Cricket: Blakemore duo put Thornbury on the brink of promotion (From Gazette Series)

Globe Sports West of England Cricket League Premier Two 1st XI: Thornbury (242-6) beat Bristol West Indians (241-9) by four wickets

5:06pm Wednesday 26th August 2009 in Sport

LEAGUE leaders Thornbury are on the brink of promotion to Premier One after beating Bristol West Indians.

After BWI elected to bat first anything short or wide was punished in typical Windies style.

However, Karl Hurkett struck first when Reid fended a vicious delivery straight to David Hammond at gully and Steve Dent bowled the dangerous Bennett (21).

A partnership ensued between James Pearson and Ashur Morrison until the introduction of spin in the guise of Curtis and Ian Blakemore.

The father and son pair slowly reduced the run rate and Curtis was rewarded when Morrison (24) was well stumped by Chris Dent.

Ian then got into the action by bowling Baber (6) before Curtis had Young (21) caught excellently by Greg Stephens at slip.

Ian dismissed Yousaf, again clean bowled, and Curtis (4-66) bowled Crawford before claiming the prize wicket of Pearson for a fine 94.

Thornbury skipper Richard Trotman took account of Burton but BWI rallied in the final overs courtesy of Sherman Gordon, who hit a powerful 21 not out.

Thornbury got off to an excellent start as openers Nick Stovold and Kyp Bridgen took the total to 119 before Stovold (51) was caught at mid on and Bridgen (46) was bowled by Crawford soon afterwards.

Juvaunie Gayle and Chris Dent kept the momentum in Thornbury’s favour but with the pressure mounting, Gayle (16) was bowled by an excellent yorker from Gordon.

Dent (41) lead Thornbury’s chase but Pearson dismissed him and Trotman (12) in quick succession, leaving Thornbury 212-5 with ten overs to go.

However, the BWI bowling imploded and when Ian Blakemore (10) was run out, Thornbury required another ten to win with five overs left.

Curtis Blakemore and Hammond saw Thornbury home in comfortable style and it was somewhat ironic that the winning run was courtesy of yet another wide.

Due to other results, Thornbury are just a few points away from promotion but a win at Keynsham this weekend will see them crowned as Premier Two champions.