1st X1 158 (all out) v Castleford 159-7

Marathon spell from Fletcher all in vein

Sheffield United, in high spirits after their comfortable win over Rotherham Town, met Castleford last week at Bawtry Road. United won the toss and in what seemed like 100mph winds chose to bat. Conditions were not easy for either batting or bowling, however, United again got off to a solid start. Loss of key wickets at pivotal times made it difficult to build effective partnerships in the middle order and left United with a modest total of 158 all out giving Castleford an extra 4 overs, which ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. The main contributors for United were Martin Barlow with a smashing 44, Matt King with 35* and Jon Trower with 31.

Defending only 158 and bowling into Hurricane Charlie, Tom Fletcher rolled up his sleeves and produced a marathon spell of 27 overs, 5-72. Tom dismissed all the key wickets for United including Andrew Bourke without scoring and overseas player Dudman for under 10. At the score 70 for 7 United looked clear favourites to go ahead and secure 8 points, however, a defiant innings from John Randerson 52* saw the visitors home for a 3 wicket victory with 4 overs to spare.

Created by Thomas Steel 2005