Rearguard from Spencer frustrates Llamas

On the hottest Saturday of the year, Smudger lost the toss and was soon with his pads on as the Llamas were asked to bat first.

A cautious start from him and his opening partner David Gent put 34 for the first wicket in 10 overs before Gent (19) spooned up a short ball to square leg. Smudger was out in similar fashion for the same score, and the Llamas were 49-2.

Ash Bhat and Seth McDowall came together, and with Seth surviving an early run out shout went about their ways in contrasting but effective ways. Young Seth took the attack to the Spencer bowlers and was greeted by a barrage of abuse from Spencer's new recruit (not the last we'll hear about him).

The pair showed that application at the crease would come with rewards, as first Seth went to his maiden league 50 for the Llamas followed soon by Ash's 50, hundred partnership and team 150 (all in one ball). Their partnership was worth 116 when Seth's tired slog across the line saw him bowled and the aforementioned new recruit provided the young 15 year old with a send off - classy (we've still not heard the last of him). Seth's 65 came off 76 balls and gave the innings much impetus.

From 165-2, the Llamas had a small collapse with Ash (57 off 86), Luke Sheridan and Jordan Bunyan all following Seth back to the outdoor bar area that the Llamas had set themselves up - 189-6

Once again, VC Harry McInley stepped up to the plate and with the help of the tail added a further 50 to the Llamas total. A couple of big sixes were Harry's reward for what has been an excellent season so far for the Red Ink King - one actually going over the net on to Fieldview. 35 not out off 29 balls, takes the average up to almost 56 for his 167 runs (only thrice out).

The Llamas declared on 241 for 9 after 54 overs. The overs were recalculated, as per the rules of Tier 2, and Priory had a minimum of 51 overs back at Spencer.

An excellent start saw Ash take a wonderful leg side stumping off Toby in the third over, followed soon after with Will bowling their number three around his legs to leave Spencer 5-2. After a confident caught behind was turned down by the umpire, Toby had his revenge three balls later with a yorker that trapped Young in front of his stumps. The following over, Toby had new Spencer recruit Brammer out LBW whilst playing French cricket. The decision resulted in a volley of abuse from Brammer at the umpire and not something you like to see in any level of cricket. 23-4 and the Llamas were well and truly on top.

Briggsy continued with his long opening spell (11 overs, 4 for 19), and was rewarded with a fourth as George Elliston took a good low catch at second slip. George replaced Brewis at the hockey pitch end, but despite attacking fields, Spencer dropped anchor.

A switch to duel spin attack saw Harry and Connor find no luck, as Wilson and Malik showed no interest in going for the total, nor any batting points. With men around the bat, Connor finally made the breakthrough in the 44th over as Wilson edged to Toby at slip.

George was brought back to try and inject some aggression into an almost benign pitch, but remained luckless. Toby came back for a couple of spells and in his final over had Bashir out LBW to finish with 5-33 off his 14 overs.

Spencer finished on 125 for 7 off their 51 overs, and 12 points to the Llamas which helped them stay at the top of the table with 6 teams still in the mix for the title.

Sunbury is the destination on Sunday as the Llamas know that anything but a win will put a dent in the title challenge.