28/05/2026
π¦ Match Report | Midweek Foxes vs Temple Sowerby Cricket Club Midweek. Wednesday 27th May Β· Cumbria Villages Cricket League.
On a beautifully sunny evening, the Midweek Foxes welcomed Temple Sowerby for another village league clash.
Winning the toss, the Foxes elected to bat first and quickly set about building an imposing total.
Opening the innings were last seasonβs top scorer, Tom Fell and captain Dickie Johnson.
The pair soon found their rhythm, with Fell producing his trademark aggressive stroke play and rapid scoring, while Johnson anchored the innings more steadily; although not without flair, including a huge six launched straight back over the bowlerβs head.
Fell made an excellent 38 before falling, while skipper Johnson retired on 40 for the second time this season. Martin Lewis, fresh from an excellent performance at the weekend, unfortunately fell first ball, bringing Kieran Rickerby to the crease. Kieran played a superb attacking innings, striking 41* from just 26 balls to keep the Foxes moving at an impressive rate.
Late in the middle order, Darren Brookbanks, Leon Finn and Steve Stables added a hugely valuable 42 runs between them, with Finn and Stables carrying their bats.
The standout moment of the innings came from Finn, who smashed the final ball of the innings for his first ever six, a moment celebrated loudly by teammates and supporters alike.
The Foxes finished on a commanding 168-3 from their 20 overs.
Defending what looked a competitive total, opening bowlers Tom Cullens and Fell delivered tidy opening spells, although neither could make the breakthrough. The breakthrough eventually came courtesy of the in-form Brookbanks, who claimed his eighth wicket of the midweek season already, surpassing the highest wicket tally achieved by any Midweek Foxes bowler across the whole of last season.
Ash Neesham provided excellent support, taking two wickets from his four overs, while the rest of the bowling attack kept things consistently tight.
The Foxes were sharp in the field throughout; although no half-chances stuck, the pressure and energy in the field kept the visitors scoring rate under control. However, their middle order showed good resilience, with two batters retiring and Zach carrying his bat for 27, but ultimately the target of 168 proved beyond reach.
The Foxes secured a 34-run victory, maintaining their unbeaten village league record with three wins and a tie from their opening four matches.
Player of the Match deservedly went to Darren Brookbanks, sponsored by Lake Road Brunch Keswick. A superb all-round display, a vital wicket, outstanding fielding, and an excellent contribution with the bat in what is rapidly becoming a potentially record-breaking season for him.
The game was played in fantastic spirits throughout. The Foxes enjoyed welcoming Temple Sowerby and look forward to the return fixture later in the season.
Special thanks, as always, go to Sandra for hosting, the team of scorers led by the ever-reliable Trevor, and the The Clubhouse At Keswick Golf Club for once again providing excellent food after the match.
Until next time.... UTK
