Tamar League Cricket Gunnislake v Buckland THE visit of last year?s league champions to runners up Gunnislake promised to be a close match, but it was an under-strength Buckland side that turned out on Saturday. With the visitors losing the toss the home side elected to bat first on a drying wicket. An excellent opening partnership between Rooke (29) and Ricard (28 no), with the runs coming at more than four an over, was ended when Matt Ricard had to retire injured after being struck on the temple by a full toss. Andy Astley (51) replaced him at the wicket and was immediately off the mark with a six hoisted into the trees on the square leg boundary. Having reached his half century he was out, bowled by Harris (10-1-26-5), by far the most effective of the Buckland bowlers. Gunnislake?s middle order all chipped in with some runs and maximum batting points were assured when a fully recovered Ricard took the score to 173. Buckland?s innings got away to a poor start with Savage being caught in the second over by young John Hoskins off the bowling of Ansell (7-3-8-1). The wicket of big-hitting Tom Rogers (4) is always a prize scalp and Gunnislake were jubilant when he went cheaply to a ball from Fuller (6-1-13-3) which stayed low. Mike Pike (21) played the anchor role for much of the innings before being bowled by Boundy (7-0-31-2). Of the other batsmen Barrett (11), Holdsworth (12) and Harris (13) all managed to reach double figures , but none were able to go on to make a score to challenge the home side?s total. Gunnislake?s bowlers all made a contribution. Martin (6-1-12-0) conceded only two runs an over. Boundy (7-0-31-2) was unlucky not to have more wickets to his name. Ricard (6-0-22-1) produced some interesting flight and variety and Astley(3-1-6-2) chipped in with two wickets towards the end. After last week?s game was curtailed by rain, Gunnislake were delighted to get back to winning ways. Gunnislake 20 points beat Buckland 5 points by 66 runs.
