Fossils beaten in close contest

6:30pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

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THE Fossils lost a close game against a Ray Julian XI by two runs with two balls remaining.

The former Leicestershire wicketkeeper and umpire brought his team to the county for a friendly clash.

Batting first, Julian’s side had a poor start as John Reynolds clean bowled Dave Munden for a duck with his third ball and then did the same to Fred Foulds with his 10th delivery.

Peter Tudge accounted for Mike Gibson, leaving the visitors on 10-3 after four overs.

Jim Lee (17) and Roger Tolchard (30) then fought to rebuild the innings.

Tony Neel (2-20) got in the act by cleaning up Lee and then Alan Atherton for eight.

Jim Harrop (30 not out) joined Tolchard in a slow but useful stand to take the Leicester visitors to 123-6 after 35 overs.

Barry Briscoe (16) and Kevin Gilbert (33) crashed 60 quick runs to give the Fossils what looked like an easy victory.

Liz Dean (32no) batted well and hit the ball to all corners of the ground, but wickets kept falling at the other end.

Mike Gibson (3-21) did most of the damage but panic set in as the Fossils tail-enders hit out and fell to three good catches.

Tudge did his best to farm the bowling to Dean, but one pull too many resulted in him being caught, with two runs needed off two balls.

A cheque for £50 was sent to Acorns Children’s Hospice following a raffle after the match.

Budding cricketers can take part in a week-long workshop with ECB qualified coaches.

Sessions for youngsters aged between six and 11 take place at Droitwich Spa Cricket Club from August 4 to 8.

For more details, call 01905-795445.