SKIPPER Chris Simpson starred with bat and ball as Shobrooke Park beat Filleigh by 24 runs in a low-scoring affair.
Simpson top scored with 44 in Shobrooke’s total of 152 all out in the 43rd of their 45 overs.
The Aussie all-rounder then took five wickets for 18 runs as Filleigh were dismissed for 128.
It looked like being over a lot earlier after Filleigh slumped to 82 for nine, but last pair Jack Brazier and John Hickman kept Shobrooke out there longer than expected.
Both sides found runs hard to come by, starting with Shobrooke who lost opener Jon James in the second over.
Chris Ford and Phil Anning put on 30 for the second wicket, not a lot at first glance but crucial in the context of a low-scoring game.
Hickman – nine overs for 10 runs – Connor Nash and Ryan Bowden all gave Shobrooke’s batters little to hit.
The all-important stand for Shobrooke was one of 79 for the fifth wicket between Simpson and Andy Codling (35).
Jack Brazier broke the stand by bowling Simpson and once he went James Campbell (3-45) went through the lower order as Shobrooke’s last six wickets went for 30 runs.
“The Filleigh bowlers were very tight up front,” said Simpson.
“On a pitch that had a bit in it, we thought 152 wasn’t too bad.”
Rob Collier (23) was the only one of Filleigh’s front-line batters to make much headway as Simpson, Ben Trenaman (2-29) and Dan Robbins (2-23) reduced them from 41 for two to 62 for eight. Five wickets went between 52 and 59!
Brazier (20) and Hickman (28) saw off 13 overs between them in a stand of 46 that ended when Simpson came back for a second spell.
Kiwi seamer Craig James only had one wicket on his debut. Not that Simpson was concerned.
“Craig and Ben Trenaman bowled well up top,” said Simpson.
“Craig was sharp and it is handy having someone with genuine pace.
“We took all our catches so I was happy with the fielding.”
Skipper Simon Prideaux felt Filleigh got some elements of the game right, but not all.
“We bowled and fielded well, held our catches and restricted them to what we felt was a very getable score,” said Prideaux.
“The run rate was never a problem. However we kept losing wickets and were unable to build any significant partnerships.
“Three ducks in the middle order certainly didn't help.
“The tail showed plenty of fight and hopefully next week we can get more significant contributions from the top order.”
Shobrooke Park are away to Barton this Saturday.
