Manby Bowdler Shropshire Cricket League
Division Two
Ellesmere v Cae Glas
ELLESMERE maintained their hold on the top of the division two table with a win at home to Cae Glas. The home side won the toss and chose to bowl.
The visitors set off comfortably with openers Mark Jones and Andy Griffiths batting patiently and punishing anything wide.
Eventually Griffiths' wicket fell as he attempted a big hit and was caught at mid-off by Tom Davies for 24. Nick Underhill edged a couple of boundaries then used the meat of the bat including a huge six.
Spinner John Bennett brought about the demise of Underhill, well caught on the square leg boundary by Alan Williams. Mark Jones got to 44 before being caught behind and a couple more wickets fell before the innings concluded on 191 for six.
The home side's innings did not get off to a very auspicious start as first John Mooney, and then his replacement James Evans, were tempted into big swings at slow, looping balls by John Clarke and each of them returned to the pavilion without troubling the scorer.
Tom Davies joined Lee Thomas and this pair got Ellesmere back on track. Thomas was out stumped after scoring 33 and Davies fell lbw to Cae Glas skipper Nick Broadbent for 44.
Cae Glas then tightened things up and the two Duncan brothers, Fraser and Alex, found runs hard to come by but the pair showed great patience as the run rate crept up with ten overs to go another 70 runs were required.
A combination of excellent running and some graceful shots kept Ellesmere in the game. With a few overs left the brothers opened up and the game swung in Ellesmere's favour and Alex reached his maiden 50 for Ellesmere.
In the 43rd over Ellesmere reached their target with Alex Duncan 53 not out and younger sibling Fraser 40 not out.
Ellesmere (20 points) 192 for 4. A. Duncan 53 n.o. T. Davies 44. F. Duncan 40 n.o. L. Thomas 33. J. Clarke 2 for 33.
Cae Glas (6 points) 191 for six. M. Jones 44. N. Underhill 34. A Griffiths 24. J. Bennett two for 27.