A cracking win for the 3's

Horton lost the toss and Irchester chose to bat.

A great opening spell from skipper Kev and Zahid saw Irchester struggling at 23-6. Kev finished with figures of 9-4-12-4 and Zahid 9-1-26-2 with Irchester looking Iike they weren't going to get 50.
A good batting performance from their 2 youngsters Jake Woods 38 and Sean Muchmore 12 saw them put on 31 for the next wicket 54-7.
Further good bowling from Paul Wolstenholme 9-3-24-3 and Ian Street 9-2-27-0 kept the runs down and meant that Irchester were bowled out for 93 in 36.2 overs. Nik Patel took the final wicket with his 2nd ball. Overall a great performance in the field by the old guard( average age of 49) despite 4 dropped catches we were pleased with setting a target of 94 to win the game.

After a tasty tea we were upbeat with the chances to chalk up a second win of the season. All was good until ball 4 , Paul Wolstenholme cleaned up 0-1. Over 5 saw Mark Gliver caught behind 6-2. Over 7 Zahid LBW 7-3 and Nik Patel bowled 2nd ball 7-4. Not a great start all four batsmen dismissed for 0 and Irchester's opening bowler Alex Rogers having the enviable figures of 4-2 of which the 2 runs were no-balls. We finally got the first runs off the bat in the 8th over with our score at 13-4. When Mike McDonnell was controversially given out LBW for 5 we were in dire straights at 23-5.

Ian Street joined Graham Harris at the crease needing to steady the ship. Not only did they both do that, but a fantastic partnership of 71 saw Horton reach the winning line for the loss of no more wickets. Both players deserve huge credit for superb innings. Graham with controlled aggression making an unbeaten 50 containing 2 sixes and four fours. Ian with a determined ,dogged innings providing the support at the other end, also including some beautifully timed shots of his own.
We reached the target of 94 in 29.2 overs. A fabulous win by the boys!!

Result Win for Horton by 5 wits Horton 25 points Irchester 2 points.

We now look forward to our next game against leaders Barton Seagrave in 2 weeks time.

Kev Taylor 3rd team Captain.