Cleethorpes victories brought to an abrupt halt

Cleethorpes run of three successive victories was brought to an abrupt halt on Monday as Yorkshire Academy's youngsters chased down a challenging target with some 15 overs to spare, writes Graham Hackney

Having been asked to bat first in damp grey conditions, openers Bill Kirby and Rory Osmond got Cleethorpes off to a solid start completing their first century stand of the season.

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The pair added a patient 135 in 41 overs as the Academy attack gave little away on a pitch offering assistance. They brought the fifty stand up in the 23rd over with Rory first to his half century in 109 balls as the introduction of the spinners gave both players the opportunity to attack.

The hundred came in the 35th over with Kirby passing fifty for the first time this campaign in 99 balls having survived a perilous lbw appeal off the first ball of the innings. Rory Osmond was the first to depart holing out having hit 71 (136 balls) including six boundaries.

Unfortunately for Cleethorpes the expected cavalry charge did not arrive as Skipper James Osmond (2), Charlie Tomlinson (2) and Harry Clewett (7) all followed in quick succession as the chase for late runs intensified.

 Alex Osmond (15) added a much needed 34 for the fifth wicket with Kirby who by now had rediscovered his timing and touch that has been missing for much of the season. He would go on to complete a courageous century in the final over of the innings to finish unbeaten on 101 (147 balls) hitting eight fours and a six as Cleethorpes closed on a decent 215-6 in their 55 overs.

With rain forecast after tea, the Academy youngsters soon made their attacking  intensions known with Andy Ellis conceding 25 runs in his opening four over burst.

 Hume made the initial breakthrough as Callis' indisciplined charge down the wicket saw him edge behind to John Mansfield having added 44 in eight overs for the first wicket.

Cleethorpes were unable to build on that wicket as Hussain joined Tattersall in an excellent stand of 67 in just 73 balls as they continued their assault. Hussain had reached 38 in just 43 balls when he departed to a brilliant return catch from Harry Clewett driving straight at the bowler.

When Tattersall (57) top edged Alex Osmond to brother James at slip  while sweeping and Clewett found Wilson's leading edge to the diving Tomlinson, Academy had slipped to 133-4 in the 29th over.

However a superb fifth wicket stand of 71 in 57 balls would take the game away from Cleethorpes as Ross and Rhodes took complete control on a wicket that was now playing like a road.

By the time Ross (43) edged Clewett behind Academy were just 12 runs short of victory which Rhodes duly obliged finishing 43 not out in only 31 balls to give Academy a comprehensive win by five wickets.

Clewett had been the pick of a Cleethorpes attack that had gone for nearly five and a half runs an over, finishing with figures of 3/63 in 12 overs.