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North v East at Braunton Sunday May 8th (page 2)

It was a very good start for the North but it needed a performance from their middle order. Huxtable and James Popplewell scored 54 good runs in their partnership and both looked in good touch. Promoted to number 4, Popplewell looked one of the finds of the tournament as he batted with good balance, heart and authority for his 27, which came to an end with a rather tame caught and bowled chance for Glass. Huxtable, who had batted like a great captain, was to follow 4 balls later although the dismissal was rather dubious. Playing the ball away from his chest, it caught the splice of the bat and handed an easy catch to Brown. A no-ball was surely the call but the captain had to go. Still the North in great shape with 14 overs to go needing only 39 at 117 for 4. Dom Bracher, earlier immaculate behind the stumps with just 1 bye and James Roulstone looked impressive as they were building what seemed a match winning partnership until it was cut short by a marginal LBW decision. Menheneott then took his 3rd wicket of the innings bowling Stone for 1. However with Roulstone still at the crease and looking ever confident the North still looked to be cruising. Then came the moment that changed the game. Collier stroked the ball into the offside calling his partner through for a single. Then for some unknown reason they embarked on a second with Menheneott in close proximity. The result a suicidal run out and the North's backbone in the shape of Roulstone looked to be broken. The innings faded and the North ended 7 short of the winning post. 

North: 149-9 after 42 overs

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