Thimbleby retain trophy at famous Spout House cricket pitch

Holders Thimbleby – transported up the dale on a red double-decker Routemaster from Wensleydale Omnibus – took on the challenge of Chop Gate and the sloping outfield.

The players ensured their hydration levels were adequate in the Sun Inn before play commenced at 1.30pm.

The team from Thimbleby arrived on a Routemaster bus Picture: JILL MEAD

Instead of a coin toss, rhubarb throwing determined who would bat first – won by Chop Gate skipper Mark Weall with a distance worthy of an Olympic javelin thrower.

The Gate were soon in trouble against the impeccable line, length and action of ten-year-old Harry Fox, who returned 2-4 in his allotted four overs. Left hander Josh Smith moved the score along with 30 before retiring, as per the contest rules. Usman Adeel (19) and Safwan Akram (13) ensured that a challenging total of 107 was compiled in 30 overs. For Thimbleby, spinners Sam Guy and Paul Flintoft both took two wickets.

Thimbleby and Chop Gate contest the Hugill & Kirk trophy Picture: KATHERINE DODDS

In the hot conditions, the Thimbleby team returned to the Sun Inn at half time to slake their thirst and discuss their batting strategy. Whatever that was, it was soon undone by the leg spin of Safwan who took three early wickets. Alex Rogers hit a rapid 26 with a variety of shots – not all going in his desired direction but certainly effective. Kevin Thompson kept up the scoring with some trademark pivots to leg, and formed a good partnership with Harry Fox, who was then joined at the crease by his father David in another useful batting contribution.

The Gate looked to have gained the upper hand though, with Thimbleby requiring 28 runs to win from the last four overs, Phil Godfrey having taken two wickets. Thimbleby captain Richard Appleton then started the charge to the winning line with some rustic strokes and scampered singles, but departed with 14 required from two overs.

Thimbleby and Chop Gate contest the Hugill & Kirk trophy Picture: KATHERINE DODDS

The matter was virtually settled in the penultimate over by Flintoft and Dan Marwood, who smote two fours down to the roadside wall boundary, one bouncing over the road into a field, to bring the scores level. Thimbleby scored the winning run off the first ball of their final over.

The players returned from the pitch to the Sun Inn to enjoy more hospitality and a splendid buffet provided by landlords Richard and Audrey Wilson. Many thanks to Richard for creating an interesting surface to play on and moving the sheep off it the preceding week.

Thimbleby and Chop Gate contest the Hugill & Kirk trophy Picture: KATHERINE DODDS

Harry Fox was named player of the match for his fantastic bowling and securing nine runs.

Colin Flintoft, president of the Langbaurgh Cricket League, thanked all for continuing the great tradition of cricket at the Spout.