Pocklington 3’s sponsored by Stamford’s were on the road last Saturday, taking on Thorner Mexborough on a hot windy afternoon. Seven players for Pock were 18 and under, all talented in their own right, a fantastic showing for the future of the club.

However, a wave of disappointment fell over the team upon arrival after it became clear that the only mobile signal available was 3G.

A pre-match inspection of the pitch showed us it had struggled in the heat and was crumbly to the touch. A quick glance over to the pitch covers revealed the covers they had, had no covers!
The plan, studiously thought out and after much googling, was to win the toss, bowl them out, knock them off and go home early!

For the first time in 4 matches Skipper Wes Smith won the toss! So the plan came into action and Pocklington decided to bowl.

The regular opening duo of Riley ‘Tinno’ Tinson (3-37)and Lucas ‘Lu-Lu’ Tanikal (2-19) got straight to work, Lucas removing both openers cheaply whilst Riley supported him from the other end.
It soon became clear that Thorner were very much a ‘stand and deliver’ side so it was important to prevent them from building partnerships.
The high level of intensity in the field pushed our bowlers on and Pocks first change bowlers, Ravi Ashby and Max Lovelock took 3 more important wickets between them.
By this point, no one wanted to chase any more than 160, so at drinks Pock chose to back themselves and work to remove Thorner for 120.
Up stepped debutant Elliott Morrell, removing the danger man and taking 2 wickets in 2 overs, it could have been 3 but Wes Smith couldn’t quite take a high catch that to be fair would have troubled most professionals..
A surprised Tinno was asked to return early and finish the tail end, he duly did so with Sam Thompson taking an excellent outfield catch.

Thorner Mx - 121 All Out - 25.3 Overs

Tea was taken but lots of moaning and groaning soon followed with the quality not coming close to home teas. Teddy Wilson’s dozen cupcakes saved the day and prevented what looked like becoming a mutiny.

Back to the Pocklington reply. Skipper Wes Smith opened with young prospect Joe Wilson. The plan? Be positive on a questionable pitch, value your wicket and pressure them in the field.
All that came true and the quick running, positive batting and the L/H R/H combo ran a quiet Thorner ragged.
Pocks opening stand of 84 set a super foundation. Joe edging behind after batting excellently for his 25. Adam Tolley (14 not out) supported his skipper and Pock surpassed Thorners total in just 20.4 Overs. Wes Smith finishing with an unbeaten 70.

Pock 3’s - 124/1 (20.4 Overs)

All in all a fantastic showing, great vibe and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Huge thanks to Umpire Charles Lovelock and also to Max lovelock for scoring during our innings.

Next week sees the 3’s back on home soil, looking to make it 3 out of 3 against Hensall 2’s, hopefully with less hangovers !