was Leach who hits the ball very similarly to Simmo. He tried one too many, and Riaz took a great catch (again) off Dicko s bowling. By this stage, Riaz had replaced Rootie who had done a good job slowing things down. With them 6 down, the game was slightly in our favour but with a partnership we could have been under pressure. Up stepped the captain, and he in turn took a good hatrick, bowling the first, caught and bowled the second, and yorked the third with a quicker ball (thanks Bully). Unfortunately, we could not finish off their innings and they stayed 9 down. However, another good victory for us; hopefully one more will keep us up.

Lesroy and co next week.