Wheels fall off for Tipton

Tipton’s fielders have performed very well in recent weeks, as has the form of bowler Phil Wright with 44 wickets so far, but this was the day when the wheels fell off!
Against Bakers, things started well for the Tipton bowlers after Dave Alford inserted the visitors. A return catch in a wicket maiden by David Birch accounted for Phil Priestly. Next over John Buckland bowled Alan Wills, aided by a deflection off the bat, leaving Bakers on 10-2. Things got even better when Sam Gedye was out LBW trying to sweep Birch off middle stump.
However, the wheelnuts started to come loose as catches were spurned. Two had already been put down before No.3 bat Dan Lowe struck a ball from Amelia Tolley straight to Dave Alford at long off, but sadly the ball bounced out of his hands. At that time Lowe had made just 18 and would go on to cause carnage to the Tipton bowlers, scoring a century before retiring.
He was particularly harsh on the slower bowling of Tolley and Wright, who both saw more catches dropped. Lowe reached his 50 off 44 balls and advanced on his century, many coming from Wright’s bowling, who, after going for 18 in his penultimate over, ended on 0-70.
Once Lowe was gone, some normality returned, although more chances were spurned! Mark Channon (1-33) and John Buckland (2-25) avoided much of the assault and David Birch returned at the close of the innings to take 5-24 with Leigh Adey also claiming a wicket as Bakers closed on 212-9.
Tipton had a promising batting line up, so a target of 213 was not too daunting. However, the batting wheels were also loose as after a bright opening partnership of 37 between Phil Tolley and John Buckland wickets started to fall. Aided by a bit of juggling, Buckland was caught at square leg off Matt Bassett for 18. Tolley escaped when dropped at mid-off on 23 but his partner Matt Brewster was later run attempting a 2nd run.
Dave Alford (1) was bowled by Steve Bassett off his pad. then Dave Thayre was caught by Stan Hughes off Andy Harvey-Barnes without scoring. Leigh Adey (1) was very unlucky to be caught by a great diving catch by Steve Bassett at mid-on.
A partnership of 38 was the longest of the innings was when Amelia Tolley joined father Phil. Seeking to score whilst he had partners left, Phil Tolley had 3 escapes being dropped on 64, 66 and 82. The Tolley family partnership was ended when Amelia edged a catch to the keeper.
Phil Tolley was out last when caught having scored 84 out of a disappointing reply of 120.