Shepherd stars as Pikes prosper (From Gazette & Herald)

Shepherd stars as Pikes prosper

York and District Senior League Premier Division - Pickering 187 all out (19pts) drew with Thirsk 160 for 7 (13pts. PIKES just failed to pick up maximum points against Thirsk, but their recent resurgence in the York Premier Division continued.

Once again, all-rounder Mark Shepherd had a big impact on the Pikes' performance. Opening the innings, Shepherd hit 57 and then bowled 20 overs to record 3 for 60.

The other main contributor in Pikes' innings was another left-hander, Craig Aconley, who made 61 and figured in an entertaining eight-wicket stand of 42 with Rob Aconley. In one over from Thirsk's Aussie spinner Nathan Bell, the pair plundered 22 runs.

Chris Nichols, batting at four, also contributed a valuable 18 to Pikes' cause.

As usual, Barry Petty bowled his full quota of overs from one end for Thirsk and captured 5 for 54. Bell had to be content with a couple of wickets, his 16 overs costing 95 runs. N Laidlaw (2 for 30) gave good support as Pikes were all out from the last ball of the innings.

Thirsk found runs hard to come by, despite the efforts of D Bramley who made 69.

Pickering's Charlie Marwood was the pick of the bowling, his accuracy bringing him a deserved 3 for 40 return from 17 overs. Tony Evans, back from injury, was the other wicket taker.

Updated: 13:19 Wednesday, June 16, 2004