Everards County League: Thorpe fall just short against Uppingham

Hosting Uppingham, Thorpe were looking to enhance their position in Division One, but the visitors raced to 48 off eight overs after Thorpe won the toss and asked their opponents to bat first.

But the introduction of the experienced Tim Hirst and the pace of Myles Hickman curbed the run rate and reduced Uppingham to 83-3 off 17 overs.

Mark Cox was then dropped second ball on 0 and made the home attack pay by steadying the innings as wickets continued to fall around him.

At 175-8 off 37 overs Thorpe sensed a score below 200, but in strode Ashwin who hit the ball to all parts to score a quickfire 50.

He was out on the last ball of the innings as Uppingham posted 239 which, with the aid of eight dropped catches, was 40 runs more than it should have been.

In reply Thorpe lost openers Carnell and Read cheaply, but Sam Pollard and Hickman put on a partnership of 120 runs in 28 overs before the former was out for 47.

Hickman then took total control, and knowing Thorpe needed nine an over from the last 12 overs, he smashed the ball around to leave the hosts needing 10 off the last over.

But it was not to be as Thorpe finished four runs short with Hickman hitting a superb chanceless 139 not out.

Uppingham also dropped eight catches in what proved to be the main problem for both sides.

Thorpe picked up 15 points and Uppingham 14 from a very exciting game.

Thorpe travel to bottom side Broomleys on Saturday looking to continue their good form and with high hopes as players availability continues to improve.

Uppingham: 239-9.

Bowling: M. Starkey 7-0-38-0; G. Exton 2-0-22-0; T. Hirst 12-0-71-4; M. Hickman 12-0-53-2; K. Miller 12-1-48-3.

Thorpe: M. Carnell 6, C. Read 1, S. Pollard 47, M. Hickman 139*, K. Miller 6, T. Hirst 11, R. Randall 7*, Extras 19. Total: 236-5.