Melbourne defeated by Stillingfleet

By Ruth Steels

Melbourne 155-5, Stillingfleet 156-2

With the Stillingfleet pitch still unfit for play in the 5th week of the season Stillingfleet were eager to take up Melbourne offer of a switch of pitches as Stillingfleet had up to the point not seen a ball bowled this year. After a delayed start to allow the wet wicket to dry Melbourne won the toss and elected to bat with Malcolm Harrison and Alex Barlow at the crease. The two started off steady looking for the loose ball until Harrison [9] was bowled by Woodfine in the 5th over, Barlow after making 10 was on his way back to the pavilion in the 7th over after being caught by the keeper off the bowling of Woodfine and leaving Melbourne on a worrying 24 for 2. Oliver Steels batting with Will Nicholson remained focused and the two added another 29 to the board before Steels was bowled by Beilby. Nicholson after making a good 31 became Woodfines 3rd victim in the 20th over. Andy Wilson found his form of previous years and along with Brian Underwood the two added another 22 before Underwood [12] was bowled by Beilby. Andy Wilson was joined by Nick Boyd and the two played some excellent cricket frustrating the Stillingfleet bowlers when in the ensuing 8 overs they added a further 65 runs to bring a total of 155, Wilson finishing on 39* and Boyd 30*
Stillingfleet bowling: C Woodfine 10-1-36-3, R Bielby 10-0-37-2
In reply Stillingfleet made a good start easily finding the boundaries Muirhead and Corfield seemed unstioppable, however Brian Underwood put paid to this when he caught and bowled Corfield [33] in the 11th over. With Stillinglfeet on 104 Muirhead was finally dismissed in the 17th over after having made 63. Thomson and Johnson continued where the other two left off quickly reaching the required total in the 23rd over. Thomson making 9* and Johnson 39*
Melbourne bowling: A Wilson 4-0-23-1, B Underwood 6-0-32-1
Many thanks to the match ball sponsor - Pocklington Window Centre. Next week sees Melbourne at home to York in the first round of the Scothern Cup