A tropical Bank Holiday Monday at Hill Top saw a bottom of the table clash as Slawit played host to 2nd from bottom Barkisland in the first of the double header games. Boothy won the toss and had no doubts to bat first on a flat deck
Holty & Waj opened up and rattled along to 29 without loss before Holty though it would be a good idea to kick a leg stump half volley from Robinson onto his sticks. This brought the ever reliable Picko out to the crease eager to make up for his shocker of a duck last week against Shepley.
Barkisland’s overseas player Goswami was bowling with some good pace but not too much effect. Picko settled down quickly, feeling at home as the temperature hit the 20's, and along with Waj who was his usual flamboyant self and Slawit racked up 50 in no time.
Wajid then got carried away and gave his wicket away going for one shot too many as he became Robinson’s second victim for 26. Slawit though were not to be dismayed and Boothy came in to hold up one end as Picko continued to play some fantastic shots. I am slowly running out of words to describe his shot making abilities as he gets onto the ball so quickly and puts it where he wants it to go. Just a shame he is not as quick at getting to the bar!!!! ,
Picko passed 50 and pressed on in the humid afternoon as the Barkisland bowlers toiled away. Boothy reached 24 before being given lbw to Steers. This brought in Bjorn Taylor who immediately struck the ball sweetly. Bjorn launched some massive straight sixes into the houses and along with Picko who was now approaching another ton rattled the score along as Slawit had gone from 117 – 3 to 230 for 3. Picko brought up his 2nd ton of the season in just under a run a ball and received the applause of the large crowd that had assembled. Bjorn then joined in by reaching fifty in magnificent style launching the ball high and straight for another 6. Bjorn eventually went for fifty and the late slogging session saw a few wickets tumble. Ibby & Welshy both came and went quickly then finally Picko went for 119 it what was his best knock of the season so far. Slawit ended their innings on 274 for 7 and looked in a very strong position at tea.
Ibby & Picko, the latter fresh from his ton opened up the bowling and took no time in making some inroads. Ibby removed Travis for a duck and then Scott ‘Glassback’ Pickering removed Wells and Coleman in the same over to leave Barkisland on 22 for 3 and in some trouble. Ibby picked up his 2nd wicket in a tidy spell and put the scoreboard on 50 for 4. Next to go was the opener Wheelwright who had tried to hang about but got frustrated at the lack of bad balls. Ibby got him lbw for 24 and it looked like an early finish was on the cards.
Robinson & Goswami though had different ideas. Picko who was in bits now after bowling 10 straight through took a blow and Bjorn was introduced. At first the 2 batsmen just hung around before deciding something needed doing. Goswami was the danger man and hit some huge shots. As much as it hurts the 6 off Monty which ended up in Marsden was the pick of them. Both passed fifty and Barkisland suddenly rocketed along. They were never quite in reach of the target but made a point from the game by passing 210. Eventually Robinson went for 75 but he had done his job. Barkisland had moved from 85 for 5 to 210 for 7 as Westbrook came and went. Goswami remained unbeaten for a fantastic 87.
Ibby who toiled from the one end for 25 overs, recorded figures of 3 for 80 and must get a mention. They finished on 231 for 6 in a high scoring game. Overall a bit disappointing that the good early position didn’t lead to bowling the opposition out but 5 points is a much needed result.