PICTURES: Superb rearguard effort sees Askern Welfare defeat Hooton Pagnell

Askern Welfare's tailenders launched an extraordinary comeback to set up a 39-run win at home to Hooton Pagnell.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Jun 2016, 06:00 BST
Andrew O'Grady defends the bowling of Steve HardakerAndrew O'Grady defends the bowling of Steve Hardaker
Andrew O'Grady defends the bowling of Steve Hardaker

The Manor Way club looked set to post a very low score as four of their first eight batsmen failed to score and only Aaron Gillies (20) reached double figures.

However, number nine Andrew Lunn and number ten Reece Gibbon scored more than 100 runs between them to bump the score up to 165 all out.

Aaron Gillies plays safe for AskernAaron Gillies plays safe for Askern
Aaron Gillies plays safe for Askern
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Lunn batted superbly, ending unbeaten on 64, and was ably supported by Gibbon, who scored a valuable 39.

Hooton’s Matthew Harrison was the chief destroyer, claiming 5-27 from 14 overs. Steve Hardaker and Josh Butterton also took two wickets each.

Buoyed by their recovery, Askern set about defending the total in positive fashion as they removed both openers for just one run.

Number three Scott Exley (30) provided resistance but wickets fell at regular intervals and the visitors fell to 126 all out.

Nick Bisby in action at the creaseNick Bisby in action at the crease
Nick Bisby in action at the crease
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Sachira Madapatha (3-24), David Longley (3-29) and Lunn (2-23) all impressed with the ball.

Victory maintained Askern’s promising start in Division One of the Pontefract League. They sit fourth, with three wins from seven games.

Hatfield Town, meanwhile, secured their first league win of the season by beating Streethouse by three wickets.

James Stewart and Kevin Marshall claimed two wickets apiece when Streethouse posted 222-8.

Andy Cutts top scored with 72 in Town’s successful chase.

Openers Paul Davies (37) and Ellis Pattison (39) also made solid contributions.