With Josh Gallimore standing in as captain, Burghley Park knew the toss could prove crucial in the searing heat. Castor skipper Stuart Dockerill called correctly and elected to bat first, a decision that ultimately laid the foundation for a commanding total.

Castor’s openers, Josh Weaver and Sean McMullan, made a steady start, putting on 62 for the first wicket before McMullan edged behind off the bowling of Cam Fish for 34. Weaver continued positively, reaching 31 before Gallimore struck with a delivery that turned sharply and bowled him through the gate.

Alfie Armstrong then added real impetus with an aggressive innings, striking eight fours and two sixes on his way to 57 from just 44 balls. Ryan Evans carried that momentum further, punishing anything loose from the Burghley attack. Evans and Dockerill added 101 runs in only 10 overs, powering Castor to an imposing 282 from their 45 overs. Evans finished unbeaten on 70 from 44 deliveries, including seven fours and four sixes.
For Burghley, Harry Armstrong claimed two wickets, while Cam Fish, Charlotte Aylmore and Gallimore each picked up one as the home side continued to battle hard in difficult conditions.

Facing a challenging chase, Burghley’s openers Dan Pellett and Charlie Biggs battled hard against a disciplined bowling attack, adding 31 for the first wicket before Pellett edged behind off Shaun Dunn. Gallimore then joined Biggs at the crease, and the pair added a further 30 before Biggs fell for a well-made 28, before offering an easy caught and bowled to Alfie Armstrong.

Gallimore continued to lead from the front, sharing a valuable 68-run partnership with Harry Sorensen as Burghley attempted to keep pace with the required rate. Gallimore reached an excellent half-century, while Sorensen contributed 30 before being bowled by Stuart Dockerill.
The turning point came as wickets began to fall in quick succession. Dockerill removed both Fish and the key wicket of Gallimore, who departed for 60 after another impressive innings. Dunn then struck twice in consecutive deliveries, bowling both David Popple and Alec Baker. Burghley’s resistance faded, with the final four wickets falling without adding to the score as the hosts were bowled out for 165.

Despite the defeat, Burghley Park could take several positives from the contest. The side’s commitment and effort in the field were outstanding in testing conditions, while another composed half-century from Gallimore was well supported by valuable contributions from Biggs and Sorensen.

This match was sponsored by J Wilson Plumbing.