Pocklington 3s sponsored by Stamford’s were back at home on Saturday against Scholes 2s, looking to build on the previous weeks victory over scarcroft.

In overcast conditions and greenness of the pitch prompted skipper Wes Smith to bowl first after winning the toss.

Opening up for Pocklington was a blend of youth and …. Experience in the form of last weeks man of the match Lucas Tanikal (2-49) and Geoff ‘woo-woo’ Woodward (1-39)
Both exploited the conditions early with a wicket each and the visitors found themselves 10-2.
The sun then came out and the batsmen stuck around, weathering the early storm.
A couple of catches went down, aerial shots found gaps and Scholes were happy to ride their luck.
Despite Pocks best efforts, the bowling attack leaked a 4-ball most overs and Scholes cashed in. The 3rd wicket partnership taking them to 130.
Pocks middle order bowlers in the form of Miller (2-37), Thompson, Room, Pieterse and Tolley worked very hard to stem the run flow and break partnerships but Scholes kept pushing on.
A strong finish meant Pocklington would be chasing 229 for victory. Taking conditions into consideration, probably 30 runs above par.

Wolds tea rooms then provided a fantastic tea once again and Pocklington padded up suitably replenished.

The opening pair of Lucas Tanikal and skipper Wes smith knew it would be tough early on with the new ball and overcast conditions. The decision was made to be watchful, weather the early storm and then push on.
Lucas began positively, taking advantage of some slightly over pitched bowling. Smith at the other end bore the brunt of the good balls.. his height seemingly a disadvantage on the ‘bouncy’ end of the track.
Bad balls were few and far between but Pock made it to 15 overs until the wicket of Tanikal fell for a slick 38 leaving the hosts 63-1.
In came the stylish Tolley and after initially struggling with the conditions gained some great momentum. Smith at the other end was still struggling to get to grips with conditions but was determined to hang around.
The partnership reached 80 before smith took a chance to try and bump the run rate and was bowled for 61. 143-2 was the platform. 7 an over required from then on in to win the game.
At this point, Scholes’ opening bowler was back and the second change was very consistent. The pressure was on Pocklington to keep pushing the run rate but that always carries a risk. Tolley was unfortunate a top edge went to a short third man, a super inning of 42 off just 40 balls coming to a close.
Two new batsmen at the crease is always tough and Pocklington kept pushing, good to watch cameos from Apie Pieterse(22) and Harry Pieterse (19) eventually getting the total up to 199 off the 40 over allotment.

In summary, 200 was a par score on that pitch, anything above was always going to be difficult to chase but the 3s had a very good go at it.

Scholes - 228/5 Vs Pocklington 199/8

Next week sees the 3s on the road against a high flying Church Fenton side. Pocklington will be looking to solidify next years place in Division 4 Ebor.

Thanks to Issi Pieterse for Scoring and the Pieterses in general for helping with set up pre and post match.