Patrington Cricket Club’s third-team captain James Medcalf lost the toss on an overcast day at Southside, which resulted in Patrington batting first.
The opening batting saw Medcalf (32) and Glenn Ratcliffe (24) begin the day with a 60-run partnership before Ratcliffe was dismissed by a catch behind the stumps. The skipper wasn’t far behind Ratcliffe in returning to the pavilion, having laid a solid foundation for his side with a smart innings that contained seven fours before he was adjudged LBW from the bowling of visiting skipper Ian Peck (4-35). Peck would go on to have an excellent day with the ball, taking four wickets.
After short cameos by North (1) and Richardson (6), usual bowler, James McGinty, came to the crease. McGinty accelerated his way to 30, leading to his retirement, with the hopes of returning to bat later on in search of his second-ever half-century.
After a few months’ absence, Josh Ratcliffe played his first game, scoring 20 runs for his side and occupying the crease for 44 deliveries, as he showcased his skills with some sound technical batting. Bob Eldon-Smith (21) was the last to score runs, hoping to guide the newer batsmen to some runs.
Unfortunately, the new lads didn’t find any runs on the excellent wicket, which was a delight for Patrington Superstar Cricketer, James McGinty, who worked his way back to the crease after his earlier retirement.
Bob Eldon-Smith, who is rumoured to have his photo hung next to McGinty’s bed, knew he could help McGinty get his 50, which he did. With the help of his teammate, McGinty scored 54 runs off only 63 balls, hitting 8 boundaries to record a new personal best with the bat. Patrington finished on 195 off 40 overs.
The second innings saw Josh Ratcliffe (3-40) and Russ Edwards (2-49) open the bowling. Josh, looking to find his love for cricket again, certainly found it as he tore through three of the top four batsmen.
The first change brought Charlie Ashwell (0-22) to have a bowl, hoping to build up some experience. However, with Sutton’s Matthew Noble (73) at the crease, no bowler was safe in a blistering knock that contained 10 fours and three maximums as he and skipper Peck (19) added an invaluable century stand for the sixth wicket.
Due to the speed of Sutton gaining runs, experienced bowlers Glenn Ratcliffe (1-18) and Bob Eldon-Smith (2-11) hoped to save Patrington and secure their first win of the season.
However, it was not meant to be, and Sutton cruised their way to the third’s 195 target. Despite losing eight wickets, they still had nine overs remaining as they got over the finish line in the gloom to cement their second spot in the division.
It was a spirited effort from the thirds who can take plenty of positives against a strong Sutton side who have always challenged at the top of the Sunday division for the last few seasons.
Many thanks to this week’s match ball sponsor, East Riding Physiotherapy.
