Weekly Report

28th August 2010
Westgate A 166-8
Shireshead A 128-9
Winning Draw – 10 points

An exciting game that ebbed and flowed saw Westgate gain the lion’s share of the points at an autumnal Clifton Park on Saturday.
Opting to bat first on a damp wicket, Westgate’s top order continued their excellent form to post a challenging total. After the early loss of James Davies (10), Nigel Parkinson (31) bedded in to allow the others to chase the runs. A hard hitting innings from Aaron Pearce (29) maintained a steady run rate before he was caught off the bowling of A Moulsdale (2-54) in the 19th over with score at 71-2. Dave Hanningan (24) sustained the flow of runs with some flashing off drives to take the score to 102-2 in the 30th over. Moulsdale and M Taylor (4-34) bowled in tandem to peg back the visitors and to take 3 quick wickets. An admirable, left handed, middle order partnership between veteran Alan Horne (18) and Phil Webster (25) ensured a healthy total of166.
The home side made a protracted start to their innings with Andy Nisbet (5-34) and Rob Shillitoe (2-28) restricting them to 13-1 from the first 10 overs. The unhurried chase continued and it looked like the home side were happy to play for a draw. The dismissal of R Bradshaw (17), caught by Matt Hannigan off Zac Buchanan (2-41) drew a more positive approach to the game. M Armstrong ( 46) and S Yates (31) attacked the bowling and took the score past the century mark in the 30th over to leave the home side in a winning position. The return of Nisbet and Shillitoe brought rewards as Armstrong holed out to Dave Hannigan at mid on and then Yates was bowled by Nisbet as the home side slumped to 105-6 in the 34th over. Nisbet, bowling a nagging line and length, ploughed away into the strong wind and picked up regular wickets as Shireshead collapsed to 120-9 with 4 overs remaining. Sensing victory, Westgate crowded the bat to pick up the final wicket, but stout defence from A Moulsdale and O Yates repelled the away side for 5 overs, as the game ended in a draw.



Shireshead 84a.o.
Westgate 83 a.o.

Shireshead triumphed on Saturday at Westgate’s home patch in a game kindly sponsored by Mark Bell Electricals and overtook their opponents on the day in the title race. Having batted first and scored 84, Shireshead needed an inspirational bowling and fielding display, and they provided it and won by the narrowest of margins.
At 27-5 the writing appeared on the wall for Shires with Danny Wilkinson (7-43) hitting his straps early. However having survived two or three massive LBW shouts, Sutcliffe (22) provided an obdurate and tough innings which got his team back into the game. He had support from Josh McGuire (13), whose cameo would also prove to be so important. With Saeed Patel (1-16) and Peter Wilson (2-19) also bowling well Westgate were more than happy with their efforts.
In response Shires got off to the perfect start as Westgate slumped to 6-3 and then 19-4. Irthan Qayyan (4-31) and U. Shah (3-27) both bowled with pace, and found assistance in the wicket. Andy Hill (12) repaired some of the damage as Westgate began to gradually get back into the game, and Steve Creed (39 not out) once again appeared in imperious form. Tom Jacques (3-20) was introduced and Paul Yates masterfully changed his bowlers around as Westgate soon found themselves 40-6. Their hopes appeared to rest on Creed but Saeed Patel (9) almost proved himself to be the hero again with the bat, but he fell with the finishing line in sight to the off spin of Jacques. Needing two runs to win Jacques found the ball to break through the defences of last man Lightfoot cueing scenes of jubilation from the away side, and blowing the title race wide open.



21ST August 2010

Westgate A 171-6
Moor Hospital 96-10
Win - 15 points

Westgate seconds maintained their winning streak with a tense win at Cross Hill Park, their tenth in succession. The match, sponsored by the Six Nations gang, went down to the wire as they took the final wicket in the 43rd over.
Opting to bat first on a slow, green, damp wicket, Westgate recovered from the early loss of Gani, caught in the slips off journeyman A Thomas ( 16 overs, 3 for 57) to build a formidable total. A second wicket partnership of 125 between Nigel Parkinson (44) and Aaron Pearce (70) dominated Moor’s bowling attack. Pearce, watchful at first, soon found his timing and utilised his booming straight drive to put the visitors on the back foot. One over from the unfortunate D Wilkinson went for 17 with one four and two sixes punched back over the bowlers head. Parkinson took advantage of a spread out fielding cordon to place shots into the gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking over at a steady rate. From 64-1 at drinks, Westgate accelerated to 109-1 in the 30th over. Pearce was out LBW in the 37th over with the total at 132-2. Parkinson and Dave Hannigan soon followed as the innings briefly stalled at 135-5 in the 40th over. Late cameo’s and energetic running from Saed Patel (16), Alan Horne (12 not out) maintained the momentum. James Davies (8 not out) clipped a six off his legs in the final over, as Westgate posted a competitive 171-6 at the close.
Daunted by the target set, Moor Hospital set out their stall to play for a draw from the start. Two early wickets from Saed Patel (4-24) gave hope to the home side, but the slow pitch made turgid batting easy and in the 20th over the game seemed set for a stalemate at 37-2. The introduction of young talent Matt Hannigan (3-21) turned the game as he captured 3 quick wickets in 5 overs, including the important wicket of M Preston (31) caught at mid wicket by Alan Horne. From 72-3 in the 30th over, a regular flow of wickets left the game in the balance at 94-7 in the 40th over. With the spin twins, Zac Buchanan (3-10) and Saed Patel twirling away in tandem, the home side crowded the bat in hope of the wickets which would bring a victory. S Emery (13) was dismissed leg before and quick hands from Pearce stumped P Mather, leaving the final pair to bat out 3 overs. Daz Wilkinson lofted a catch to bucket hands Dave Hannigan at mid on to seal the home side’s victory.



14th August 2010

Westgate A 166-4
Sedgwick 124-10
Win – 15points

A break in the recent rotten weather enabled this top of the table clash, sponsored by J.D Gallagher Estate Agents Ltd to take place at Cross Hill Park. In an enthralling game, 2nd placed Westgate overtook leaders Sedgwick with a last over victory, their 9th on the trot in the league.
Asked to bat first on a damp, green wicket, Westgate made a steady start until skipper Nigel Parkinson was bowled for 2. From 14-1, Sid Gani (42) and Aaron Pearce ( 61 no) then carefully constructed a stand that would become the foundation for a formidable total. With T Nicholson ( 1-52 from 17 overs) bowling a tight line , the Westgate pair mixed single nurdling and lofted leg side drives. Gani departed in the 25th over with the score at 80. Next bat, Dave Hanningan (37) got off to a flier, hitting 6 fours in a powerful knock. With Pearce looking at ease on the wicket, the pair accelerated and their 67 partnership came to and end in the 41st over with the score on 147. The innings ended on 166-4 when Pearce hit a cover drive for 4 off the last ball. His innings included 6 fours and one towering straight six into the crematorium.
With a challenging total on a slow paced track, Sedgwick made good start to their innings and the openers put on 40 for the opening partnership. With the slow track blunting Westgate’s pace attack, captain Parkinson turned to his spin duo of Saed Patel (8-60 from 21.4 overs) and Zac Buchanan ( 2-44 from 17 overs). A change of ends for Patel brought a change of fortunes as Westgate got the all important breakthrough in the 18th over when Bracken (19)was caught in the deep by Dave Hanningan, racing in from the boundary and leaping like a salmon to take a fantastic catch. 43 for 1 promptly became as 49-3 as Patel took two wickets in 21st over. In a delicately poised game, Sedgwick wrestled control back with a 4th wicket partnership of 44. Their middle order all made useful contributions but Patel kept nagging away and was rewarded with the first 6 wickets to fall. At 108-6 , the game was still too close to call. Buchanan got his just rewards for his clever variations and took two quick wickets. With the tail now in, Sedgwick put up the shutters with 5 overs to go. In a dramatic climax, the last pair had 2 overs to bat out. Patel was Westgate’s hero as he trapped Nicholson lbw in the last over to give Westgate victory with 2 balls to spare.



Westgate 136a.o.
Heysham 124 a.o.

Westgate hosted Heysham on Saturday in a game where W D Lord Plumbing & Heating kindly sponsored the match ball. The match was a fiercely contested even game, where Westgate just snatched the victory and took the fifteen points to go top of the league, and Heysham showed why they are surely too strong a side to be relegated.
Josh Dixon won what appeared an important toss, and Andrew Ideson (4-44) justified his skipper’s decision as he made early inroads, including that of Peter Wilson first ball. From 5-2 Khan Puffett (31) and Danny Wilkinson (47) both counter-attacked as Westgate looked for a platform. Puffett blasted 3 massive sixes, and Wilkinson hit 3 of his own as Westgate threatened a big score. Dave Hughes (27) continued the good work as he combined sensibly with Wilkinson to add 70 for the 6th wicket, and at 129-5 in the 33rd over, a score off 180 plus was on the cards. However at this point Sam Calverley (5-12) returned to the attack and he bowled full and straight and took the last five Westgate wickets for just 1 run, as the innings subsided tamely. Calverley clean bowled four of his victims and crucially gave his side an extra 10 overs to chase down the total.
In response Heysham’s innings almost mirrored Westgate’s at 6-2 with Dixon gone. Steady knocks from father and son Jamie (24) and Paul Antcliffe (10), as well as Lee Calverley (21) ensured that Heysham crept towards the total. However no-one was able to contribute a really major innings and Westgate always managed to get the crucial wicket whenever things started to get away from them. Saeed Patel (1-27) bowled a beautiful line from his 14 overs, but it was Danny Wilkinson (4-28) and Peter Wilson (5-58) who broke through the Heysham order. A wonderful fielding display backed them up and the changing of bowlers’ ends always seemed to produce a wicket. From 85-5 the score collapsed to 108-9 but Ryan Needham (12) threatened to be his team’s hero batting at 11, as he took the score to 124. But when he was bowled by Wilkinson Westgate were able to celebrate a hard thought deserved victory.



31st July 2010

Westgate A 87-10
Ingleton 68-10
Win – 15 points
Westgate A won their 8th league game on the trot in a pulsating game at Cross Hill Park. The match, sponsored by Pickles Sandwich Bar, was played on dry blustery day on a wicket where the bowlers from both sides were on top.
Both teams were keen to impress prior to their cup final showdown next weekend. Ingleton won the toss and opted to bowl first on a green but dry wicket. Tom Earnshaw made early inroads into the home side’s top order as Westgate’s batters struggled to find their timing. From 11-2, in form captain Nigel Parkinson( 25) mastered the tricky conditions and in tandem with Dave Hannnigan (11) steadied the ship to bring the half century up. Hannigan was out caught and bowled to Tom Earnshaw. Parkinson followed soon, run out by a direct hit, and at 55-5, Ingleton had the upper hand. Phil Webster (21) wracked with guilt at running out his captain, attacked and hit a couple of sixes before falling to Earnshaw. Bowling unchanged throughout the innings, Earnshaw took regular wickets as Westgate’s tail failed to cope with his pace and movement. The home side’s final wicket fell in the 37th over at a below par score of 87. Earnshaw took the accolades, bowling a great spell of 19 overs, 8 wickets for 19. A performance that didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.

Westgate stung by their poor batting performance had a great start as opening bowler Rob Shillitoe (5-22) blasted through Ingleton’s heavy hitting top order. The dangerous Graham Kellet was bowled 3rd ball of the innings and when an in swinging ball from Shillitoe bowled his brother in the 13th over, Ingleton were reeling at 19-4. J Hughes (14) and Tom Earnshaw (26) seemed to be leading their team to safety and victory with some aggressive hitting through the leg side. The introduction of Zac Buchannan (5-20) eased the pressure trapping Earnshaw lbw at 54-5 and then bowling Hughes to leave the game evenly balanced at 65-6. With great variety Buchannan perplexed Ingleton’s lower order and backed with a 5th wicket for Shillitoe, Westgate mopped up the Yorkshire tail as they collapsed to 68 all out in the 26th over.



Westgate 128-5
Arnside DNB

Westgate entertained Arnside on Saturday in game kindly sponsored by Allan Garrick. Winning the toss Arnside skipper Adam Richardson decided to bowl first, however the rain was to dominate the day with the game delicately balanced with Westgate reaching 128-5 with 12 overs to go. The wickets were shared between the Arnside bowlers, five of them taking a wicket each, with Alex Davidson (1-14) taking away the best figures. The runs were also shared between the Westgate batsmen, Steve Creed (40 not out) looking in imperious form and set for a big score. Andy Hill (14), Dave Lord (15), Danny Wilkinson (22) and Gary Tattersall (14) were the other contributors, before the swirling persistent rain brought a premature end to the game.




19th July 2010

Westgate A 119-2
Warton A 118 all out

Westgate A eased to their sixth consecutive league victory at a blustery Cross Hill Park. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat on a green but dry wicket. With conditions being in stark contrast to previous weeks, batsmen and bowlers initially struggled to find their rhythm. The returning Saed Patel (6-35) inflicted early damage on the Warton innings taking two wickets in his first two overs leaving the away side at 4-2 in the 4th over. S Connor (18) and Y Maje (28) then frustrated the home side, riding their luck with airborne shots consistently evading the fielders. After adjusting to the tricky conditions of bowling uphill into the wind, Rob Shillitoe (3-36) made the breakthrough bowling both batsmen through their gates. Warton’s middle order all made starts but were unable to make a major score. Saed Patel swapped ends and took wickets at regular intervals to halt Warton's progress. Warton reached three figures for 5 wickets . A fantastic catch by Dave Hanningan over his shoulder dismissed S Tyman for 12. The final wicket fell in the 36th over when Nathan Watts held a soaring catch on the boundary edge as S Maje (9) was the final wicket to fall.
In form opening duo Sid Gani (38) and Nigel Parkinson (39 not out) had an opening partnership of 61 to deflate any Warton hopes. Gani was particularly brutal hitting 4 sixes including a text book straight six off H Maje. When Gani steered a catch to 1st slip, Mo Patel (17) took the game out of Warton’s reach before leaving a straight ball from S Maje(2-52) with the score on 91. Parkinson and Dave Hanningan guided Westgate to victory in the 35th over.



Over Sands Travel Semi Final
Westgate 128-8
Warton 129-8

Westgate entertained Warton in a closely fought semi final at Cross Hill Park in a game sponsored by Mardon PLC. Westgate captain Andy Hill (35 not out) led the way in a pugnacious innings and was well supported by a fluent Peter Wilson (27). However there was no substantial innings despite Horne (10), Murphy (8) and Tattersall (9) all contributing late on. The pick of the Warton bowlers was D.Whitehouse (1-17) who opened the bowling with an excellent line without giving away any lose deliveries, and he was well supported by the stern, experienced Ricky Nelson (2-15).
In reply, the game was always in the balance despite good innings by James Rafferty (27), D. Robinson (26) and the aggressive, unorthodox but effective Simon Gould (37). Mark Lightfoot (0-11) bowled brilliantly, as did the ever consistent Peter Wilson (2-17), and with Warton?s big names Nelson, Bovis and Crowther all falling cheaply, Westgate hung in the game, but it was Gould?s innings which proved to be decisive as Warton scrambled home by two wickets with just two balls remaining in a competitive hard fought game which was a credit to both sides.



Trimpell 230-9
Westgate 96-2

On Saturday in a match sponsored by Squires, a potentially excellent game of cricket was ruined by the weather. Having won the toss Westgate decided to bowl first, but rain fell intermittently and the players came off at regular intervals, despite the best efforts of the players. The day will be remembered for a brilliant chanceless innings by Trimpell?s Andy Hill (129) who mixed great running between the wickets with sensible targeting of the short boundary. When Hill was finally dismissed for his tremendous innings of 129 (16 fours, 5 sixes) the score had reached 165 in a one man show. Five bowlers were tried for Westgate with Peter Wilson (5-71) and Saeed Patel (3-48) being the most successful. Peter McDermid (24 not out) added some late valuable runs to take the score realistically beyond Westgate with 26 overs being lost to the weather.
In response with just 19 overs to reach their target, Westgate made a brave positive effort to go for the score, realistically beyond their reach, with Dave Hughes (42), Peter Wilson (21 not out) and Dave Lord (26) playing some aggressive shots. However after 9 overs the game was called off, and each team picked up the 6 points.



Westgate 252-8 declared
Milnthorpe 255-5

An unbelievable game of cricket took place at Cross Hill Park on Saturday on a wicket perfect for batting with a lightning outfield. Westgate won the toss and decided to bat first but the game was in the balance at 86-3. Peter Wilson (78) played yet another super innings on his home ground, displaying maturity beyond his years. He received support from Steve Creed (21) and the ever aggressive Danny Wilkinson (41) in two partnerships both over 50. Tattersall (17), Aaron Pearce (13) and Dave Hughes (21) maintained the excellent run rate and kept the runs ticking in the heat. Wilson eventually fell with the score on 209 for 6 hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes during his innings. Throughout the carnage Bob Baldwin (3-56) must be complimented on an excellent bowling display as those around him proved to be expensive. Westgate captain Andy Hill declared his team’s innings after 42 overs in a bold aggressive move to bring home maximum points, giving Milnthorpe an additional three overs.
A good start was needed to chase down the mammoth score, and it was supplied thanks to a brilliant fluent innings by Chris Baldwin who took 18 runs from the first over alone. He received support from another Milnthorpe veteran Mike Wills (66) who looked to be at his sublime best until Zak Buchanan (0-58), bowled a tidy spell in the context of the game from his 15 overs. Baldwin fell with the score on 113-1 in which he had contributed a staggering 82 in 59 balls. Next man in Lee Illingworth (37) ran well between the stumps and along with Wills the pair added 97 runs. However Westgate were gradually getting back into the game as the run rate required increased to around 7 and both batsmen fell in quick succession with the score now 213-4. 40 runs were required off the last 5 overs and a winning draw to Westgate appeared the most likely result with two new bastmen at the crease. However Jono Cooper (36 not out) proceeded to launch 4 sixes to the short leg side boundary and put his team in a strong position. Six runs were needed from the final over but only 2 came from the first five balls, with all men now positioned carefully on the boundary. With four needed to win Cooper dispatched the final ball of the 48th over for six to clinch a memorable victory and ensure that Milnthorpe remain in the title hunt, which looks to include as many as seven teams heading to the half way point.

Match Ball Sponsor: Furness Building Society



3rd July 2010
Westgate A 180-7
Milnthorpe A 124-10
Win – 15 points
Westgate A recorded their fifth successive league victory as they beat Milnthorpe A for the second time in two weeks by 56 runs.
The home side won the toss and elected to bat. Runs were difficult to come by on a low bouncing, slow wicket. Sid Gani (18) dominated the opening partnership as a subdued Nigel Parkinson (57) struggled with his timing. Joined by fellow nurdeller Rob Shillitoe (14), the captaincy pairing put on 55 for the 2nd wicket before Shillitoe was run out. As the skipper Parkinson found his timing he was able to find the boundary with aplomb and reached his half century in the 30th over. When Parkinson was bowled at 117 -4 by the energetic Pete Dickinson ( 23 overs, 3 for 72) the middle order upped the run rate to set a challenging total. Encouraging knocks from Matt Hanningan (13), Phil Webster (21) and veteran Alan Horne (15*) closed the innings at 180-7.
On the slow wicket and cautious batting from the away side, patience was required by Westgate to grind out the victory. Initial resistance from N Dixon (36) held up the home side until Sid Gani (5-38)got a ball to cut back through his gate. An excellent catch from Matt Hannigan off Gani brought to an end K Singleton ‘s (26) innings. In tandem with leg spinenr Zac Buchannan (3-44), Gani made his way through the Milnthorpe batting order and recorded his five wicket haul of the season as the away side ended their innings in the 36th over.

4th July 2010 – Milnthorpe Taxi Services Trophy Semi Final
Westgate A 156-8
Bare 137 -9
Win
Local rivals and Cross Hill Park neighbours Bare and Westgate met head to head for a place in the divisional cup.
Holders Westgate opted to bat first on damp, green wicket. Despite the loss of two early wickets, good running from Sid Gani (58) kept the scoreboard ticking over at a suitable rate in the initial skirmishes as the home side reached 39-2 in the 10th over. A quickfire 13 from Matt Hannigan upped the run rate in the middle overs, Westgate reaching 100 in the 21st over. With 5 wickets remaining Westgate were in a good position to set an attacking total. Alan Horne (38) blitzed Bare’s bowlers in the final overs exploiting the fielding restrictions as he and Gani took the score over 150. Both Gani and Horne were run out in the final two overs due to a combination of the strong wind, fatigue and old age. Westgate finished on an above par score of 156.
Despite a loss of two wickets in the opening overs, Bare were on target at 45-2 in the 10th over to knock out the current champions. A number of batsmen ( A Osmotherly 19, D Kendall 14) made starts but were unable to dominate as Westgate rotated their bowlers. Sid Gani ( 2-24), Saeed Patel (3-27,) cup specialist Andrew Wilson (2-23) and Nathan Watts ( 0-24) choked Bare’s pursuit of the target in the middle overs. In the 20th over Bare were struggling at 85-6 and in need of quick runs. Accurate bowling and excellent fielding halted their charge and with 5 overs remaining 56 runs were still needed. A quick cameo from C Alban (20) came too late and the visitors fell 19 runs short of their target.
Westgate will defend their trophy against Ambleside or Ingleton on the 8th August.
Match Ball Sponsor : T Chapman Ltd



26th June 2010
Westgate A 168-10
Milnthorpe 72-10
Win – 15 points

On a glorious sunny day at Park Road, Milnthorpe, Westgate 2nd XI maintained their recent excellent form with a 4th successive victory. On the hottest day of the cricketing year, it was a surprise decision by the home captain to bowl first.
When skipper Nigel Parkinson (7) steered the ball to 1st slip off the impressive P Dickson (5-52) the gamble looked to paying off. In the searing heat, Dickson showed great energy and made it difficult for all Westgate batsmen. Sid Gani (25) impressed hitting any loose bowling to the boundary on a fast outfield and wrestled control back to Westgate till he out with the score on 68-3. Man of the moment Dave Hannigan (52) continued his great form with another impressive fifty. Two elegant leg side drives in successive balls brought up his fifty in 74 balls. When he departed at 128-8, a tail end collapse would have left the game in Milnthorpe favour. A 9th wicket partnership of 40 between Andy Nisbet (23) and Phil Webster (16) ensured a challenging total, on a worsening wicket, was set.
Westgate’s bowling attack kept making regular inroads into the Milnthorpe line up, and when Rob Shillitoe (3-31) picked up his third wicket at 33-5, Milnthorpe had already set up shop for an attempt at the draw. Happy hooker Kevin James (23) was the only batter from the home side to reach double figures as a procession of batters failed to come to terms with a wicket showing variable bounce, and accurate bowling from the away side. When James was caught by Hanningan off Nisbet (4-28) at 60-6 at mid on with a tired drive the fight was up. Andy Nisbet mopped up the rest of the tail sending uprooting stumps at will as Milnthorpe collapsed to 72 all out.




19th June 2010
Westgate A 114-10
Holme 34-10
Win – 15 points
Buoyed by two victories on the bounce, Holme were the next opponents to fortress Cross Hill Park. A dry day mirrored the wicket and the outfield in the continuing drought.
Wining the toss, Westgate elected to bat and has the worst possible start as Gani was bowled by a great in cutter by C Weiss ( 5 -24) first ball of the game. Nigel Parkinson (30) and Aaron Pearce( 41) then commenced a partnership of 75 that would ultimately prove to be a match winner. Parkinson flicked and nurdled any loose bowling to great effect on the fast outfield. In contrast Pearce powered his shots and announced his arrival with a flick of his legs for six off Slater. Weiss was bowling with good pace and variety and was proving to be a handful for the Westgate pair with many chances flying through the slip cordon as he extracted bounce out of the wicket. Parkinson fell caught behind and shortly after Pearce was lbw. Dave Hannigan (15) played well in difficult conditions as the rest of the batting order collapsed round him. From a strong position of 75-1, the home side collapsed to 83-7. After Hannigan was out caught in the gully off K Barnes (3-25), veteran Alan Horne (9) and Andy Nisbet (6*) eked out valuable runs to bring up three figures. J Varden (2-2) mopped up the tail as Westgate finished their innings at 114 in the 35th over.

Holme got off to a bad start and never recovered from the shock of losing two wickets in the first two overs. Rob Shillitoe (3-16) bowled A McFarlane with a seaming off cutter in the 1st over and S Lord was out first ball caught by Mo Patel in the gully off Saed Patel (6-13). Spectators saw three little ducks on the scoreboard after the 2nd over as the score stood at 2 for 2. The away top order then seemed to implode as if stuck in a Groundhog Day, as the next three batsmen all holed out to great catches in the deep to Hannigan twice and Nathan Watts off the bowling of Patel. All three seemed intent to put the ball out of the ground but were outfoxed by the flight and guile of Patel. From 14-5 a mini revival from K Barnes (10) took Holme to 27 before he was caught behind by Pearce off Shillitoe. The tail then failed to make any impact and when J Slater was caught by Phil Webster, victory was sealed for Westgate in the 17th over.


12th June 2010
Westgate A 182-9
Shireshead A 101-10
Win – 15 points

An excellent all round display ensured victory in consecutive weeks for the second team. Opting to bat first on a dry, straw coloured wicket, Westgate A made a lively start as skipper Nigel Parkinson (33) and Sid Gani (11) took advantage of some loose bowling from the Shireshead bowlers, who bowled too short on a slow paced wicket. With the score at 82-3 at the drinks interval, the foundation had been laid for a challenging total. In a ten over period after the break, Westgate hammered home their advantage with Dave Hanningan (52) continuing his good form against Shireshead with an elegant knock, mixing good running with strong boundary shots, reaching his 50 in 65 balls with 7 fours and 1 six. Mo Patel had an explosive knock of 31 including 3 enormous straight sixes, 2 of which ended up in the crematorium from one over from A Mousdale (3-42). Useful cameo’s from the returning BA McDermott (12*) and Saed Patel (10) kept the momentum of the innings as wickets fell quickly near the end of the innings, M Taylor finishing with 3-51.

The Heskey and Rooney of the Westgate A new ball attack, Saed Patel (5-44) and Rob Shillitoe (4-33), made quick inroads into the Shireshead’s batting line up and the visitors were soon struggling at 38-5. Only C Twimane (20) offered much resistance but he fell to a clever slower ball from Shillitoe and chipped a catch to Dave Hannigan at mid on. Disciplined and accurate bowling ensured wickets kept falling at regular intervals and the visitors were floundering at 55-9. As the bowlers flagged in the muggy heat, the Shireshead tail wagged and with support from Mousdale, S Twimane (31) attacked and ensured the visitors reached three figures, before falling to Mo Patel as Shireshead were bowled out for 101 in the 31st over.




Westgate 240 for 5 v Kirkby Lonsdale 100 all out

Hackney & Leigh Cup Round 2

As the sunny weather came to an end it didn't spell the end of Westgate's runs fest season. Stand in skipper Lord had little hesitation on winning the toss to bat first. After the first over it could of read 2 for 2 and probably should of been but the Kirkby curse this year of dropping vital catches reared it ugly head again. This time it proved to be very costly as they dropped Peter Wilson on 1 and David Lord on 18. They went on to share a second wicket partnership of 168 off 18 overs. Not one of the Kirkby had an answer to the pair as they put the bad ball away and picked up singles at will. David Lord was first to go for a well crafted 67 off 64 balls including 8 fours. Peter Wilson followed in the 24th over bowled by the player who had dropped both batsmen earlier in the day. He had scored 130 off 99 balls including 17 fours & 1 six, the last 129 where chanceless.

Chasing such a large total wasn't helped by the weather that was now worsening. To Kirkby's credit they never gave up or got disheartened but in the end it just proved to much and they finished 100 all out. D Williams scored a defiant 31 and others threatened to get away with some big hits. The Westgate bowling stood firm against the Kirkby batting. Steve Creed finished with 3 for 14 and Mo Patel 2 for 6. Perhaps the unluckiest bowler on the day was Sid Gani how had a least 3 or 4 catches dropped off his bowling but still finished with 2 for 30.

Westgate would like to thank match ball sponsors Squires.


Westgate 62 for 4 Windermere 61 all out

Westmoreland Div 1 cricket league

On another sunny day at Cross Hill Park the Westgate captain Andy Hill won the toss and took the brave move to field first with only having ten fit players.
After 2 overs this looked like it may backfire with Windermere going at 5 an over with only 1 run off the bat. The Westgate opening bowlers soon realigned their sights and reduced Windermere to 15 for 3.
With Mike Park (13) and Joe Stephenson (14no) they staged a mini revival and took the score to 49 before the a end. Danny KFC Wilkinson and Mark Lightfoot used the extra bounce in the wicket with intelligence and finished with figures of 11.5-2-27-7 & 11-6-22-2 respectively. Wilkinson taking 3 wickets for no runs in his last five balls.
Westgate altered their batting order to try and give players a bat from the lower order that hadn't had much chance this year due to the top firing all season.
Jimmy Crawford the Windermere never gave up hope and bowled really well to finish on the losing side but with good figures of 8.4-3-23-4
It was left to Steve Creed who fired the Westgate innings home with 24 impressive runs, ably supported by Westgate's new keeper batsmen Aaron Pearce (14no).
He could be the missing link in the Westgate jigsaw towards a title push as they look to replace the jaded David Murphy.

Westgate would like to thank their Match ball sponsor Robert Briggs & sons(Lancaster) Ltd.


Moor Hospital 105 al out
Westgate A 106-2
Win – 15 points
An experienced second team travelled on a warm, dry day to the Royal Albert ground determined to recover their form after a poor display the previous weekend.
A wicket with many different shades of green, an outfield as dry as a desert and short boundaries, it was no shock that on winning the toss the home side opted to bat. After a poor first over it was clear that anything beating the infielders would be a four and a long day in the field beckoned. However when Saed Patel ( 3-16) took the pace of the ball, the Moor Hospital top order were deceived into playing their shots too soon as were soon struggling at 17-3. With A Thomas ( 28) riding his luck and A Beck (22), Moor were able to consolidate in the middle order, mixing their big shots with stout defence. Andy Nisbet (4-18) picked up middle order wickets at a steady rate and rolled back the years to uprooting M Becks (10) leg stump out of the ground and then repeated the trick by sending both the middle and leg stump of M Hall(10) tumbling down to fine leg, leaving home side reeling at 74-8. The Moor Hospital tail wagged and took the score into three figures before Mo Patel (2-18) mopped up the tail, ably assisted behind the stumps by Nigel Parkinson who took 4 catches. The home side were all out in the 33rd over for 105.

A watchful start from Westgate’s openers was enough to take the sting out of the still lively D Wilkinson (2-26). Dave Hannigan (9) was bowled by a short ball keeping low bringing veteran D Hughes (52*) to the crease who then took advantage of the small boundaries and the lack of a third man to showcase his text book cut shot to dishearten the home side. When Sid Gani (14) was bowled by another grubber, Mo Patel (27*) took up the run chase with Hughes. A change of bowling was to the undoing of the home side as both batters dispatched the loose bowling to great effect to the boundaries. So devastating was the stroke play that Hughes reached his half century in 40 balls, all his runs had coming in boundaries ( 10 fours and 2 sixes). The total was easily reached in the 19th over.


WCL Div 2



Bare 147-9

Westgate 109 a.o.



Bare recorded their first win of the season in their local derby against neighbours Westgate ‘A’. Batting first Frank Smith (36) & John Moller (51) ensured a competitive total in the face of accurate bowling by Saeed Patel (3 for 33) & youngster Nathan Watts (5 for 27).

At 15 for 5 in reply the Westgate innings was in tatters as Craig Alban (4 for 24) ripped through the top order. Skipper Nigel Parkinson (28) and Alan Horne (36) then lead a recovery and with Phil Webster looking good a tense finish was on the cards. Veteran Steve Bransby, Andy Sharman & Tom Smith then took two wickets each to leave Westgate 38 runs short of their total.



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Milnthorpe Taxis Trophy



Westgate ‘A’ 197-5

Holme 96 a.o.



Westgate booked their passage through to the semi final in their defence of the trophy with an emphatic win on Sunday.

Dave Hannigan with a composed 70 held the home team innings together as firstly Mo Patel (29), then Aaron Pearce (33) with support from Matt Hannigan & Liam Pearce made sure of an imposing total. Holme skipper John Varden returned figures of 1 for 24.

At 72-1 after 13 overs and Andy Macfarlene (38) and Kevin Barnes (22) in command, the game was in the balance. Mo Patel (3 for 15) and Chris Carter (3 for 13) assisted by 2 stunning catches by Aaron Pearce then took control as the visitors folded to leave Westgate winners by 101 runs.



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Westgate 149-3d

Kirkby Lonsdale 33-4



With rain forecast for the afternoon the toss would prove to be crucial, with visiting captain Colin Johnson deciding to bowl first. Playing though some light drizzle, the captain himself found the damp conditions to suit his bowling, as he bowled without any luck finishing with 0-41. Peter Wilson (21) and Dave Lord (21) both played good innings before falling to Nathan Bateson (2-61), but the first break for rain, which lost 18 overs, with the score at 51-1 after 18 overs changed the complexion of the game. After the rain Westgate captain Andrew Hill (76) soon found his feet and began to caress the ball to all parts of the ground as he hit 9 fours and a six in a magnificent innings, before he selflessly got out in the 34th over, which was to be the teams last as he declared the innings giving Kirkby Lonsdale 38 overs. Steve Creed (23 not out) also contributed with a late cameo adding 68 with his captain Hill.

The umpires must be complemented for giving their best in trying to get the most out of the conditions, however the rain would prove to have the last laugh as it simply came down too hard again putting a halt to proceedings. Kirkby had slipped to 33-4 with Peter Wilson (2-12) and Danny Wilkinson (2-16) both in fine form before the umpires rightly took the players off. The rain was not to stop for the rest of the afternoon as Westgate were left to think about what could have been as the two teams shared six points each.



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22nd May 2010
Coniston 83-10
Westgate A 86-3
Win – 15 points


A scorching out day, without a cloud in the sky was the setting for the long distance travellers of Coniston.
Winning the toss, the visitors elected to bat first, hoping to exploit a bone dry wicket and fast outfield. However it was to be the home side who gained the initial advantage as opening bowler Rob Shillitoe (5-30) removed Coniston opening batsmen in his first 2 overs to leave them struggling at 4-2. Coniston then took the game to the Westgate as Warne ( 25) and Fryer (22) took the aerial route as Westgate’s opening bowlers wilted in the heat. Adding 40 runs in 6 overs, the middle order regained control of the game and Westgate looked destined for a long day in t he field. Skipper Nigel Parkinson, changed his bowling to great effect and young prospect Matt Hanningan ( 2-8) changed the home side fortunes as Warne chipped at catch in the covers. At the other end Sid Gani ( 2-16) had Fryer caught in the deep. From an imposing position of 51-2, Coniston collapsed to 52-5. Sensing an early tea, Parkinson brought back on Shillitoe who mopped up the tail, as the Cumbrians collapsed to 83 all out in only 24 overs.
With the incentive of an early finish to bask in the sunshine of the day, Westgate set about the target in attacking fashion. M Fryer ( 2-14) took two early wickets to give hope to Coniston but the middle order pairing of Dave Hanningan (27*) and Mo Patel (35*) punished any loose bowling by Coniston and brought up victory in the 22 over.

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Bolton le Sands 120 a.o.

Westgate 121-5



Westgate entertained recently promoted Bolton le Sands and stand in skipper Mike Wolfenden decided to make use of a good batting surface by batting first having won the toss. Alan Cole (23) and Wolfenden (34) got Sands off to a steady start, however tight bowling from the luckless Peter Wilson (0-27) and the tireless Danny Wilkinson ensured the scoring rate was restricted through the innings. At 84-4 in the 33rd over, Sands had a platform to accelerate and despite a breezy innings by Mark Clarkson (17), the last four wickets fell for just two runs including a couple of excellent run outs. Danny Wilkinson (7-58) was the star of the show and bowled with great heart as he clean bowled five of his victims, bowling unchanged for 22 overs. Steve Creed took two excellent catches.

In response Westgate did not hang around, as wickets tumbled and runs were scored at a rapid pace. Mark Clarkson (2-35) proved to be fairly expensive but bowled aggressively, and took two key wickets including Peter Wilson (24) as Westgate were reduced to 37-3 with Dave Lord also retired hurt. This brought to the crease the fatigued Danny Wilkinson and the enigmatic Inzamam Tattersall who took Westgate to within touching distance of victory with a 64 run partnership in 15 overs. Wilkinson (37) decided to rest his legs and hit some powerful boundaries while Tattersall (32 not out) produced some aesthetically pleasing cuts and graceful drives. With the adrenaline pumping Tattersall was able to hit the winning runs culminating with a big fist pump to the dressing room and with only 18 overs remaining.



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9th May 2010
Milnthorpe Taxis Cup– 1st round
Westgate A : 128-10
Warton A :114-10

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Cup holders Westgate started their defence of their cup against a strong Warton team. Put into bat, the 2nds were watchful as the Warton attack bowled with pace and movement. D Whitehouse (2-11) and H Maje (3-15) kept a tight rein on the openers, Sid Gani (24) and Dave Hannigan (29). Growing in confidence the opening batsmen ran confidently and were able to increase the run rate to 4 an over. Sid departed with the score at 58 and Aaron Pearce (31) continued his fine form mixing single nurdling and powerful boundaries along with D Hannigan. At 94-3, Westgate were in a good position to set to a challenging total, but a middle and lower order collapse ended the innings in the last over at 128-10.

In their reply, Warton made a cautious start against some disciplined Westgate bowling. B Heran (46) built a steady innings but was unable to form a partnership of note with anyone as Westgate picked up regular wickets. As the wickets fell, the Cragmen started to fall behind the required rate. In the 20th over, the game was still tightly poised at 63-6 and the dangerous Heran still at the crease. It was Westgate’s fielding that turned the game in their favour as Matty Hannigan took a great catch to dismiss S Lee for 16. With bowling figures of 2-34, another catch and a run out, Hanningan had a hand in 5 Warton dismissals to give the holders the advantage. When sprightly vetran R Shillitoe ran out Nicholson for 0 and S Patel (2-23) caught and bowled Heron, Warton fell away and were defeated by 14 runs, with 2 overs to spare.



8th May 2010
Westgate A : 195-7
Ambleside :152-7
Winning Draw


On a cold blustery day, Ambleside were the visitors to Cross Hill Park. The home side won the toss and sent the Cumbrians out to field in the close to artic conditions. On a dry, hard track, Westgate overcame the loss of an early wicket and set the foundations for a challenging total. Sid Gani (40) and in form Aaron Pearce (50) put on 80 for the 2nd wicket, punishing any loose bowls by the Ambleside attack. Mo Patel (44) helped up the run rate with Pearce after the dismissal of Gani, putting on 50 the the 3rd wicket. Aaron reached his half century but then succumbed to a the clever bowling of O Wileman ( 3-40). After the loss of Pearce, Nathan Watts (23) entertained the crowd with a powerful cameo to sustain the momento. Visiting skipper H Tyson (2-39) picked up a couple of late wickets as the 2nds finished their 45 overs on 195-7.
Ambleside made a steady start to their innings with an opening stand of 30 with the impressive O Wileman (80*) dominating their batting. A Nisbet made a return to the Westgate attack after a couple of injury ravaged seasons to help frustrate the opposition and impressed with figures of 2-47 from his 16 over spell. With Westgate happy to contain instead of attacking and with 20 overs remaining, the visitors needed 115 to secure victory. Ambleside started to chase the game and Westgate responded with an impressive fielding display from their young guns. A catch on the run in the deep from Nathan Watts to dismiss Udall for 2 and a catch in the covers from Matt Hannigan dismissed I Blackburn for 9 kept the chase in check. When Craig Buchannan run out Trepton for 5 with a direct hit, the visitors put the brakes on and batted out for a draw.



Hackney & Leigh First Round
Shireshead 127a.o.
Westgate 130-8

Shireshead captain Paul Yates won the toss and decided to bat first on a fast wicket. Tom Jacques (51) provided a platform for his team mates to capitalise on in a fine attacking innings, however Westgate were always in control of the game as they managed to take wickets from the other end and reduce scoring opportunities. Danny Wilkinson (2-13) and Mark Lightfoot (3-20) bowled economically and reduced Shireshead to 86-5 after 18 overs. The acceleration to the innings never came as Peter Wilson (3-13), Andy Hill (1-19) and Steve Creed (1-23) all bowled well towards the later part of the innings, and were backed up by some sharp fielding. Paul Yates (18 not out) batted tenaciously, and as ever Phillip Oliver (13) threatened a big innings, however they had to settle for a just below par score of 127.
In response Westgate lost a couple of early wickets with Peter Wilson (20) being bowled by Phil Oliver. Steve Creed (21) and the big hitting Danny Wilkinson (17) joined Dave Lord (35) who held the innings together brilliantly, in partnerships of 46 and 27. However the batsmen gave their wickets away as I.Qayyun (2-18) and Phillip Oliver (2-21) began to turn the screw and applied pressure to the Westgate innings by taking wickets, just as the game appeared to be out their reach. Five wickets fell for just 27 runs taking the score to 126-8. There was further drama with a couple of near misses regarding run outs, but Westgate were able to just scramble home by two wickets with five overs left to spare.

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Warton 35-2 rain stopped play
Westgate Did Not Bat

Time and time again this fixture between the league’s two premier sides of the last ten years has been spoiled unfortunately by rain. On Saturday it was to fall to the same fate with the game poised nicely. Westgate captain Andy Hill won the toss and decided to bowl first with overcast conditions due for the afternoon. Tony Barrow (15) batted well early on before he fell LBW to the excellent Peter Wilson (1-8). Andy Hill accounted for a run out, bringing to the crease Simon Gould (8 not out), who played aggressively but struggled with the pace of Danny Wilkinson. It was at this point that the heavens opened and the umpires rightly brought the game to an end as a rain affected draw.

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Westgate 198-2d

Trimpell 185-9

Trimpell entertained Westgate in the first game of the season, and having won the toss the home captain, Steve Pemberton inserted Westgate on what appeared to a be a decent track. Early in the innings the ball was beating the bat and run scoring proved very difficult, however once the opening pair of skipper Andy Hill, and Peter Wilson had got over the sticky patch they began to grow in stature and confidence. After the first 7 overs or so the innings became one way traffic with Wilson (108) showing no signs of jet lag, and together with Hill (72 not out) they both began to hit some terrific shots in their contrasting styles. The pair compiled a mammoth 172 first wicket stand in 37 overs before Wilson fell in a brilliant innings which included 16 fours and 2 sixes. This stand has left Westgate historians searching the record books to see if this was the highest opening stand in the clubs illustrious history. Hill continued the free flowing approach after Wilson had gone and carried his bat before declaring his side’s innings after just 40 overs. Steve Beniston (1-40) must be complimented on a disciplined bowling spell, as must young spinner Steph Dixon (0-41) who looks to have a bright future.

With the declaration in place this gave the Trimpell batting order a sniff of victory, and with attacking fields it was set to be an entertaining second innings. Trimpell got off to a slow but steady start as they reached 56-1 at the half way stage. Mark Storey (66) played an immaculate innings having been lucky early on and was supported by keeper batsmen Mark Baldwin (35) as the pair added 80 for the second wicket in 24 overs. It was not until the 34th over that Westgate took their second wicket, and it was at this point that the game really kicked into life. Wickets were tumbling and runs were being scored as Storey rose through the gears. He got support from young Liam Pearson (19) and Pemberton as Trimpell began to think about the impossible. Mark Lightfoot (3-23), the bowler of the day, turned the game back into Westgate’s favour as he struck twice in one over, and with Peter Wilson (3-31) and Danny Wilkinson (3-54) now finding their straps, Westgate sensed victory. S.Burrow (16) provided a luscious cameo, but once he fell Trimpell were left hanging on to a deserved 4 points at 9 wickets down, with Westgate claiming 10 points.

Tower Shield

Westgate 138-7

Milnthorpe 115 a.o.

Westgate hosted Milnthorpe in the season’s opener at Cross Hill Park on Sunday. Newly appointed Westgate skipper Andy Hill won his first toss and decided to bat first. L.Illingworth (2-21) and J.Cooper (2-21) both bowled impressive opening spells finding good rhythm early on but Westgate made steady progress to 36-1 with patient innings by Andy Hill (20) and Garry Tattersall (17). With a number of key players missing it required a fine display by the middle order to get Westgate to their defendable total. Youngster Aaron Pearce (19) along with the big hitting all rounder Danny Wilkinson (31) injected some pace into the innings despite a good spell by the veteran Bob Baldwin (2-15). Wilkinson was in no mood to mess about as he smashed 3 huge sixes in a 17 ball cameo. With the platform set wicket keeper batsmen Dave Murphy took his promotion up the order well by scoring a crucial 21 not out with good lower order support from Mark Lightfoot.

In response Westgate came out the blocks with a rampant start as Milnthorpe were reduced to 45-5. Only Chris Baldwin (22) and Steve Bowman (25 not out) provided any real resistance as Danny Wilkinson (4-22) started were he had left off with the bat. Too many Milnthorpe batsmen were out to poor shots but the Westgate fielders should be complimented on a fine fielding display as they held seven catches including two absolute stunners; one from man of the moment Wilkinson and one from Stephen Creed. There were decent lower order contributions by Scott Dixon (13) and J.Naylor (12) as the visitors threatened to challenge Westgate, however tight bowling from Zak Buchanan (0-20), Mark Lightfoot (1-17), Stephen Creed (2-22) and good bowling by Andy Hill (3-16) at the death saw Westgate progress to the next round with a 23 run victory.

 

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25th April 2010
Workington 2nds : 280-7
Westgate A : 212-9

Lost
The John Scott Cup has a habit of sending the 2nds to all corners of Cumbria and with looming grey skies a developmental Westgate team set off for a long journey to Workington. Despite the horrendous flooding to the ground in the winter, Workington have done a marvellous job in restoring the ground and a flat hard wicket and fast outfield promised plenty of runs.
Attacking from ball one, the Workington openers (M Young 28 and S Benson 83) savaged the Westgate bowling attack and reached 50 in only the 7th over. A second wicket partnership of 150 between Benson and S Miller (63) broke the optimism of a young Westgate side. Rotating the bowlers enabled Westgate to stem the flow of runs but a series of dropped catches and poor ground fielding gave Workington a large total of 280-7. Rob Shillitoe (8 overs, 1 for 34) and cup specialist Jockey Wilson (5 overs, 3 for 28) were the pick of the Westgate attack.
In ever darkening skies and a dropping temperature, Westgate’s batters made a positive start to the daunting total. Impressive strokes from Dave Hannigan (12) and Khan Puffett (24) gave hope but both fell to unlucky dismissals. Their departure brought Aaron Pearce to the wicket who in a mammoth display of power strokes took the attack to Workington. Dispatching loose bowling to all parts of the ground, Aaron soon reached his 50 with a massive six over midwicket. With able support from Matty Hannigan (9) and Rob Shillitoe (13), he closed on his maiden century. Down to the final batsmen, he brought up his ton with a flick off the legs. Aaron smashed 15 fours and 2 sixes in his 103 ball century.
Westgate fell a long way short of the target on 212-9.

24th April 2010
Westgate A : 164-5
IBIS :103-10
Win – 15 points

A glorious sunny day at Cross Hill Park greeted players and spectators on the first day of the 2010 season. New 2nd team captain Nigel Parkinson won the toss and elected to bat on a flat and hard wicket.

Opening with Sid Gani (14) and Parkinson (36), Westgate made a steady start putting on 46 for the first wicket before Gani ran himself out attempting a quick single. Parkinson’s dismissal to a tired shot off Willacy (3-47) brought Dave Hannigan (46) and Aaron Pearce (36) to the crease. With the track offering little assistance to the bowlers, the middle order dynamic duo upped the run rate with a dazzling display of shots, putting on 63 for the 4th wicket. Closing on 164-5, Westgate batters had set Ibis a challenging total. D Troughton bowled with great stamina throughout the innings, his 19 overs reaping 1-52.
Injuries and 1st team calls ups depleted the Westgate bowling attack and Rob Shillitoe (16 overs, 3 for 36) and Saed Patel (14 overs, 6 for 34) weren’t able to ease their way into the new season as they bedded into long spells. Ibis made a steady start before Shillitoe dismissed two batters in one over extracting a rare bit of bounce and movement out of the unresponsive track as Pearce snaffled both with tidy catches behind the stumps. Making slow progress, Ibis batters ( M Robinson 29, M Wood 14 and B Earl 26) kept making good starts before falling to Patel’s beguiling spin varieties. Two stunning catches in the deep from Liam Pearce and Khan Puffett turned the game and as Ibis chased runs they lost lower order wickets quickly, ending on 103 all out.