Hawkley v St James Casuals: HAVING won the toss and chosen to bat, Hawkley’s innings got off to a flying start as Paul Cross scored freely.

Two partners departed without adding much to the score, however, Liam Lloyd provided solid support.

Derek Candy bowled a marathon spell producing miserly figures of 1-28 off 12 overs, but Hawkley’s score had reached 108 before Cross fell for an excellent 62 and with seven wickets left a big score seemed on the cards.

Unfortunately for Hawkley once Lloyd had departed for 23 to one of two run outs the remaining batting quickly subsided. Only Steve Clark and Clive Hopkin reached double figures as their last seven batsmen fell for 44 runs, leaving Hawkley all out for 152. Hawley finished with figures of 5-31.

St James’ reply began cautiously, with only 32 runs coming in the first ten overs.

A change of bowling brought James Pringle into the attack and he made the breakthrough when Magan Singodia took a sharp catch behind the stumps.

This was followed by two further catches taken in the deep by Rory Evans. Lloyd then ran out Hillyer with a direct hit from mid-wicket to leave St James requiring 89 from the last 20 overs.

St James steadily slipped behind the scoring rate and were soon hanging on for a draw while Hawkley scented a chance of victory.

Paul Cross bowled Luff for 22 and Viv Evans took two quick wickets to leave Hawkley three wickets away from victory. The overs were running out though and the game ended in a draw with St James finishing on 119-7.