Tipton St. John fielders showcased superb form in a match against Erratics at Lower Ashton, keeping the home side on their toes.
Bowling out Erratics for just 77, the visitors made an impression with a series of impressive catches.
It began with Mike Bennett exhibiting an exceptional diving catch at extra cover that saw Richard Lindsay dismissed for 7 off David Birch.
David Rowe, fresh from North Carolina, proved jetlag wasn't a problem with an incredible juggling catch off Owen Smith at mid-off.
David Rowe being bowled by Fraser Chave (Image: Phil Wright)
Later he delighted bowler Phil Wright with yet another catch.
Performance of the day, however, belonged to Reece Whittington with a crowd-pleasing catch.
Plunging to his right at silly mid-on, he yielded Smith his 2nd wicket.
John Buckland too got a chance to shine with three brilliant catches, his best came when he swiftly scooped up a ball, parried by Smith, ensuring it didn't hit the ground.
John Buckland scored 53, took 3 catches and had a run out (Image: Phil Wright)
John also dismissed Mark Phillips marking the end of his one-man-show.
Ironically, the only Erratics batsman to thrive was Lee Grant, who scored 34 before Mark Channon (3-9) took him out.
Smith emerged triumphant on the bowling field with 4-20.
In response, Tipton’s batting wasn't very convincing with only Buckland mastering the bowling.
Though they started with a shaky 10-2, a 41-run partnership between Buckland and Bennett meant the visitors edged towards victory.
Buckland finally retired on 53 off 46 balls with just 5 runs pending.
The side lost three more wickets before those crucial runs were added.
After Buckland, Rowe with just 6 was the next highest scorer.
Nonetheless, Tipton secured victory by 4 wickets with a generous 21 overs remaining.
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