Gunnislake returned to winning ways with a nine wicket win over Luckett’s second team. Having restricted Luckett II to 149 for 9 with some tight bowling, Gunnislake made short work of the reply to run out winners by 9 wickets. Leading the reply was the returning Dan Pethick, who finished on 116 not out after reaching his third century of the season. But it could have been different…..
Gunnislake won the toss and chose to bowl, in the expectation that the pitch would dry out during the match, after heavy rain earlier in the week. Once again the attack was led by captain Dinesh Thirupuvanarajah, who got movement both ways and occasional lift; along with varied pace there was always something for the batsmen to think about. At the other end the gentle pace of and swing of Lee Roberts kept things tight and helped to increase pressure on the batsmen.
After 18 overs the score had crept up to 38, with both Luckett openers back in the pavilion. But with his last over Dinesh found something extra; an outswinger caught the outside edge of Luke Hazeldine’s bat. Next ball Ben Williams got one that lifted, top edging to behind for a golden duck. However, the hat-trick was averted and Dinesh had to settle for another four wicket haul. And Luckett were in trouble at 43 for 4.
Meanwhile Tom Rickard was showing a mix of careful defence and steady run accumulation. Kiera de Villiers provided brief lusty support, before giving a catch to deep mid-off. Mike Towsend and Rickard then gradually rebuilt the innings, before Townsend also holed out to deep mid-off. Joined by the tail, Rickard upped the tempo, reaching his half century in the 39th over. But in the late quest for runs he slashed at one outside off stump to be caught behind, giving Bhanu Surikutchi his first wicket for Gunnislake. The last wicket pair denied Gunnislake maximum bowling points, as Luckett closed on 143 for 9. The total was well below par, but Gunnislake’s batting had been stuttering in recent weeks……
Sam Graber and Dan Pethick opened for Gunnislake and both looked in good form in the early overs. Kiera de Villiers bowled accurately, swinging the ball away from the right hander, but without any luck. Indeed, it was with some surprise that Gaber played round a straight one from Gareth Clements to be bowled for 11. By now Pethick was getting into his stride, hitting a mix of powerful fours and straight sixes. Tom Rickard nearly got Pethick though, with an inswinger that somehow just missed leg stump.
From there the in-form Pethick started to go on the rampage. Billy Pitts showed watchful defence at the other end, while admiring the class of his colleague. The field spread far and wide, but Pethick took them on clearing the ropes with regularity. As the end was nearing Luckett contrived to twice drop Pethick at long off. Rather than heed the warning Pethick upped the power and sent the ball into the River Tamar. The last three overs went for 43 runs and Gunnislake had cantered home in 21.5 overs. Pethick finished on 116 not out, providing another masterclass worthy of a higher standard of cricket.
Dan Pethick reaches his century with a six
The win lifts Gunnislake three places to sixth in a tightly contested division. Notably, while Pethick is the leading run scorer in the division, Dinesh tops the wickets taken column. With a bit more strength in depth and more regular availability of some of the stars, the future could hold so much more. But for now, it was a return to form and a win to savour.
Luckett 143 for 9 (T Rickard 53, M Townsend 19; D Thirupuvanarajah 4-24, K Beare 2-29, D Davies 2-43). Gunnislake 145 for 1 (D Pethick 116no). Gunnislake (19 points) beat Luckett II (3 points) by 9 wickets.