An enforced ground change to the grand surroundings of Northampton School for Boys saw the return fixture against Hardingstone. The Cooks made three changes from the previous week welcoming back Ryan, Alfie and Tony to the fold. Skipper Mark lost the toss and the hosts chose to bat on what appeared to be a flat wicket. Right from the start it was obvious that the track conspired to produce variable bounce that would be challenging to the batsmen of both sides with every bounce of ball being very difficult predict. After three overs Tony who had missed the last two games through a dodgy hamstring appeared to suffer from a re-occurrence and was withdrawn from the attack. This was a blow to the Cooks given that fellow bowling stalwart Sid was also missing through injury.
Mark replaced his Dad and within his first three overs had taken three wickets to leave Hardingstone on 36 for 3. Tom replaced Will who again showed he is well worth his place in the seconds bowling attack with another controlled opening spell. Tom’s perseverance was rewarded with a wicket and bowling in tandem the pair were making the most of the helpful pitch without too much luck. Slowly but surely the Hardingstone fifth wicket pair were repairing the earlier damage caused without really dominating the Cooks attack. At the second drinks break the depleted Cooks attack had done well to restrict Hardingstone to 129-5, this was all about to change. With a mixture of luck and brutal attack the last 9 overs yielded 94 runs, which the Cooks did not really deserve given their earlier endeavour and Mark’s heroics. A bloated target of 224 was set, but given the unreliable wicket and Hardingstone’s formidable bowling attack the run chase would prove to be challenging to say the least.
The Cooks were quickly reduced to 28 for 4 when Ben joined Adam who this season is getting a reputation for dropping anchor when wickets are crashing all around him. After adjusting to the pace and bounce of the pitch Ben started to show that his early season high score was not a false dawn. The pair were building a useful stand that was beginning to cause problems for the hosts. After they had added 60 runs, the stand was broken with the introduction of a spinner to the attack who bowled Ben for 35. Adam continued his defiance and although the remaining batsmen applied themselves well, especially the two most junior members of the side, who both claimed their first runs in senior league cricket, this was all in vain. Will stayed with Adam to claim the third batting bonus point but when he was trapped LBW he was ninth out, the innings ended as Tony had sensibly opted to rest his injured leg.
A 97 run defeat on the face of it may seem to be quite emphatic but did not tell the full story. From the bowlers who did not quite get what they deserved from their efforts and the fielding which was good, in Tom’s case quite exemplary. Although the batsmen found it tough Adam continues to show he is a capable anchor man at the top of the order and with Ben returning to form, this all gives hope for the final 7 games of the season.