Lowerhouse V Church

Lowerhouse’s 2014 season got off to a losing start as they lost out to Church in a high scoring game at the Neville Gee (Recruitment) Arena.

The home side batted first and, in similar style to the previous day against Stand, lost two wickets early on. Jonny Whitehead was unfortunate to given out caught behind for 5 as there wasn’t much of an appeal from bowler Bentley and the batter gave the impression there was no contact with the ball. Cobus Pienaar was next in but again his innings was short lived after a shot to a packed off side field landed kindly to Harvey Aspin having scored just 7. Just like 24 hours before, it was down to Jack Edgar and Ben Heap to give the innings a kick start and both again were playing very composed knocks. They both passed 50 within a few minutes of each other to bring up the 100 partnership but both were out soon after. Edgar (54) was removed by Jake Gaskell and Heap (55) was run out after a late call by Jon Finch proved to be the wrong one. Finch would eventually go onto 29 before being bowled by Lloyd Aspin. Matt Walker (26), Joe Hawke (21) and Chris Bleazard (26*) all gave useful cameos in the last 15 overs to give the hosts a better than expected 253/7 at the end of their 50 overs.

Church opened up with Levi Wolfenden and professional Usman Tariq and they set about their task of chasing down the target in a very efficient manner keeping up with the required rate at all times passing 50 inside 10 overs. They presented the home side with limited opportunities (a decent LBW shout from Paddy Martin and a couple of difficult catching chances for Whitehead and captain Cottam) and carried on their way to the 2nd 100 partnership of the match and both deserved went to 50. Tariq carried onto 77 but went for one big hit too many and holed out to the extremely safe hands of Chris Bleazard off the bowling of Paddy Martin. Wolfenden, along with Lloyd Aspin, continued to punish every bowler in sight and reached his century in 143 balls before getting out LBW to Finch the very next ball for 102. Lloyd Aspin also reached 50 during their 115 run stand and hit the winning shot to finish 58 not out. Church finished on 255/2 therefore winning the match by 8 wickets.

MOM was Jack Edgar for his 54. Another double header this weekend as the ‘House take on Rawtenstall (home) and Enfield (away).