Lilley plundered a phenomenal 258 runs in 40 overs en route to a thumping 80 run win in their penultimate 2005 fixture against Graveley yesterday.

 

Lilley were asked to bat first at the small but perfectly formed Graveley ground, but could not have expected what would happen next.  Gareth Tompkins pulled the third ball of the day for six over mid wicket, but soon fell, caught smartly at point whilst on the cut.  Doug Tomsett and Tim Perry then set about forging the partnership that would be the backbone of the Lilley effort, piling on the runs to register their second century stand of the season, 111 runs in all on this occasion.  Tomsett played second fiddle to the classy Perry, who hit his first six of the season on his way to registering a top quality half century in quick time.  TP flew to 67 before being bowled round his legs.  His demise brough skipper James Ashby to the crease and in a minute of madness, he and Tomsett were dropped three times between them, Ashby on 0 and 1, both at long on.  Tomsett perished soon after for a gritty 26 as did Taz Qureshi for 8 having played a lazy swipe, but Ashby and Ken Hammond began another formidable partnership.  Their skipper it was who found his feet quickest, punishing some loose bowling.  He smashed three sixes in his innings, one onto and over the pavilion and one over long on off one knee which brought up his second half century in three innings.  He was eventually bowled for 64, attempting to hit out at the end and was replaced by Brad Tompkins, who carefully engineered the strike so big Ken Hammond could notch up Lilley's third half century of the innings, 58 not out, to finish Lilley's effort at 258-5, a seasons best.

 

Lilley's bowlers has runs on the board and although the wicket was getting flatter, Ken Hammond wrenched out his 41st wicket of the season early on, clean bowling Nick Cross for 5.  GT and Perry replaced Hammond and Ashby and the young South African totally outfoxed Morris and Brown, bowling both with clever deliveries.  The pair then made way for Taz Qureshi's off spin and Philo Clarke's seamers - and a wonderful display of Lilley catching.  Good pressure bowling forced a rash stroke from Boyd, who's sliced effort was wonderfully taken by a running, tumbling Stew Collinson in the covers.  Qureshi struck shortly after, this time forcing an up-ish flick to mid wicket which flew straight into the left hand of skipper Ashby just off the ground.  Clarke bagged another, bowled, before starring in the field, clinging on to a skier off Qureshi at deep mid wicket at the second attempt.  Qureshi bowled another victim and Clarke forced an edge to GT at first slip which he clung onto well as Lilley eased to victory. 

 

Time then for four overs between Craig 'Screech' Paddington and Rich Kendall, with varying degrees of success.  Paddington managed to no ball off a two yard run up.  And then, the unthinkable...he induced a false stroke, the ball ballooned in the air, three men around it.  "KENNY HAMMOND'S" was the cry as the big midlands monkey fired up his gangly legs.  He charged in, got into position and...dropped it.  In fact, he completely missed it.  Pain.  Much pain for young Paddington.  Ouch.  0-10 from his two.

 

Kendall, conversely, endured a tough time.  Just six runs from his first over and there was potential that his new spin could be a winner.  His second over, the last of the game, disappeared for 20...ouch again.  The plane to Pakistan for the winter tour will not be stopping by Graveley!

 

A massive amount of beer drunk in the bar.  Craig assured us all during the game that there was 'enough poison in a Daddy Long Legs to kill a human - it just doesn't have the stinger".  So naturally, after a few beers and given the plague of the beasts on one wall of the bar, Craig put it to the test and ate one.  In fact, he ate two.  And he's still alive, albeit with 'the squits'.  Top night, but only one match left in a great season.

 

Lilley recovered from a disastrous start to inflict a massive defeat on Totternhoe yesterday afternoon.

 

James Ashby won a fifth (and expensive) toss on the trot and elected to bat in the 40 over clash.  Lilley took the opportunity to move the order round slightly, with Stew Collinson moving up to three and Mik Carman four.  The move appeared to backfire, with Lilley slipping to an amazing 15-5 inside six overs, with GT (4), Collinson (0), Carman (0), BT (3) and Qureshi (0) all dismissed in quick time.

 

Returning opener Peter Rogers often thrives in the face of adversity however, and this was no exception.  He and big Ken Hammond set about repairing the collosal damage with a combination of clever manouvering into gaps and punishment of the bad deliveries.  In almost no time, the tide turned and by the time Rogers had edged a super wide deliver behind, he and Hammond had forged a match winning massive 120 run partnership for the sixth wicket.  Ashby and Hammond continued the Lilley run-fest, with the skipper chipping in with 28 in a partnership of 51 for the seventh wicket. 

 

JA's departure left the spotlight firmly on big Ken as he closed in on his maiden hundred in all cricket.  Tragedy struck though as Hammond chipped to point just eight runs short of three figures.  Philo Clarke departed, but Tim Perry hit some wonderful strokes late on to finish 17 not out and help Lilley post 211-9 in 40 overs.

 

The total always looked steep for Totts, especially given the arsenal at Lilley's disposal.  The old war-horse pairing of Hammond and Ashby worked so well the previous week that it was the same pair again with the new ball this week.  Hammond picked up a wicket with his sixth delivery and fifteen overs later, the match was over.  A brilliant run out from a GT throw accounted for the number three and Hammond struck twice more, LBW and one brilliant catch from GT at second slip, Totternhoe were in dire trouble.  Ashby weighed in with two wickets in an over, both leg before wicket and then picked up a third before Hammond completed an impressive all round display with his fourth and fifth wickets to finish with 5-18.  GT rounded off the match with another magical piece of fielding, running out Bignall with a direct hit from 3/4 of the way to the boundary to complete a 173 run thumping.

 

Ten man Lilley broke their duck at Bourne End with a comfortable victory after a miserly bowling performance.

 

James Ashby won his fourth toss on the trot and elected to field in a time game at overcast but warm Bourne End CG.  The years were officially rolled back, with Ashby and long time opening bowling partner Ken Hammond taking the new ball for the first time in three years.  After two hours of bowling 32 overs between them, Bourne End were 76-6!  Ashby (3-33 from 16) then gave way for Gareth Tompkins, but Hammond bowled throughout the innings, to finish with 4-41 from no less than twenty overs.

 

The day started well for Lilley.  JA's eventful first over saw GT drop a difficult chance at slip, only to grab one in the same position the very next delivery.  Opposition skipper Akhtar was then sent back to pavilion, struck on the finger by an Ashby delivery and retired hurt.  Hammond continued the carnage, picking up three quick wickets as Ashby was again out of luck - drops from Kendall and Paddington.  The skipper then picked up a couple more wickets before giving way to a pacey burst from GT. Hammond continued on his merry way, grabbing a fourth, one of two fine catches by GT from his bowling and a third in total for the innings.  Bourne End finished 112-7 from their 2 and a half hours in bat.

 

Lilley's regular opening pair of GT and Doug Tomsett was seperated with Doug unavailable, so Ashby filled the void.  The pair added 56 for the first wicket, with GT playing some sublime strokes on his way to a rapid 30, before the young South African holed out to deep mid off.

 

Pirton's destroyers-in-chief, Taz and Az, were in and out for a combined total of zero within four balls with Lilley looking in trouble.  Brad Tomkins (8) and Ashby steadied the ship, before the former toe-ended one to mid wicket.  Ashby and Hammond then batted on for eight overs, bringing Lilley within twenty runs of victory, before Ashby was out lbw for 30.  Phil Horner (8 not out) and Hammond (19 not out) then blazed the remaining runs needed in double quick time to leave Lilley victorious by five wickets with ten overs to spare.  Hoorah! 

 

Lilley completed an unusual double yesterday at sun drenched Cryselco Park by registering their second win of the season against Kempston Sports, largely thanks to a magnificent 96 from South African Gareth Tompkins.

 

Lilley skipper James Ashby defied his early season poor toss form yet again by winning his third toss on the trot ad wasted no time in electing to bat on a flat, hard deck in scorching heat.  Doug Tomsett and GT continued their fine opening partnership with another solid platform, this time puting on 96 for the first wicket.  Tomsett it was who departed first, caught, but not before he and particularly Tompkins had entertained another fine Lilley Supporters Club following with some magical strokeplay.  The Douglemeister's demise meant Taz Qureshi had chance to build on his improving performances of late and he and the young South African put on a further 54 for the second wicket.

 

The partnership and GT's sensational knock came to a shuddering and cruel halt though with 15 overs remaining.  Tompkins rocked back to pull but was done by a lack of pace.  He missed the ball and was struck on the pad infront of all three.  Umpire Stew Collinson's finger raised and GT's tremendous innings was ended, just four runs shy of his first century for Lilley.  Qureshi followed shortly after, caught for a useful 17 and Brad Tompkins (8) was the victim of a fortuitous piece of wicket keeping, edging straight into the static 'keeper's glove webbing.  Ashby prodded about for 8 before being caught off an innocuous delivery, Hammond (11) and Horner (0) were bowled trying to hit out, but Lilley's lengthy batting line up meant there were still batsmen the quality of Eyres (6 not out) and Perry (14 not out) to come out to see the final over or two out, guiding Lilley to a reasonable 218-7.

 

Lilley's bowling always looked on paper to be up to defending the total, but Ashby decided to rest batting hero Gareth Tompkins, who bagged 6 wickets here in May, from bowling duties.  Ashby and Perry opened up and Opposition skipper Tony Allbones survived a huge lbw shout in the first over against his Lilley counterpart.  It was to be a temporary reprieve however, as Allbones was bowled six overs later for 8 by the same bowler.  Perry joined in the fun with two wickets in two balls, the third Lilley bowler in two months to achieve the feat on this ground!  TP bowled the glove-less left hander Hussain before taking a return catch from a second Hussain.  Big Ken Hammond then joined in the frolics, bowling the tall opener Grint for 26.  Ashby removed Barnett, bowled off his pads and when Hammond bagged a second wicket, Kempston's chase was all but over.

 

Philo Clarke (2-21) capped three maiden overs with his first wicket, caught by Qureshi at mid off and bagged a second, caught by GT running from slip.  With the game looking safe, Ashby turned to Qureshi to skid through a few overs of spin to hurry the game on.  His first 17 balls disappeared for 39 runs to all parts, giving Kempston a glimmer of hope, however he went some way to redeeming himself with his 18th delivery, which was carted towards the deep cover boundary only to be expertly pouched on the run by the ecstatic Philo Clarke.  GT's rest was interrupted as Ashby asked the opening bat to bowl a few overs but it was the returning Tim Perry at the other end who finished the match by clean bowling Simms for a well made 64 to seal Lilley's 46 run victory.

 

Lilley ran out comfortable winners at Pirton yesterday with an impressive display of power hitting from Taz Qureshi and debutante Az Sakhi guiding the visitors home.

 

With cloud above, the scene was remarkably similar to the previous weeks toss at Simmons, and it turned out to be the same result as Lilley skipper James Ashby won the toss for the second week running and invited the home side to bat first in a time game. 

 

Both home openers started scratchily against JA and Perry, but it was a brilliant piece of fielding which accounted for opener Bright.  Having chopped the ball seemingly past gully, Bright set off on a run only for the great wall of Horner to dive brilliantly to his left to make the stop.  The ball was picked up and thrown to 'keeper Peter Rogers who eventually ran out the batsman in casual fashion.  Tim Perry then got in on the act, bowling both Little and Cree in quick succession.  The latter was struck by a ball from Perry (2-27) on the thumb immediately before, an injury which saw him make a run for the hospital after his innings to be strapped up.  Ashby (1-3) added a fourth Lilley wicket when he drew a poor stroke from opener Laskonski, the ball flying to Phil Horner at gully who completed a good catch above his head.

 

Hammond and Gareth Tompkins took over the bowling duties, but Lewis and Bidgood began playing some quality strokes to boost the Pirton score.  Skipper Bidgood had reached 51 when he smashed a ball straight in the air to deep mid wicket where Taz Qureshi completed a good catch.  Qureshi turned villain moments later, dropping a similar chance off Lewis in the same position, but Hammond ended his resistance in the next over, clean bowling him.  Cameron's brief cameo ended in similar fashion as Hammond (2-44) picked up his second wicket.  Pirton eventually closed after two and a half hours on 163-7 from 39 overs.

 

Doug Tomsett and Gareth Tompkins started the run chase for Lilley, with GT picking straight up from where he left off last week with four quick boundaries.  There was to be no ten wicket win however as Tomsett (5) soon departed, bowled by a ball which beat him for lack of pace!  Dan Timson bowled GT (18 shortly afterwards, which left Taz Qureshi and new player Az Sakhi at the crease.  Az had attended many nets during the winter and shown tremendous power, but the watching Lilley faithful wondered whether he could transfer it onto the match stage.  After a quiet start, any lingering doubts disappeared with the ball out of the ground as Az nailed two absolutely huge straight sixes, one at each end.  He went on to notch a very useful debut score of 36 from just 25 deliveries before being bowled by Smith.  Meanwhile at the other end, Taz had joined in the fun with a straight six of his own, and the pairs exploits meant there were dozens of gaps in the field for Taz and Peter Rogers to ease the ball into.  Sadly for Rogers, just two balls into his return game, he was yorked for a duck.  Rogers' loss was Brad Tompkins gain, as the South African worked the ball around with Qureshi, who had begun batting in a far more mature manner.  Qureshi eased his way to his first half century of the season and moved to 64, before skying a catch to long on, attempting to hit the remaining six runs Lilley needed to win with one meaty blow.  Halal, of course.  Qureshi's fine knock of 64 came in just 54 balls and when Brad Tompkins (24*) hit the winning boundary for Lilley to seal a five wicket win, there were still ten overs and four balls remaining.

 

 

Lilley crumbled to a fourth straight defeat at the hands of bus drivers in sweltering Bedford yesterday, despite a late rally from Philo Clarke and Mik Carman.

 

Lilley skipper James Ashby's appalling year with the coin continued as he lost his sixth toss out of seven and Lilley were forced to bowl in temperatures of over 35 degrees at pretty Bedford Park.  With no Gareth Tompkins and Ashby carrying an injury, new ball duties were passed to Tim Perry and Philo Clarke.  Perry bowled some searing early innings deliveries and it was no surprise when he bowled Younis for 1.  He added to his tally when he drew a poor drive from Sapdar which dropped straight to Mik Carman at deep mid off and when Ashby, bowling off five yards, had Sampson trapped lbw, things looked rosy.  The game took a sour turn shortly after, when former UCB Captain Auty was involved in an altercation with Lilley skipper Ashby, a moment which led to some heated exchanges throughout the afternoon.  Ken Hammond calmed things down by clean bowling Auty moments later to add to his earlier wicket of Shah for 29. 

 

With Lilley a bowler light, JA turned to Rich Kendall for a few overs.  He responded perfectly, bowling some testing early deliveries, before finally nabbing his first wicket ever with a perfect yorker to dismiss Hardwick.  A caught and bowled and then a skied catch to Taz Qureshi behind the stumps gave Kendall his 2nd and 3rd wickets before the UCB tail got stuck in  and sent the fledgling bowler to all parts.  At the end of a five over burst, Rich had bagged 3-31.  Hammond returned to finish proceedings, UCB all out for 161 and Hammond an impressive 3-11 from 6.3 overs to his name.

 

The bad blood continued to flow as UCB decided that they would start Lilley's innings with another new ball (?!) but Taz Qureshi made light work of the UCB bowling early on as he raced to 20 before being bowled by A. Shah.  Perry managed just 5 before he was caught off the bowling of the portly Farley.  Ashby and Doug Tomsett then put on 25 for the third wicket before the opener smashed one to Cliff Dixon in the covers, gone for 19.  Ashby was caught at wide slip moments later for 16 and when Hammond (1) produced the sort of rash stroke that Lilley didn't need, things looked bleak.  A good stand of 32 between Philo Clarke and Phil Horner (11) looked to swing the game back Lilley's way, however.  Horner was given out LBW to end the 32 run stand though and Paddington (4) and Kendall (0) made revolving door appearances as Philo looked on helplessly from the non-strikers end.  Stew Collinson did not appear at number eight as he had been taken ill with heat stroke during the afternoon which meant Mik Carman was promoted up the order.  He duly spanked his second delivery back over the bowlers head for six and it was game on, with Lilley less than fifty from victory.  The partnership looked to be swinging the game Lilley's way until, having put on 35 for the ninth wicket, Mik Carman was caught at fly slip for 21.  With Lilley within touching distance of a win, Stew Collinson defied the medics by strapping his pads on and making his way out to the crease, despite being extremely unwell.  The Dragon had the Lilley faithful in raptures as he slashed at a delivery from Shah which flew to the third man boundary, but a single which brought Philo back onto strike proved to be the last action for the Dragon.  Clarke (26), attempting to finish the game off, drove at Shah, but could only find the fielder at deep mid off to end the Lilley run chase just eight runs short. 

 

Hot, hot, hot.  Sadly, the little turnip ex Captain who tried to ruin the afternoon for everyone may have just sealed the fate of any future fixtures between Lilley and the Bus outfit.  Roll on Simmons next week!

 

Lilley crashed to their second defeat on the trot after Dev Wolley's third consecutive match winning innings thwarted the Lilley bowlers again.

 

JA lost the toss yet again and Lilley were asked to bat on a fine track at Hitchin Town CG.  Doug T and Gareth Tompkins set off in fine fashion, puting on 52 for the first wicket, before Tomsett was bowled by the wiley Smart.

 

Perry followed moments later for a duck and Brad Tomkins (2) was right behind.  Skipper Ashby and GT steadied the ship, with the young South African notching his second half century of the year.  Tompkins demise for 55 brought Hammond to the crease, and he smote a quick 20 before being bowled by the veteran Robbie Parry.

 

Parry, having earlier got GT, nabbed his third victim when he had Ashby stumped for 28.  Qureshi smacked a quickfire 23 before falling to spinner Mcgarry.  The two Phils (there's a tv programme there somewhere) departed in the name of the team with not a lot to show for it, but it cleared the way for a Collinson/Paddington duel, which left them 6 and 5 not out respectively come the end of the Lilley timed innings of 188-8.

 

Lilley's bowlers had something to bowl at, and when GT dismissed opener Cooke for nought having previously broken his bat with a full delivery, things looked good.  The next wicket however fell at 135, as Lilley's bowlers were made to toil by Wolley (101 not out) and Isaac (64).  Drops from Hammond and Brad Tompkins were probably too late in the day, as Lilley's pace five failed for the second year at Hitchin's batsman's paradise.

 

Knebworth eventually ran out winners by eight wickets, although there was time for two fine deliveries by Stew Collinson and several beers afterwards with the home side.

 

Lilley crashed to their first defeat of 2005 at the hands of Bamville in a see-saw contest in Harpenden.

 

Lilley skipper Ashby won his first toss of the year and chose to bat on a reasonable looking track.  Tomsett was sent packing early on, bowled round his legs for 0, but GT and Perry batted well to restore Lilley pride with a 35 run partnership.  The young Vice Captain perished for 29 though, also bowled and BT (6) and Qureshi (0) followed suit.  Ken Hammond and Ashby then steadied the Lilley ship with a 42 run partnership, but the skippers untimely demise, brilliantly caught by the diving 'keeper, looked to have Lilley in real problems.  The strong lower order kicked in though and despite Hammond's dismissal for 34, Phil Horner continued with a violent assault on the home bowling, finishing with 18 not out in Lilley's 159.  There was still time even for a Paddington cameo of 11, which came after the specialist fielder had been caught first ball - off a head high beamer!

 

159 wasn't enough, but it was something for the bowlers to defend.  GT and Ashby opened up and were unlucky not to pick up more than they did.  Tompkins bagged the wicket of Brahmbatt, strangled down the leg side to 'keeper Qureshi.  Hammond and Perry were introduced into the attack and the Midland Mainline, off a two yard run up having tweaked a hamstring batting, was impressive.  He finished with 3-17 from his eight overs, and how Lilley could have done with another of him!  Fifth bowler Philo Clarke, who was bowling for the first time since September, found the going tough, going for 60 in eight overs.  Lilley's destroyer-in-chief was...well, was themselves!  Six catches went down, almost matching Bamville's eight, in a day of cricketing calamity.  In-spite of Tim Perry's excellent second spell, the game was slipping away from Lilley as runs were being leaked and catches were going down.  At one point, there was even a double drop, as Qureshi spilled a chance off Ashby into the path of Hammond who also fumbled and dropped.  'Cha-ching' squeeled Tomsett.

 

The sad end came in the very last over, as Bamville squeezed the five runs needed for victory from Gareth Tompkins first three deliveries.

 

Harsh words on the pitch aplenty, it was good to see all parties enjoying a friendly beer after the game.  In the end, it was an exciting contest - the home crowd were wild with ecstasy as the winning runs were scored - and a defeat for Lilley.  Now on to Knebworth Blues... 

 

The Cape Town Express pulled into Kempston yesterday afternoon and wiped out all before it, as Gareth Tompkins enjoyed a day of cricketing excellence in the Cryselco Park sunshine.

 

Skipper James Ashby continued his 100% start to the season by losing the toss yet again, which looked like a terrible stroke of luck on a rock hard flat track.  Fortunately for the away side, home skipper Tony Allbones put Lilley into bat, knowing he had a frail look to his own batting line up.

 

Doug Tomsett and Gareth Tompkins resumed their opening partnership and got Lilley off to the sort of start you dream of.  Fellow Lilley players and the seven strong supporters club were pinching themselves and, by the time Doug Tomsett had been bowled for 15, the pair had put on 86 runs in 52 minutes (13 overs).  Tomsett was content to keep the board ticking and the strike rotating as GT at the other end had dropped into sublime form almost immediately.  The young South African had a huge slice of luck in the second over when he skied a delivery from Allbones, only to see the chance spilled at mid-wicket.  The home side paid a heavy price for the missed chance, as GT weighed in with thirteen boundaries on his way to a 35 minute half century, his first for the club.  There was nowhere to bowl that was safe, as the Vice Captain drove, pulled, glanced and cut with aplomb.

 

The exit of Tomsett brought newly promoted Stew Collinson in, but he lasted just three deliveries before registering Lilley's first (and surely not last) duck of the year.  Ashby followed soon after for one, adjudged lbw to Allbones by umpire Qureshi, in his last appearance for the club (he doesn't know that yet).

 

Brother Brad joined Gareth at the crease, but it was a brief brotherly pairing as GT finally was caught for 65.  The dream start was looking a tad wobbly at this point, with Lilley flying to 110 in 15 overs - but losing 4 wickets.  No need to worry, the old hand Ken Hammond strode to the crease like a warrior of old.  The former Chairman began knocking the ball around nicely and despite the loss of Brad Tompkins for 13, he was joined by Taz Qureshi who picked up where BT left off.  Nine fours and a towering six later, Ken had registered Lilley's second fifty of the year, ably supported by Taz (15) and Horner (8), who were both content with the anchor role.  The big man finally was bowled by Taylor, who endured a tough afternoon going for 48 runs from 6 overs.  Craig Paddington could not capitalise on the good track, however his single run was enough to draw him level with his total number of runs scored in 2004 - 9!  Still time for a Steve Eyres cameo and the big man nailed the shot of the day, a sumptuous cover drive for four, signing Lilley off at 229-9 from 40 overs.

 

Ken Hammond and James Ashby are the only two men in the last ten years to take 5 wickets and score a half century in the same match, but those of us who have seen GT over the last two years know that he more than has the ability.  It was crazy that he had never managed a fifty before today, a ridiculous stat that was only beaten by his previous best bowling haul...3-4!  It was a day for puting records straight though.

 

Ashby and GT opened up with the 'new' ball and ten overs later, the home side were staring down the barrel at 35-6.  Tompkins was out of the blocks like, well, like a man who had just got his first fifty.  Taz Qureshi, in his last appearance for Lilley, dropped opener Hussain off the skipper's bowling.  GT began cleaning up though and dismissed three of the top four, all clean bowled, in quick time.  Ashby, some way from his best, still managed to pick up two wickets in successive balls at the other end.  Indeed both bowlers were on hat-tricks at one point, both hat-trick balls were faced by Neil Kirkup and both he survived.  GT soon ended his resistance however, bowled off an inside edge.

 

The Cape Town Express continued to steam in from the pavilion end and GT completed the brilliant feat of '50 and 5' by bowling Simms.  Ashby was replaced by Hammond and again, although way off his best, he picked up two wickets.  GT completed his days work by bowling Taylor. The end result: eight overs, one maiden, 6 for 26.

 

Hammond wrapped up the innings, bowling Tony Allbones for 35, leaving Kemspton 94 all out and Lilley winners by 135 runs.  The teams come head to head again on July 17th.

 

Lilley's 2005 campaign started in thrilling fashion with a hard fought win against plucky ASPCC.

 

Lilley skipper James Ashby lost his first toss of the season and Lilley were put into bat on a wet but firm track in the pretty village of Aspenden.  New Vice Captain Gareth Tompkins remained at the top of the order and opened with Doug 'Nurdlemeister' Tomsett, instantly making an impact with two boundaries.  The ball proved difficult to time off the slower bowlers however and he soon miscued to Strange in the covers on 13, leaving Lilley 18-1.  Moments later he was joined by his opening partner as Doug attempted a sweep across the line to a full toss, only to guide the ball gently to square leg for 3.

 

Tim Perry and Ashby (19) then steadied the ship in the face of some tight bowling and put on 48 for the third wicket before the Captain perished, flicking a full toss straight to opposition Captain Potter at square leg.  TP continued to bat with some fluency and looked good for a half century until he was bowled for 38 by Potter (3-21).  Lilley were suffering, with rain and even hail stopping play intermittently.

 

Lilley slipped from 90-2 to 109-8 with a flurry of middle order batsmen being dismissed including Brad Tompkins for 10, Ken Hammond for 7, Taz Qureshi for 4 and the new slimline Phil Horner for 6. 

 

With Craig 'Harry Potter' Paddington now sporting the glasses which have so transformed his batting, Lilley need not have worried.  Paddy's first delivery faced of the season saw him skip some eight yards down the track and drive the ball with authority to mid on - this Paddington is a new beast.  Off the mark with a single, Paddington then creamed a boundary straight back past the bowler, much to the delight of a superb Lilley following in the pavilion.  Stew Collinson could only admire from the far end.  Until he got on strike.  Two singles to get him loose before absolutely nailing the last ball of Strange's over back over the bowler's head for six.  Paddington unluckily was bowled shortly after for 8, but Kendall came in and ably supported the on-fire Collinson, who cleverly cut, dabbed and drove his way to an unbeaten 22 and guided Lilley to the defendable shores of 143-9 in their 40 overs.

 

Ashby and Perry opened up in Lilley's defence of 143 with the 'new' ball and it was TP who snatched the early wicket of Finnie, bowled off an inside edge.  Hammond replaced Ashby after five overs and immediately took effect, grabbing tow wickets in two balls.  The first, a smart caught and bowled was matched and indeed beaten in quality with the wicket of Devonshire, caught superbly, low to second slip Gareth Tompkins left hand side.  Hammond then bowled Potter for six on his way to reeling off five maidens on the trot to complete figures of 8 overs, 5 maidens, 3 wickets for 7 runs.  Perry (2-18) again was in on the act shortly after at the other end, dismissing Lindsey Junior courtesy of a flying catch at short cover from Stew Collinson, who was having one of those days!

 

However Booth (35) and Strange (40*) started to dig in and settle, and things looked ominous for Lilley as they began milking Qureshi's bowling.  Taz bagged his first wicket of the year though when he bowled Booth and added M. Pankhurst for a duck to his tally, but Strange began working GT and Qureshi to the boundary as the home side closed to within 20 runs of victory.  With Taz (2-43) going for 43 off 7 overs and GT 38 off 5, the skipper turned to himself for a last throw of the dice.  He duly bowled Lindsey Senior (10), leaving the in-form Strange with only one partner in Hampton.  Ashby (2-23) then bent back the tail enders leg stump with the final ball of his seventh over, leaving Lilley winners by 13 runs.