Burton Leonard CC kick off their 2008 campaign
Burton Leonard’s cricketers got underway last Saturday when the 1st XI entertained Burnt Yates and won convincingly. Sadly the 2nd XI away fixture against Bilton 3rds fell foul of the weather, but two days of wind ensured the ground at Peter Lane for the 1st XI match was reasonably dry albeit a tad cold.
Neil Blaken, the Burton skipper was lucky to win the toss and had no hesitation in inviting a weak looking Burnt Yates batting line up to go first. Yates were soon in trouble after Ali Wilson clean bowled one of the opening batsmen with a beautiful in swinging yorker and after that wickets began to tumble at regular intervals through a mix of good bowling and poor shot selection that meant Burnt Yates slumped to 76-5.
There was a bit more resolve from the tail end and the last pair did very well to hold on for a point but Burton Leonard were very pleased with their bowling and fielding as they retired for a well needed warm cup of tea with the visitors only making 98-9 off their allocated 45 overs.
After the break, Michael Wray and Craig Eustace went out to bat and found the going a lot easier and it wasn’t long before Wray was dissecting the field and Eustace launching them over the pavilion for six before soon being bowled for a cameo 24. Matthew Rangeley batting at no. 3 struggled but by then the writing was on the wall for Burnt Yates and when Rangeley was clean bowled for 15, only 9 more runs were needed for victory which was never going to be difficult for Burton Leonard’s two most experienced batsmen. Mike Crawshaw hit the winning runs and Michael ‘Red Inker’ Wray finished 44 not out as Burton Leonard took five points from their opening game.
Burton Leonard travel to Glasshouses next week and will be hoping for another winning performance. Meanwhile the 2nd XI play Markington at home and the 3rd XI start their season on Sunday with a home game against Killinghall 3rds.