York toppled in Joe Lumb Under-17s competition (From York Press)

York toppled in Joe Lumb Under-17s competition

11:44am Saturday 3rd September 2011 in Junior cricket

TOP young players from the York & District Senior Cricket League narowly failed in their bid for back-to-back victories in the Joe Lumb Under-17s competition.

York went down by two wickets in a thrilling low-scoring final against the North Yorkshire and South Durham League at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors won the toss and put skipper Tom Collins’ York side into bat on a difficult wicket, which was coupled with a damp and sluggish outfield.

Batting was difficult and in the fourth over Andrew Simpson was caught behind, and a run out plus the dismissal of Collins left the hosts 37-3 after 15 overs.

A promising stand of 30 between Ryan Partington and Oliver Sherwood was halted by the loss of Partington for 21.

Disaster struck in the 30th over when Sherwood was bowled for 38 and then two more wickets fell for four runs, leaving York 80-7.

Some big hitting from Josh Cruise brought him 28 runs but he ran out of partners as the innings closed on 123 with five overs unused.

The North Yorks reply was sedate as they inched to 13 off ten overs and they were 44-3 after 21 overs following a smart stumping by ’keeper Dan Barrett off Oliver Gilbank, a run out and a wicket for Collins.

Spinners Andrew Simpson and Karl Carver kept the scoring under control as North Yorks rode their luck en route to 84-4 with 15 overs left.

Cruise then took three wickets in the third over of his second spell to have the visitors wobbling at 121-8 before one lusty blow settled the contest.

York manager Kevin Ambrosen praised the side for reaching the final for the second time in succession, adding: “Credit to all players for some fine performances along the way.”

A presentation night for the Joe Lumb side and the York Lord’s Taverners U11s, U13s and U15s will be held at Pike Hills Golf Club on Friday, September 16, at 7.30pm.