Booth 2^nd XI recorded their second ten point win in a row this last Saturday against Sowerby at Broadfold Park. Booth batted first but were soon under pressure with Matthew Lumb being bowled by Schofield for a duck. Mark Johnstone and Tony Highley, making his return to the team, started the runs flowing. Johnstone powered his way to 51, with 12 fours, before being snapped up at first slip. The wicket of Johnstone then saw the start of a mini collapse. Highley (25), Nige Horsfall, Wajid and Patrick Thomas were all back in the pavilion leaving the score on 96/6.

Skipper Neil Thomas and Gavin O’Brien then built another partnership, based mainly around boundaries rather than nicking quick singles! One particular pulled six from O’Brien appeared to be more half volley length rather than short of a length! O’Brien was then removed caught and bowled, very shortly followed by Dave Oliver for a golden duck.

At this time, with the score nearing the elusive 180 rain started to affect proceedings, with a short break required to put the covers on and straight off again. The skipper and Chris Greenwood went back out to try and score the necessary runs for full batting points. A leg glanced four by Greenwood got Booth within 3 runs. However, trying to repeat the shot next ball saw a leading edge hit him straight in the Adam’s apple. Josh Oliver went out to battle against the opening bowlers but eventually departed after elegantly leaving a straight ball! Greenwood then returned to action, flicking a four off his legs and not getting out to leave Booth on 183, Neil Thomas ending up on 35 not out.

The 2^nd innings started well for Booth and carried on for most of the rest of the afternoon. A highly pumped up Nigel Horsfall, coming in up the hill, bowled with real speed and accuracy claiming the first four wickets, probably the most satisfying being Bell caught by wicketkeeper Thomas off a sharp rising delivery. At the other end Patrick Thomas bowled tightly and deserved reward for making the batsmen play at nearly every delivery.

Thomas was then replaced by Dave Oliver after 6 overs. The change brought immediate rewards with Hyde being given out LBW. This brought Manning to the crease for Sowerby. To say he had irked the Booth players during their innings with his constant comments would be an understatement and the Booth fielders soon started to let him know he had to back his words up with actions in the middle. His arrival also saw Horsfall gain a second wind, but it was a brilliant piece of fielding by O’Brien that saw him depart early for four, run out.

Sowerby attempted a mini revival with captain Gowland and Baxter putting together a brave partnership. They were more than willing to get into line with Horsfall’s deliveries and put away anything that veered in line or length. However, Horsfall changed his angle, coming around the wicket to have Gowland caught by Patrick Thomas at slip, for a five-for. The remaining wickets were taken by Dave Oliver who finished with four. Another successful weekend for Booth 2^nd XI and more wins are vital, starting next week against Southowram.