Ashley Clarke Stars as Stalbridge CC Under 15's progress in NDCA Cup

Stalbridge Under 15 Skipper Ashley Clarke was the hero of the 1st round at Ibberton on Tuesday 13th June. Having won the toss and electing to bat, Ashley & Mike Burfitt opened the innings. Both had enjoyed much success with the bat this year, but, it was Burfitt who fell for 3 with the score on 25.  Whilst Clarke scored freely at one end, Nick Payne (6) and Freddie Osborne (1) fell cheaply at the other.

This then brought Ben Chant to the crease.  Both played some superb attacking strokes and gave few chances. The pair went on to record a partnership of 165 and within this Ashley Clarke reached his maiden hundred, bringing it up in style with a cover drive for four.

The partnership was ended when Ben was caught at mid on, but only after he had added 37 to the teams tally, the scoreboard now reading 223/5. Clarke who opened the batting managed to carry his bat for the entire innings and in a knock that included 23 fours and 2 sixes finished on 131 Not Out in Stalbridges' 233-4 off only 20 overs.

With Ibberton facing the daunting task of hitting 234 from 20 overs at a run rate of 11.7, wickets began to tumble. Mike Burfitt picked up 2-9, Tom Mitchell 2-9, Ben Chant 3-7 and Dan Jordan 3-5 in a very one sided contest that saw Ibberton bowled out for 64 in 15 overs, therefore giving Stalbridge a win by a mammoth 169 Runs and now to travel to Pimperne on June 22nd for the next round.

Congratulations to Stalbridge for a great win and especially to Ashley Clarke on a magnificent display with the bat.