Banthorpe and Briault Bring Burghley Back From Brink!

BPCC 2nd XI had a thriller to start the season, edging a victory with 3 overs and 2 wickets to spare over Baston in their first league outing in SLB Divison 2.

Burghley won the toss and put Baston in. Jimmy Biggs opened with vigour and bowled their opener Digby with a peach delivery with Baston having only 22 on the board. This brought Dave Greenfield to the crease at number 3 and scored a very quick 46 off 23 balls – even losing the match ball onto the kit shed roof. Baston’s number 2 Ant Morris had a steady innings, but the breakthrough wicket of Greenfield from the bowling of the younger Biggs sparked a fielding and bowling dominance that put Burghley in a strong position. A masterful spell from Ahsan Azhar ripped through the middle order, claiming 4-31 off 9 overs, including a fabulous catch on the boundary by Charlie Biggs! Jimmy Biggs cleaned up the tail taking 3 for 25, wickets for Lewis Banthorpe and Mo Azhar meant Baston were 178 all out.

Having injured himself in the field (or maybe it was tactical genius?) skipper Briault dropped himself down the order allowing Armstrong and Pellet to open the batting and things didn't go to plan. Opening left-hand bowler McAlpine ripped through Burghley's top four in quick time, and when Lewis Banthorpe went in to bat, Burghley were 31 for 5. Simon Sherwin put a few lovely shots away before being dismissed for 12 and Charlie Biggs added a proxy entry to Phall night for his dad before the skipper Briault put his pads on and waddled to the crease at 59 for 7.

Briault and Banthorpe then frustrated Baston, putting on a partnership of 103. Banthorpe, top scorer on 63, finally fell with Burghley 17 runs short and the wise head and scathing bat of Mo Azhar came in to help the final run chase. Mo was 12 not out, Briault 60 not out and with 3 and a half overs to spare, Burghley secured maximum points!

A great effort all round, a fab game to watch and the team spirit and effort in every area of the match was the deciding factor. Well played lads, Billingborough away next Saturday.

Thanks to Absolut Security for their sponsorship of this match.