Humbleton 2nd XI – 141 all out
Beverley 5th XI – 96 all out
Humbleton win by 45 runs
On losing the toss, the Rams were given first use of a pitch that looked like it might offer some assistance to the bowlers and were soon in trouble at 18 for 2, with both openers back in the pavilion. Andy Johnson started the fightback with 35, giving Paddy Kirk the platform to counter-attack with an excellent 53, including a six and eight fours.
All credit to a young Beverley team – they kept coming at their hosts, picking up regular wickets, and as Paddy fell with the score on 116 for 7, the general thought was that this could be about enough.
Thanks to an excellent cameo of 18 not out from young James Hebb, with support from Brett North, Jamie Baron and dad Tim, the Rams were bowled out for 141, giving them a total they felt they could defend after the break.
With Beverley thinking differently and fancying their chances, the opening pair made a steady start, moving to 17 before Ollie Beckett made the breakthrough. James Hebb then produced a stunning run-out to leave the visitors 27 for 2, which provided a firm base for the hosts to build on.
This saw the introduction of old-timer Andy Johnson, who strangled the reply with five straight maidens and proved the perfect foil for the growing-in-confidence Beckett, who then ripped the heart out of the opposition’s batting with a career-best 5 for 17 from eight overs.
Ollie bowled his heart out – it’s never quite fair working the “ginner” in full sun during a heatwave – but he bowled brilliantly and fully deserved his five-wicket haul. Johnson (3 for 23) finished off the innings with his third clean-bowled wicket, removing the stubborn number 11, who top-scored for the visitors with 31.
Once again, the bowlers were well supported by a strong fielding effort, with chances held. After a fine run-out from James Hebb, dad Tim took an equally good catch to share the bragging rights in the car on the way home.
Man of the match goes to the ever-improving Ollie Beckett. While he is starting to show positive signs with his batting, it was his excellent bowling – picking up a first five-wicket haul – that earned him the nod.
Thanks must also go to those who help out week in, week out to ensure cricket continues at Humbleton. This week, Brett North, Alice Johnson, Jamie Baron and Tim Hebb stepped up to ensure the game was played.
Saturday sees another home game, as Eastrington visit Holderness, with both teams looking for 10 points to move away from the base of the table.