The Cooks welcomed Geddington thirds to Compton Park hoping to gain compensation for lthe previous weeks defeat. For once the Cooks lost the toss still bowled first. Geddington’s opening batsmen went about their business against the Cook’s opening bowlers Tony Bird and Tom Smyth, building a solid opening partnership of 41 runs before the pacey Smyth took three wickets in the space of five balls. This was a hammer blow to Geddington which opening bat, skipper Mark Thomas and Ali Laing tried to repair, their partnership was worth twenty when a rare loose delivery fooled the batsman into a false shot which was caught by Jason Roberts at the second attempt. After an eleven over spell Smyth was replaced by fifteen years old Tom Robinson , bowling at senior level for the first time. After a couple of wayward deliveries Robinson found his length and line, posing the batsman problems, so much so he clean bowled dangerman Thomas for an accomplished 29. Jubilant scenes followed Robinson’s first senior wicket, especiall y with such an important scalp. Two further wickets followed as the opposition looked to exploit the youngsters lack of experience but failed miserably. Young Tom finshed with an impressive 3 wicket hauls from his 6 over spell, a performance that bodes well for the future.
By now Geddington had lost 8 wickets and all indications were pointing to an early tea. Glenn Bell joined Rob Hayes and in determined fashion they both attacked the bowling, ensuring 2 batting bonus points were gained. The home skipper then brought back Smyth to see if the now troublesome partnership could be broken and Smyth did not disappoint his captain in removing Bell, clean bowled for 18. Only 5 more runs were added until the number 11 was dismissed by Adam Longley leaving the resilient Hayes unbeaten for a well deserved 38. This left the Cooks to chase 141 to win on a flat dry wicket.
In reply the Cooks opening batsman navigated the score to 28 before Russ Coleman was trapped LBW by Glen Bell. The score had just passed fifty when three wickets fell for 16 runs giving Geddington hope that that could really get amongst the Cooks middle to late order. The visitors hopes were then dashed by Cogenhoe’s fifth wicket pair of Knight and Roberts. The skipper took charge of the situation with measured attacking shots and aggressive running between the wickets to gain an half century, At the other end Roberts ably assisted his skipper to ensure the target was comfortably reached in the 33rd over.
This was a well earned victory by the Cooks with many good performances, especially the bowling of Tom Robinson whose bowling showed much promise and potential for future in senior cricket.