Close encounter of the second time

Nerves go again as Bare entertain top of the table clash in a thriller.

After a good start to the season, the top 2 met at Cross Hill Park after a but of rain but decent track. Ambleside won the toss and elected to bowl. A good opening spell rattled the Bare openers B.Wileman with pace started the wickets tumbling. T.Schad (10) got a start but removed with a good in swinging Yorker. Again a good start from Oz (21) but caught out checking his shot. S.Dent (46) and B.Smith (37) put on a 50 partnership and proved stubborn to first change bowlers but the introduction of experienced R.Dean (2-14) swung the game again. Looking at 160-180 P.Martin (17) helped the score to 143-5 with O.Wileman (1-44) being helped by his brother to claim his only wicket. Then the devastation began as Bare collapsed with a decent tail with openers B.Wileman (4-29) and J.Taylor (3-36) doing the damaged and limiting Bare to 153 all out. After a decent Ozzie tea Bare went out in search for 15 points but the Ambleside openers were wanting a quick start with O.Wileman (11) and P.Johnson (32) getting the opposition off to a flyer. Oz (3-35) then took quick wickets to stop the flow of runs. One of them seamed to please the opposition and umpires???!!! G.Weddell (25) and G.Udall (14) both got good starts but removed by sharp catches from Cook and Moorhouse off Bhadwaj (1-21) and Albon (1-29). One of which was tactical as the captain left the field and with the field changing, surprised the batting team! A sharp run out with aid from Stu Dent left Ambleside 96-6 and set up a grandstand finish. Cook's (2-50) second spell was much tidier and fruitful but B.Wileman (21) and J.Taylor (15) came in to end the match with a few lusty shots. With bowlers finishing the spells it was up to captain Smith (1-6) to get the 9th wickets setting up a tense finish similar to last week. A few nervy moments from both teams was ended by a cracking effort from young B.McGregor (11 not out) with a cut for 4 meaning Ambleside take 12 points and go top and Bare take 3 bonus points and look to bounce back next week vs Netherfield 3s at home. Thanks to John for helping with the bar and G.Albon for scoring. No casualty tonight so Eurovision or bed???!!! Till next week, peace out :-)