After the frustrations of the previous week’s washout against Forton, Tibberton’s trip to Bishop’s Castle in the FBC Manby Bowdler League had just about everything – an idyllic setting and a keen contest, with the result hanging in the balance until the last over.
And it ended in a draw with Tibberton picking up 14 points to end their losing run of four matches.
Acting skipper Mike Jenkins lost the toss and Tibbo were asked to bat first on a green but drying wicket.
Tibbo openers Pradeep Lalung and Satish Kunjir started cautiously against a good opening attack before Kunjir (13) became the first wicket with the score on 15. Annand Kesvan joined Lalung and was soon into his stride, scoring several boundaries as the Tibbo score moved along at almost four an over.
At 59-1 after 15 overs, Tibbo appeared to be well set but in the space of three balls it all changed as Lalung (22) and Kesvan (19) were both back in the pavilion. After this, the combination of poor shot selection and good bowling saw Tibbo slump to 85-6.
Dave Williams, making a rare senior appearance, was joined by Jenkins and with 15 overs left both batsmen set about steadying the Tibbo innings.
Williams(13) was the next wicket to fall following a good catch in the slips, the Bishop’s Castle bowlers continued to apply the pressure and further wickets fell with Jenkins(13) the final wicket to fall with Tibberton 116.
Bishop’s Castle bowling: Simon Palmer 4-23 and Rich Langford 3-19.
Tibberton had an excellent start as Marc Gilroy and Williams both claimed early wickets reducing their hosts hosts to 1-2.
Gilroy (2) and Williams (1) were bowling a superb line and claimed further wickets, including dangerman Rich Fifield (16), to make it 23-5 before Williams was replaced by Kesvan.
Kesvan claimed the sixth wicket after a good catch by Danny McIntosh and then Gilroy his fourth after a superb diving one handed catch behind the stumps by Jenkins, making it 37-7.
Palmer and Langford then shared a 26 run partnership to frustrate Tibberton before Langford was well caught by Gilroy off the bowling of Amit Singh.
That made it 63-8 with 10 overs left and the match was still in the balance as Williams returned to the attack replacing Gilroy.
Rich Whately joined Palmer and provided further support as both batsmen continued to frustrate the bowlers.
As the game ended, Palmer (19) and Whately (16) were undefeated and Tibberton secured a superb result. Tibbo bowling: Gilroy (16-8-17-4), Dave Williams 2-14, Annand Kesvan 1-17 and Amit Singh 1-3.
For the neutral, this was a superb game of sportsmanship between the two sides who both enjoyed well earned refreshments.
Tomorrow is halfway point for the season and Tibbo entertain Whittington hoping to kick start their batting performance.
Matchball sponsor: John Bracewell & Sons; bonusball: Sameer Purohit.
