Pikes spring surprise as Frank and Nichols reign supreme (From Gazette & Herald)

Pikes spring surprise as Frank and Nichols reign supreme

York and District Senior League Premier Division - Pickering 167 for 2 beat - Easingwold 166 for 9. PICKERING shocked league leaders Easingwold, sending them crashing to their first defeat of the season, by eight wickets.

Pikes' skipper Col Frank, mindful of the weather, won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Easingwold to bat.

With Martin Piercy the cornerstone, the visitors had made 92 for 2 when the rain came after 28 overs. When play resumed, the match was, in accordance with league rules, reduced by 12 overs, leaving Easingwold just a further ten overs to bat.

Tony Evans, who had kept things tight but was wicketless when the teams left the field, turned in a super five-over spell in which he claimed 5 for 30 as Easingwold struggled to 166 for 9. Johnny Marwood (26) gave Piercy good support and there were late flourishes from Paul Skilbeck (18 from six balls) and Dan Copeland (20 from 13 balls).

Matthew Kings also bowled well for Pikes, taking 2 for 44 in ten overs - 15 of the runs coming in his last over. Mark Shepherd also picked up a wicket.

Pickering, in reply, were 43 for 2 when Chris Nichols joined skipper Col Frank. The pair recorded an unbeaten match-winning third-wicket partnership of 124 to give Pikes the win.

Frank made his 75no in 87 balls and included ten fours. Nichols had a couple of boundaries in his 51no that came in 62 balls.

Pikes travel to Sheriff Hutton Bridge on Saturday where a win would put them in touch with the leading pack, which includes Sheriff.

After a shaky period, Pickering have found some form with the main players producing the goods when required.

League round-up

Beverley Town and Sheriff Hutton Bridge experienced a roller coaster of emotions as they fought out a thrilling high-scoring draw at Norwood Park. Bridge skipper Paul Oldfield followed his century of the previous week with 88, and Peter Crowder (49) and Nick Scaling (44no) helped the visitors to 231 for 7. Simon Roe, with 3 for 90, and Barry Sayer, with 3 for 47, were the better of the home bowlers. Beverley then launched a terrific reply which saw them fall just short on 229 for 7, Oliver Grantham making 66.

In division one, Ripon were 28 for 1 at home to Duncombe Park when their matches was aborted due to rain.

The division three match between Malton and Old Malton II and Pickering II was abandoned after 17 overs with the visiting Pikes standing at an uncomfortable 30 for 3.

In division four, Huby crumbled to 30 all out at Sheriff Hutton, as Simon Thornton took 6 for 10, and Richard Armitage 4 for 18. Sheriff had earlier made 169 for 6, with Chris Megone hitting 50 and Ed Taylor 31 to ward off the threat posed by Hugh Sheddon, who took 4 for 55.

Mick Bradley put Civil Service in command at Sheriff Hutton Bridge II when his 5 for 47 pegged back the hosts to 122 for 9. For Bridge, Vic Klays made 54 and Dave Ellis 37. Then Graham Oxley took 3 for 43, but Ben Olney made a match-winning 60no and as Service moved to 123 for 5.

Carlton Towers II batsmen had a field day against Hovingham II, but their bowlers were unable to claim the valuable tenth home-wicket and had to settle for a draw. Darren Graves led the way for Towers in making 81no, while Neil Robinson hit 70 and Jonathon Dilks 55 as they made 233 for 2. In reply, Mark Redhead made 25 and Richard John 28 as the home side gained a draw at 157 for 9, despite the concerted efforts of Steve Landers 3 for 41 and Phil Day 4 for 19.

Edward Readman Memorial Trophy

Duncombe Park's match at Stamford Bridge fell victim to the weather last Sunday. The game appeared to be marginally in the home side's favour when the abandonment came at tea-time, as they had posted a total of 173 for 8. Andy Milner was top scorer with 77, while useful runs also came from Peter Aconley (32no) and Graham Tipping (28). Colin Humpleby's 3 for 41 was the best showing for Duncombe Park who were unable to start their reply after the interval.

Malton's home tie with Pocklington was postponed due to Malton's game against Lashings and will now be staged in two weeks' time.

Quarter final draw - to be played on Sunday, July 18

Stamford Bridge or Duncombe Park v Hemingbrough or New Earswick; Sewerby or Wilberfoss v Bridlington; Thorp Arch & Boston Spa v Whitkirk or Bolton Percy; Ripon v Pocklington or Malton & Old Malton.

Updated: 11:35 Wednesday, June 23, 2004