Bare take the spoils in the top of the table affair

On a close afternoon at Cross Hill Park, captain Nev won the toss and chose top bat again a good looking Penrith 2s outfit. They looked even better when first ball Lucas caught off Marshall (1-10) and had a good opening spell. Butler (21) and White (21) then rallied and weather the storm but Lucas again catching off McClean (3-26) and Stamper as Penrith ripped through Bare's middle order as 51-2 became 77-5. It was left to the tail to wag as Albon (11) with the sensible batting of Bhardwaj (38) saw Bare past 100 but then for 9 as Robson (3-30) struck with good catches from Richardson, Marshall and again Stamper. Stamper (2-29) also getting a return catch and a pea roller to put Bare in danger. Cook (15) and the experienced Leamon saw Bare to 122 then Parker (1-0) finished off the innings leaving Bare with a below par score.
After a good Sharman tea Albon (1-17) started lively but at 27-1, Penrith went to steady the ship after 15 overs. After tight opening spells Nev took a good catch behind off White then 37-2 went to 55-7 with Penrith's middle order mixing bad shot selection and some outstanding cricket from Bare. Thiru (22) looked to see the game through but a fantastic caught and bowled from Cook set off the madness. Windspear (31) seemed to take it to the Bare attack getting the score to 88-7, but Cook then took 2 more great catches off White (4-45) and then went onto take his 5fer with his third bowled and ending up with 5-16 and a good all round display. A great game of cricket pulled back at the right time for Bare. 15 well needed points to put Bare second and away to Heysham 2s next week looking for back to back wins. Now to entertain the Aussie visitors before the Div 4 and 1 cup finals tomorrow at Cross Hill Park.