Sunday XI vs Torrisholme Sunday XI

Reported by Michael Walling

Garstang hosted Torrisholme in their second Sunday XI fixture of the season, fielding 8 players in their teenage years. Garstang won the toss and took first use of the wicket.

Spin twins; Yuvraj Singh and Ben Woodruff gave the home side an assured start with Ben Woodruff departing for a well-made 30. Yuvraj continued his good start to the season with some eye-catching strokes on his way to his maiden 50 in senior cricket for Garstang CC. After an assured opening partnership, the middle order didn’t fire with the next 4 batsman contributing 6 runs between them. Garstang were left needing a partnership to put the innings back on track and build on the promising start. Tom Woodruff scored an impressive 23 not out on his senior debut, along with father Mike (31) they duly obliged and helped Garstang to 146-7 off their 45 overs. Paul Batty, was the standout bowler for Torrisholme finishing with figures of 9-1-21-3 including the prized scalp of South African overseas amateur, Coen Oosthuysen.

After the half time refreshments, Garstang needed a tight bowling display to defend their first innings total. Coen Oosthuysen (1-25) and Lewis Wellings (2-17) put the pressure onto the visitors early by offering few loose deliveries and picking up much needed early wickets. Fresh from their opening partnership with the bat, Ben Woodruff (1-36) and Yuvraj Singh (0-14) applied the pressure with the ball. However, the home side were still in need of a hero. Up stepped, Thomas Speake, the youngster produced a wonderful spell of seam bowling by combining accuracy and swing. Speake turned out to be the game changer and fully deserved of the plaudits, returning with figures of 8.5-2-20-6. Garstang’s youngsters, kept the opposition to 122 and secured their first win of the season.

A promising display from the youngsters, who are benefiting from the experiences of playing senior cricket. Next week, sees them travel to Longridge.