Wickets, Sunshine and 20 Points – Rasen 1sts Off and Running

Scorecard

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Market Rasen Town Cricket Club 1st XI’s Lincs League 2 campaign got off to the best possible start as Nettleham 2nds were brushed aside on an unseasonably warm afternoon at Rase Park. Relegated into Division Two in 2010, Nettleham got off to false start last week; losing to Haxey and their talented, but young, line-up were unable to make much of an impression on a clinical Rasen performance.

The balmy weather brought out a bumper crowd and the home supporters were treated to a dominating performance by the men in green. Close-season signing, Graeme Bell, took the new ball from the River Rase end and started the season with an anguished, but unsuccessful, LBW appeal against Dave Lea. This was the precursor to a hostile and accurate spell from Bell that would see him take 1 for 8 from seven overs. Will Bradford took the new cherry from the Gallamore Lane end and having loosened up with a leg stump half volley, that Mark Thornton clipped for one, Lea found his stumps splayed by a Jaffa and Rasen were up and running.

Will Bradford

Bradford’s second over saw the stumps spread again, this time Thornton perishing, playing on as he tried to cut a ball that was too straight for the shot. With Nettleham 4 for 2, shaggy-haired youngster Joe Naughton set about repairing the damage. Unafraid to play his shots, Naughton needed some luck to get going, but he was rewarded for his confidence with a string of boundaries and Bradford came in for some punishment. Naughton was particularly strong on his legs; his strong wrists flicking anything even remotely short into the on-side. It wasn’t until he was joined by Alex Willerton that he was joined by a batsman able to master the conditions and Rasen’s new-ball attack. Willerton showed some glimpses of class, particularly with his straight driving, but with the young pair keen to cash in on anything loose it was not surprising when Karl Bierlein – on for his first bowl of the summer – castled the left-handed Willerton on the stroke of drinks for 14. The fourth wicket pair had added 30 in 8 overs, but Bierlein’s breakthrough left Nettleham a perilous 47 for 4 after 15 overs.

With their tails up from the wicket before the drinks break an invigorated Karl Bierlein quickly picked up two more scalps in the overs following the break. Naughton was the first to go, caught and bowled for an aggressive 27. Nettleham Skipper, Martin Strawson, also prodded back to Bierlein in his next over and then Danny Lea fell to a slick catch by Ian Williams at first slip off the bowling of Gary Bierlein Rasen had reduced their opponents to 53 for 8 and a swift denouement seemed certain. However, Rasen had figured without the red-cloth cap, and broad bat, of Chris Dobbs who set about righting the innings with a mixture of idiosyncratic clips to leg and some cover drives which were far more pleasing to the eye.

The ninth wicket pair had put on 29 before Will Bradford was brought back into the attack and his impact was instant, prompting Dobbs’ partner to pop a catch up to Luke Richards at point. There was still time for Jack Neil to clear his front leg and cleanly smite a delivery from Karl Bierlein into the River Rase; however, this was simply the tail raging against the dying of the light. Bradford dismissed Dobbs for a determined 21 in the 32nd over to end the innings with Nettleham on 90. Bradford had led the way for the home side with 4 for 29 from 8.1 overs, backed up by Karl Bierlein (3 for 31 from 9 overs), Gary Bierlein (2 for 19 from 8 overs) and Graeme Bell.

The Brain Trust at Tea

Rasen’s reply began rapidly, with Graeme Bell and Jon Stephenson putting on 24 before they saw the need to take a single, in the fourth over. Bell was particularly keen to crack on, unfurling a number of crunching drives through the off-side, whilst Stephenson (27 not out) was more than happy to wait for the short ball and punish it. After six overs, Rasen had 48 on the board already and, the odd Jaffa excepted, the Nettleham was looking understandably ragged.

Determined not to go down without a fight, Strawson got his reward in the seventh over, as Bell played on, looking to smear the ball over deep mid-wicket. The all-rounder’s brisk cameo of 27 contained 6 fours, as well as a ‘2’ and a solitary single. George Fussey, making his 1st XI debut, carried on in the same vein, pulling and cutting two fours in his first couple of overs. Unfortunately the Lincs U16 batsman’s afternoon was cut short as Stephenson called for a sharp single that was, by the time both players had ‘ummed’ and ‘aahed’, simply not there. The brief flurry of wickets left Rasen 64 for 2 and lifted Nettleham’s spirits; however these were crushed mercilessly by Ian Williams, whose brutal cameo of 22 not out sealed the deal for the home side. Williams put the icing on the cake with a straight six that scattered the veterans watching at the long-off boundary.

One match does not make a summer and Nettleham’s team was talented, but rather young for this level, but if Rasen can turn in consistent performances in the same vein this summer then they must surely have a good chance of being in the frame for promotion.

A crowd! At Rase Park!

Captain Bunn Leads Rasen to Victory

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West Halton Lane was the venue for Market Rasen Town Cricket Club’s 1st XI as their promotion push continued against Alkborough 2nds. Lying second in Division 2, four points ahead of Grimsby Town 2nds with only six games to play, Rasen ventured out onto the Isle of Axholme knowing that only maximum points would do. Their task was made harder by the absence of four regulars including; Ian Williams and Gary Bierlein who have been the mainstay of Rasen’s batting this season and Karl Bierlein, the division’s leading wicket taker. However, having drafted in some experience for the occasion (your correspondent excepted), Rasen’s enthusiasm was undimmed as the confidence provided by their last two bowling performances continued to run through the team.

With the rain ‘mizzling’ as the players arrived and covers still on it was immediately clear that it would be a vital toss to win and Rasen’s skipper, Simon Bunn, again found himself calling correctly and lost little time in offering Alkborough the opportunity to bat first.

Bunn took the first over and his teammates were unable to prise the ball from his hand as he turned in a remarkable spell of 20.3 overs, unchanged up the hill, to take 7 for 40. He had the batsmen in trouble from the off, getting the ball to seam and swing and Alkborough’s openers were reduced to fighting for survival. At the other end Dan Norburn backed his skipper up, tearing down the hill to deliver some fine swing bowling and keeping things tight.

With pressure at both ends, Jenkins essayed one drive too many and found himself cleaned up by Bunn at the start of the 5th over. Rasen’s skipper then sent Balderson Snr on his way in the same over, trapped LBW to reduce the home side to 9 for 2. Norburn then got in on the action, inducing two edges straight to a narrow gully, where Richley pulled off his best Andy ‘Chippy’ Clay impersonation to pouch both and further worsen Alkborough’s dire position. Tom Corden replaced Norburn at the top end and the youngster bowled an excellent spell. He should have picked up a wicket or two, as excellent line and length induced edges as well as beating the batsmen on a number of occasions.

Neil Gray was the only Alkborough batsman to appear capable of living with Rasen’s attack, playing with the soft hands that the conditions demanded and content to take runs where he could whilst he waited for the few bad balls that came along. He could only watch from the other end as his hard work was undone by the tireless Bunn, who snaffled the next three wickets to catches from Stephenson, Corden and Atkinson to reduce the home side to 89 for 7 from 35 overs.

Whilst Bunn had chugged tirelessly up the hill, the bowling at the other end, Corden and Norburn excepted, threatened to offer Alkborough a way back into the game as a range of full tosses and long hops were served up from Luke and Dean Richards that Alkborough fell on with glee as they veritably roared past 100. It was the return of Norburn that saw any fears that Rasen may have harboured laid to rest, as he ended Gray’s vigil, dismissing the opener LBW for a painstaking 46. Bunn cleaned up the tail in the next over to dismiss Alkborough for 121 in the 41st over.

Rasen’s reply was clinical and controlled, as Jon Stephenson (42) and Dean Richards (46) initially dug in and waited for anything loose, which they despatched with authority. As one might expect, Alkborough’s veteran seamer Russ Kirman led the way for the home side, giving little away and he was well supported by Jenkins, as they both caused the batsmen some initial trouble. However, with both batsmen setting themselves and proving comfortable putting the bad ball away Alkborough had to ring the changes, at which point Stephenson and Richards, in particular, cut loose.

Both players were particularly harsh on the spin of O. Kirman, who bravely continued to give the ball plenty of air, but was punished for it on this occasion; one on-drive from Stephenson being particularly delightful. Richards found the pace of S. Leek more to his liking as his favourite cut shot was fed regularly and the pair had put on 93 for the first wicket in 22 overs, before Richards was caught behind. Leek changed his angle of attack to the left-handed Richards, coming round the wicket, and got his reward immediately with an edge through to the ‘keeper. Stephenson then holed out to mid-on in the same over to cause a palpitation or two in the Rasen ranks. However,
Tom Corden was joined by Rob Jeffrey (18*) and the pair put Rasen back on course. A tight run-out decision left Corden back in the pavilion, a little bemused, but Rasen stuck to their task and cantered over the line in the 31st over to win by seven wickets.

Meanwhile at Rase Park….

Scorecard

A reduced Rasen 2nd XI under the leadership of Shaun French, and inspired by Jonny Purkiss, stormed to an excellent four wicket win over fellow mid-table side, Morton. French won the toss and the Rasen attack, led by Purkiss’ 5 for 32, never let Morton get away and build the total they would have wanted. Purkiss was backed up by some fine fielding as well as keen bowling at the other end, particularly from Paul Bett (3 for 34). With Aaron Wells and George Fussey also turning in searching spells with the leather Morton were dismissed for 166 in only the 38th over.

With 51 overs to chase down the target Rasen’s openers might have been expected to take their time, but George Fussey (30) and Aaron Wells (29) attacked from the off, flaying the ball to all parts of Rase Park, putting on 47 in only 8 overs. The demise of Wells and Shaun French with the score on 68 put the game back in the melting pot, only for Rob Chamberlin (25) and Jonny Purkiss (61*) to put on 66 for the fourth wicket to take the game away from Morton. Purkiss shrugged off the loss of Chamberlin to continue his one-man crusade against the visitors from Gainsborough and lead Rasen to a comfortable 4 wicket win.

The wins see Rasen 1sts keep up their promotion push and the 2nds settling nicely into mid-table.

Notes on a Lincoln Sunday Premier League Game: Market Rasen vs Nettleham – 13/06/10

Scorecard
Rather than the usual match report for a game I’ve been involved in I thought I’d try something different for this match, as turning out for the Sunday side these days involves far more of a ‘watching brief’ than when I’m playing Lincs League 4 cricket with the 2nds. There follows a set of thoughts that might, or might not, hang together.

• Scoring’s fun. 40 overs of looking after Nettleham’s ‘book reminded me of the pleasure that can be gained from scoring properly – especially when it all adds up at the end. Taking down all of the detail; when the batsmen went in, when they came out, balls faced etc. is just plain satisfying. It’s not better than playing, but it was satisfying. I’ll be getting a multi-coloured set of pens next…
   
• Just ‘cos a team’s young, doesn’t mean they’ll roll over. Nettleham turned up at Rase Park with Ed Bosworth, Warren Nel (their South African Pro) and eight youngsters. The plethora of Lincolnshire jumpers and caps should have given the Rasen side a heads-up that they weren’t complete mugs, but young Danny Lea still had us 2 down in the first ten overs.
  

  Matt Rutherford, whose 85 led Rasen to 204 for 6

  Interestingly, it wasn’t until they turned to the experienced spin of Nel and Bosworth that Rasen’s batsmen were able to really kick on. The pair went for 109 from their 20 overs as Matt Rutherford (85) built a decent total of 204 for 6, with help from Graeme Bell (42) and Dale Christie (42 not out from 29 balls).

• It’s not essential to be quick out of the gate. Time and again I’ve watched teams do this to Rasen 2nds in the Lincs League and Rasen’s Sunday XI did the same to Nettleham. Rasen were 30 for 2 after ten overs and 75 for 2 after twenty. But wickets in hand meant they could crack on for the second half of the innings and still amass a competitive total. It’s an obvious point, but one that so many young players fail to heed.
   
• One man doesn’t make a team. Whilst Nettleham’s youngsters flung themselves around in the field to great effect, with the bat the visitors’ lineup consisted of Warren Nel (114 not out) and not much else. Once Bell bowled Bosworth for 22 it was a case of attacking one end for the home side and trying to give Nel the single wherever possible. The South African’s innings was even more impressive in that other than Bosworth, no other player got more than 6 as Rasen’s bowlers shared the wickets around. Nel even managed to tighten things up, taking 27 off Karl Bierlein in the 35^th over off. Bierlein’s previous nine overs had garnered him 3 for 27. Nel’s attempts to turn a defiant last-wicket stand into a dash for victory were only undone in the 37^th over, with Lea the last man to fall.
   
• What could have been? Anyone who’s been in the bar at Rase Park on a Sunday will have heard this before, but Sunday’s game was a prime example of this question. Rasen’s side on the day contained:
  • Nine players who were educated at De Aston in Market Rasen.
  • All of whom played youth cricket at Rase Park.
  • Eight players who’ve played Lincolnshire ECB Premier League cricket.
  • Of whom six have turned out for ECB sides this season.
    Unfortunately, only four of the side turn out for Rasen in the Lincs League. Most of the team are plying their trade at higher-levels than Lincs League 2 or 4 and this is the ultimate dichotomy of Rasen’s Sunday XI. When we’re somewhere near full-strength, like we were last weekend, we’re a handy outfit, even with your correspondent lumbering around in the outfield, it’s just a pity that Rasen aren’t playing at a level on a Saturday that means most of these lads are playing for us all weekend. 

The win cements Rasen’s place, for the time being, in the top four of what is a competitive Premier League competition and sets things up nicely for the next few months, as long as someone can turn Boston over.

Rasen Cricket Season Review

With autumn poking its head above the parapet, the leaves beginning to turn and the nights drawing in, now seems as good a time as any to review the 2009 cricket season in Market Rasen.

Purely in terms of participation, 2009 was an immense success for the Rase Park outfit, with four senior and six junior sides representing the club in the Lincolnshire, McKinnells Lincoln, Lincoln Youth and West Wold Leagues. With the exception of the U15s and the 2nds, each team won more games than it lost. In the junior section the standout sides were again the U11s, who won 8 from 10 and finished second in their division and the U13s, who won 6 from 8.

The U11s were led by the fine batting of James Keast (143 runs @ 72), Paul Martin (98 runs @ 20) and Sam Williams (69 runs @ 17). They were backed up by some fine fielding from the team and some excellent bowling, in particular from Nick Keast (10 wickets @ 5), James Keast (8 wickets @ 5) and Paul Martin (6 wickets @ 12).

The U13s’ batting was dominated by Seb Darke (143 runs @ 29) and James Fussey (129 runs @ 32). With the ball James Keast (11 wickets @ 6) wreaked havoc playing two years above his age-group and Fred Fenwick (8 wickets @ 6) was the other main wicket-taker.

For Rasen’s senior sides the 1sts consolidated their position in Lincs League 2 with injuries and work-enforced absence leading to a curate’s egg of a season that had, at one point, promised much more than the eventual seventh place. ‘Keeper Mark Robinson finished the season with 23 victims to top the Division 2 averages and lead the way for Rasen in the field. Once again the Bierlein brothers (Gary and Karl) dominated with the ball, Gary Bierlein (37 wickets @ 15) placing 6th in the Division Two averages and Karl Bierlein (33 wickets @ 19) 11th. Whilst a variety of bowlers toiled manfully for the rest of the season, Chris Potter (15 wickets @ 12) was the only other player to break double-figures in his wickets tally.

With the bat, Rasen relied heavily on Jon Stephenson (450 runs @ 35) and Luke Robinson (325 runs @ 30). The pair blossomed both home and away this season with Stephenson’s 87 against Keelby and Robinson’s 98* at Hartsholme particular highlights. Gary Bierlein (238 runs @ 27) was again his consistent self with the bat, but no other player broke through the 200 run barrier for the year.

The 2nds fielded a young side against, on the whole, much older opposition and found themselves unfortunate to end up in ninth place. They require re-election for 2010, despite a haul of 167 points that left them only 23 points ‘off’ 5th place. The 2nds struggled to impose themselves with the bat, with only Simon Clark (207 runs @ 30) totalling more than 200 runs for the year. However, encouragement can be taken from the contributions of 14 year olds George Fussey (172 runs @ 17) and Tom Corden (129 runs @ 16) and more can be expected from Ivan Nash (199 runs @ 14).

With the ball the skipper, Andy Richley (30 wickets @ 14) led the way and finished 9th in the Division Four league averages, ably abetted by Luke Richards (19 wickets @ 15), As Rampal (15 wickets @ 15) and Aaron Wells (15 wickets @ 23). Richley was the only regular bowler who was not a teenager and, as such, the 2nds efforts with the ball this season were exceptional.

2009 saw Rasen’s Sunday XI looking to re-establish their pre-eminence in the Premier Division of the McKinnell’s Lincoln Sunday League after a year of consolidation following their promotion in 2007. Whilst the team were not able to scale the giddy heights of a pennant, their top-four finish was thoroughly deserved. Leading the way with the willow was Graeme Bell (568 runs @ 44) who had a breakthrough year with the bat, smiting five 50s and striking his maiden ton. This was one of four centuries the team’s batsmen compiled during the season, with Matthew Rutherford (492 runs @ 49) collecting two more and youngster Luke Robinson (185 runs at 92) accumulating the other.

Rutherford (22 wickets @ 11) and Bell (21 wickets @ 16) continued their fine efforts of recent seasons with the ball and received excellent support from Jon Darke (14 wickets @ 12) and skipper, Dale Chambers (12 wickets @ 19).

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 06-07/09/09

Amid threatening clouds and intermittent spells of sunshine Rasen’s senior teams managed to take two from three over the weekend, with only the 2nd XI failing to win and, in the process, finding themselves back in the re-election mire.

The 1st XI hosted Caistor 2nds and posted a convincing win against their local rivals, defeating them by 82 runs thanks to an excellent team effort with the bat and another fine display of bowling from Gary Bierlein. Batting first on a damp track at Rase Park, Dean Richards (28) and Jon Stephenson gave the home side a solid start. With scoring not easy, the Rasen batsmen set themselves to their task with steely determination. Whilst no single batsman dominated, the whole order contributed with Karl Bierlein (23), Simon Clark and Luke Richards standing out, as Rasen were bowled out for 143 in the last over.

In reply, Caistor 2nds found the going even tougher and whilst they managed to see out their 45 overs and deny Rasen full bowling points they closed on 61 for 9, having hardly played a stroke. Gary Bierlien was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 for 15 from 20 overs with 11 maidens. He was well supported by Karl Bierlein (2 for 4), Simon Clark, Luke Robinson and Luke Richards.

The 2nd XI visited South Kelsey 2nds with another young side and put in a fine, battling performance. Choosing to bowl first on a green, damp track Rasen made South Kelsey work hard for their runs once Matt Burgess (24) was dismissed. Skipper Tony Potter (31) and Rob Baty (18) were the main contributors as the villagers struggled to 119 for 9 in the 40th over, only for Thompson (22 not out) and Gopal to take them up to 149 for 9 with some timely blows. All of Rasen’s bowlers contributed with As Rampal (3 for 12) the pick, backed up by Andy Richley (3 for 31), Tom Corden (2 for 39) and Chris Janney.

Rasen started their chase in style, with Nash getting off the mark with an effortless six over deep square leg. Unfortunately he perished soon after and, in a moment of madness, the skipper ran out his replacement to reduce Rasen to 17 for 2 in the sixth over. Andy Richley (40) and George Fussey (35) then batted well, with Richley riding a considerable amount of luck, to take the visitors to 70 for 2 at drinks. With Kelsey becoming frustrated, and only four an over required for victory, Rasen seemed to be at the races. Unfortunately Richley was bowled after the resumption, Fussey fell soon after and the rest of the lineup failed to contribute as Rasen were bundled out for 113 to lose by 36 runs. The loss puts Rasen back in the bottom two of Division Four with only one game left.

Sunday saw Market Rasen host Scothern and Rase Park witnessed another batting masterclass from Graeme Bell, as the all-rounder scored his maiden century, finishing on 102 not out in a total of 216 for 2 from 40 overs. With five half-centuries already this season, Bell took his tally for the year to 555 and brought up the Sunday side’s fourth ton of the season with 7 fours and 7 sixes, making a sluggish Rase Park pitch look easy to bat on. Of the visiting bowling attack only Johnny Drabble escaped punishment as Bell and his accomplices; Lawrence Scott (35) and Matthew Rutherford (52), led Rasen to an imposing total.

Once in the field Rasen’s opening bowlers set to their task with enthusiasm, but little luck, as Dale Chambers again failed to reap the rewards he deserved. It was left to spin twins Rutherford (3 for 15) and Jon Darke (5 for 43) to roll through the Scothern batting lineup and lead Rasen to victory.

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 29-31/08/09

The Bank Holiday weekend brought cricket to Rase Park on all three days this year, with all three senior sides in action. The 1st XI were the only team not to play at home, and went down to Owmby by 6 wickets in the final over of a thriller. Rasen batted first and whilst they found it hard going, Jon Stephenson (44) and Karl Bierlein (40) gave the visitors a good start at Todmoor, putting on 98 for the second wicket. At this point Owmby’s spinners; Ciaron Deegan (3 for 39) and Lee Chambers (4 for 44) pounced on an unsuspecting middle order and reduced Rasen from 115 for 1 to 115 for 6 as the batting capitulated. Only late runs from Simon Clark (19) and Tom Bradford (15) took Rasen to a score of 166 for 8 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Rasen bowled and fielded well to control Owmby’s scoring rate, whilst failing to take the wickets they required. Gary Bierlein (3 for 60) was, once again, the pick of the bowlers for Rasen, whilst for Owmby, Chambers (41) continued his fine all-round game and with Andrew Simpkins (25) and Kevin Bowring (66 not out) ensured that the result, whilst close, was assured.

The Sunday XI hosted Lindum at Rase Park with only 8 men and put up a brave fight to only lose by 4 wickets. Rasen were bowled out for 93, with Jason New (24), Jon Darke (25 not out) and Lee Chambers (17) providing the runs. In reply, Graeme Bell (3 for 21) and Dale Chambers ( 3 for 32) reduced Lindum to 43 for 6, only for Gratrick (29 not out) and Middleton (30 not out) to do enough to see them over the line.

The 2nd XI had two home games over the weekend and relished the opportunity to romp around Rase Park with two big wins, defeating Hykeham 2nds by 7 wickets and Morton by 8 wickets, to lift them out of the bottom two for the first time in a couple of months.

Hykeham were the visitors on Saturday and were bowled out for 68. As Rampal (1 for 8 from 5 overs) and Jonny Purkiss (1 for 6 from 6 overs) opened the bowling for Rasen and ensured the Lincoln side struggled from the off. Purkiss, in particular, was excellent. His movement off the pitch and in the air was a constant distraction to the batsmen and he deserved even better figures. Having limped to 14 for 2 from their first 11 overs, Hykeham were then taken apart by spin twins Luke Richards and Andy Richley. With both twirlers turning the ball and enticing the batsmen with their flight and guile, Hykeham subsided to 68 all out. Richards finished with 3 for 35, as well as three excellent catches and Richley snaffled 5 for 13 as Rasen extinguished the Hykeham innings in double-quick time. In reply, Ivan Nash (31) saw Rasen to within sight of the finish line as youngsters Tom Corden and George Fussey (12 not out) were able to supply the coup de grace.

Morton arrived at Rase Park on Monday with only 10 men to confront a young, but strong, Rasen side. Batting first Matt Gleadall continued his fine form of the weekend for Morton with 58 and put on 91 for the first wicket with J. Cooper (39). Both batsmen had struggled in the opening spell from Will Bradford and Tom Corden, as the pair of young seamers restricted the Gainsborough side to 19 from the first 11 overs. However, with both their luck and eye obviously in, the batsmen feasted on the change bowling. Only a fine stumping by Ivan Nash off the bowling of Richley saw the openers split asunder and once through, Rasen fought back spiritedly in the field to bowl the opposition out for 145. Will Bradford was the main beneficiary, taking 3 for 11 and Luke Robinson came back well to finish with 3 for 53 with his off-spin.

In reply Rasen’s top order made a potentially difficult task look easy as Mick Corden treated the Rase Park crowd to a fine display of batting. Displaying his full range of strokes and, as usual, being particularly punishing through the off-side, Corden brought up his 50 from 49 balls and took Rasen to 128 before perishing to a fine stumping by A. Tinne off the bowling of J. Cooper for 83 from 87 balls, with 9 fours and a six. Having been a sleeping partner for most of their 82 run partnership, Nash (27 not out) opened up and kept Rasen on course for victory, which was sealed in the 31^st over by George Fussey (13 not out) larruping a short ball to the deep-square leg boundary.

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 22-23/08/09

With both Lincolnshire League sides losing on Saturday, Market Rasen Town Cricket Club’s weekend was rescued from the doldrums by the Sunday side dismantling league-leading Nettleham to win by 131 runs in their McKinnells’ Lincoln Sunday League fixture.

The 1st XI lost to Division Two leaders, North Hykeham, by 6 wickets. Batting first Rasen’s batting failed to ignite. Luke Robinson (36) and Mark Robinson (29) were the main contributors, assisted by Karl Bierlein (19) and a gritty 15 from Rob Chamberlain as Rasen managed to bat out their overs and, with the help of 28 extras, close on 160 for 9 from their 45 overs. Anthony Clark took 4 for 36 from 18 overs for North Hykeham.

In the field, Rasen made early inroads with Gary Bierlein (2 for 42) and Karl Bierlein (2 for 48) reducing the visitors to 25 for 3. However, Hykeham’s skipper Mark Conyers made the most of his chances to stroke an unbeaten 92 and was supported by Kieran O’Sullivan’s 44, as Hykeham won by 6 wickets in the 42nd over.

The 2nds were at Alford and lost to their 2nd XI by 9 wickets. Batting first, Rasen made a confident start, with Andy Richley (19) and Mick Corden (31) taking the score to 56 for 1 in the 12th over. However, the dismissal of both veterans led to a middle order collapse and only a partnership of 27 from Tom Hill (19) and Will Bunney and some lusty, late blows from Rory Jackson and Jonny Purkiss took Rasen to 110 all out. D. Crowe took 5 for 24 for Alford.

In reply, Alford’s openers put on 83 for the first wicket as Rasen’s bowlers toiled mightily, with no luck and even though a wicket was taken, it was too little too late as Stubbs (53 not out) guided Alford home in the 32nd over.

The Sunday XI had a bravura performance from Graeme Bell to thank for their 131 run victory over Nettleham. Batting first, Rasen’s top order failed to make an impact, with the exception of Bell as the all-rounder continued his fine form with the bat this season to rack up 94 from only 109 balls, with 12 fours and 4 sixes. Lawrence Scott (25) and Ian Williams (25) carried on the fine work as they battered the dispirited Nettleham attack to take Rasen to 198 for 6 from their 40 overs.

In reply Nettleham were rolled over within 30 overs. Skipper, Dale Chambers (1 for 11), started the side which Bell (3 for 16) then proceeded to turn into a rout. Matt Rutherford (3 for 20) and John Darke (3 for 12) rounded off a comprehensive defeat as Nettleham were dismissed for 67.

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 25-26/07/09

All three of Market Rasen Town Cricket Club’s senior sides saw league action this weekend, with only the 1st XI claiming the laurels of victory, thanks to a magnificent all-round performance from Gary Bierlein.

The 1sts visited Keelby and found the North Lincolnshire side’s new ground quite to their taste, winning comfortably by 61 runs. Batting first Rasen applied themselves on a wicket where the ball held up off the wicket, making it hard for the batsmen to time their shots. Jon Stephenson set the tone with a solid 24 at the top of the order, laying the scene for Gary Bierlein to begin his cricketing exhibition. Bierlein and Tom Corden (24) put on 76 invaluable runs in a fine partnership and laid the foundation for a late flurry of runs with Bierlein opening his shoulders to up the run-rate, before perishing for a fine 62. Richard Limmer smashed a quick-fire 21 to boost Rasen to 162 for 7 and further demoralise a dispirited Keelby attack.

Not content with his contribution with the bat, Gary Bierlein set about making the game safe with a brilliant display of swing bowling, baffling the Keelby batsmen with his control and movement to take 5 for 46 from 20 overs. He was ably assisted by Will Bradford (1 for 27 from 8.5 overs) and Karl Bierlein (2 for 25 from 11 overs), as well as some fine fielding from Rob Chamberlain, who took a superb catch in the gully and picked up the fielder of the match award. Keelby were finally dismissed for 101 to complete a fine day for Rasen and continue Gary Bierlein’s superb season.

The 2nd team visited Hibaldstow to play Scunthorpe 3rds and lost by 8 wickets. Put in to bat Rasen’s youngsters were surprised to find Scunthorpe opening with the leg-spin of Josh Pashley (4 for 42) from one end and the slow / medium variations of Fred Bachuss (6 for 16) from the other. Unfortunately, only Chris Higgins overcame his shock and awe at these tactics as Rasen were bundled out for 61, following a spineless display of batting. Higgins did his best Horatio impersonation with 29 not out, but no other player was able to contribute as dismissals piled up to a mixture of poor shot selection, great catching from Scunthorpe and a few fine deliveries.

Rasen did their best to make a game of it in the field, taking a couple of wickets and could have had four more, if chances had been taken, but the total was indefensible on a blameless track and S. Ranjan made sure there would be no surprises with 23 not out.

The Sunday XI continued the poor batting motif, allowing themselves to be dismissed for 98 at Cherry Willingham and losing by 5 wickets.

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 11-12/07/09

Market Rasen 1sts hosted Owmby in a vital Lincolnshire League Division Two encounter, with both sides striving to pick up maximum points and maintain their push for the promotion places. Despite a solid bowling performance from Rasen, with another five wicket haul for Gary Bierlein the highlight, Rasen’s batting capitulated to hand Owmby a convincing win.

Batting first, Owmby found runs hard to come by against Rasen’s new ball attack, with Simon Bunn and Chris Potter sending down 14 overs between them for 25 runs. Will Bradford and Karl Bierlein continued with the parsimonius approach and after 26 overs Owmby were 43 for none. Once Gary Bierlein was introduced Rasen made a breakthrough,which prompted Owmby to take up the cudgels in rather more earnest than they had to this point. With wickets in hand, they upped the run-rate and closed on 140 for 8 from their 45 overs, thanks to 44 from K. Bowring and 32 from J. Stanser. Gary Bierlein finished with 5 for 53, spinning a web around the Owmby lineup with assistance from Karl Bierlein (3 for 43).

In reply Rasen’s batting failed to fire as they collapsed to 94 all out, with C. Deegan being the main beneficiary for Owmby, picking up 6 for 19 from 11 overs. Dean Richards, with 24, was the only Rasen batsman to make an impact as Owmby took advantage of a callow batting performance.

In the Division Four basement dwellers encounter at Brigg the 2nds won an enthralling contest by 13 runs. Choosing to bat first on a sporting track, Rasen showed a rare willingness to graft for their runs and benefited accordingly. George Fussey was the mainstay of the innings, again demonstrating his penchant for occupying the crease, top scoring with 33. Batting around Fussey, the rest of the top order contributed,with 26 from Simon Clark and contrasting 20s from Ivan Nash and Andy Richley. With wickets in hand, the middle order were able to fling the bat and boost Rasen to 170 for 8 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Brigg made Rasen work hard for their wickets, with Aaron Wells and As Rampal bowling well initially with little luck. It was only the introduction of the spin of Richley and Fussey that saw wickets start to fall, reducing Brigg to 55 for 3. Hildreth (32) and Musslewhite (56) came together and accumulated steadily, putting on 95 for the 4th wicket and looked to have taken the game away from Rasen, until Richley (4 for 32) snaffled both of the danger men and left the way clear for Clark (2 for 13) to help him mop up the tail and see Rasen to a much-needed victory.

Market Rasen’s Sunday side, reduced to 10 men, defeated Hartsholme at Rase Park, winning by 40 runs. Rasen batted first and saw Graeme Bell continue his fine form for the Sunday side, picking up his third half-century of the season. Matt Rutherford (27) and Gary Bierlein (20) also contributed, but the rest of the lineup failed to fire, with Rasen all out for 121. However, that proved more than enough as an excellent effort in the field saw Hartsholme rolled for 81. Bell and Dale Chambers set the tone, taking 4 for 28 and 3 for 25 respectively and Rutherford (2 for 11) and Bierlein (1 for 14) wrapped things up. Excellent fielding and a consistent performance with the cherry proving too much for Hartsholme.

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 04/07/09

Market Rasen’s 1^st team got back to winning ways on Saturday, away at Hartsholme 2nds, thanks to an aggressive display in the field and a dominating performance with the willow from Luke Robinson.

Hartsholme batted first and, despite the hard track and bright weather, found runs hard to come by against Market Rasen’s bowling triumvirate of Chris Potter (3 for 33), Karl Bierlein (1 for 41) and Gary Bierlein (4 for 20). The bowlers were backed up by some fine fielding, with Luke Robinson shining as he pouched four fine catches. As a result, Hartsholme struggled to 155 for 9 from their 45 overs.

Missing a couple of batsmen, Rasen required a confident start to ensure there were no issues chasing down the modest total and this was exactly what they received from Robinson and Rob Jefferies (15). Robinson, not for the first time this season, played an innings of startling maturity and was the dominant partner, both in his opening stand with Jefferies and then with Gary Bierlein (24 not out), seeing Rasen over the line with nine wickets in hand and 98 not out to his name.

A weakened 2^nd XI, with only ten men, went down to North Hykeham 2nds by 2 wickets on Saturday, wasting a gilt-edged opportunity to garner some much needed points.

Rasen chose to bat first and Simon Clark and Chris Higgins set about making the skipper’s decision look a good one, putting on 48 for the second wicket in quick time, to leave Rasen 48 for 1 after ten overs. Unfortunately, that was as good as things got with the willow for Rasen, as the departure of Higgins saw Rasen’s middle order capitulate around Clark’s pyrrhic 67. Mixing his trademark blend of studied defence and brutal, if somewhat rustic, attacking strokes, Clark kept Rasen’s total moving. Unfortunately, until Aaron Wells’ 24 at the end, he was unable to find another partner worthy of the name. Rob Buckley was the main beneficiary in a modest Hykeham attack, picking up 6 for 38 from 16 overs as Rasen struggled to 132 all out from 35 overs.

With a paltry total to defend and having gifted the opposition an additional ten overs, Rasen had it all to do with the ball and Aaron Wells and As Rampal set about their work in fine style. However, it wasn’t until the introduction of Tom Corden and Andy Richley that Hykeham were given cause for concern. Corden bowled with intelligence, pace and plenty of movement to trouble Hykeham’s top order, to finish with 3 for 32 from his ten overs. He was ably supported by the skipper, who was finding plenty of turn and bounce with which to trouble Hykeham’s plenthora of left-handers, finishing with 3 for 43 from 15 overs. Rasen’s sub-par total came back to haunt them however, as Kevin Carlisle (37) hung on grimly to see Hykeham to within sight of the finish, with a second deserved wicket for Wells (2 for 35 from 10), proving too little too late.