Tipton cricketers lose narrowly in Cornish day-trip

For over 35 years, Tipton have embarked on a 3 match tour to Cornwall each June, which of course was cancelled last year.
This year it was the G7 conference which scuppered our plans as the hotel we stay at in Redruth had been requisitioned, so a day trip was made on Sunday to play long-time friends at Mount Ambrose CC.
The match made the journey worthwhile, despite our hosts winning by one wicket in the penultimate over. Tipton batted first and lost opener David Thayre LBW in the second over.
Dave Alford scored three quick boundaries, but also suffered the same fate having scored 14. Al Matthews went without scoring, but a 4th wicket partnership between Phil Tolley and John Buckland of 124 rescued the innings.
Buckland was bowled for 64 off 63 balls. Kevin McMeeking (5) supported Tolley and allowed him to reach his century in the final over, his 103 scored off 124 balls as Tipton set a target of 209-6.
David Birch took a wicket with his first ball, but not one he would be proud of as a leg side full toss was scooped into the air by Battison to Al Matthews at backward square leg. Young opener Michael Rowe was to retire with an injured back, but he was to return later to play his part.
Birch took two more wickets as Mount Ambrose scored freely. Mitchell was caught by Phil Tolley then Johnson played on as Birch took 3-25. Mark Channon chipped in with a couple of wickets, but not before Simmons and Bath added 27 and 55 respectively.
Phil Wright (3-28) made things interesting with wickets in three consecutive overs, aided by catches by Buckland and McMeeking, but with good batsmen down the order, Tipton needed to take all the wickets.
When John Buckland bowled Mahmood for 11 with the injured batsman having to return and still eight runs needed, Tipton sniffed victory. However, experienced captain no.11 Andy Hulme had other ideas and inched his side to victory with just six balls and one wicket remaining.
Next Saturday Tipton entertain tourists from Bathampton.