IT was a tale of three opening batsmen when Etherley and Middleton St George II contested the final of the F B Howell Trophy at Cockerton CC’s ground last night (Wednesday,July 25).
Batting first, Etherley made 178 from their 20 overs, built around an excellent 72 from prolific opener Adam Jenkins.
He found support from Chris Bennett, who chipped in with 19, while the MSG bowlers pegged Etherley back with wickets in the middle overs.
In reply, MSG relied on experience – and it proved a good move as openers Stephen Rogers and Andy Johnson put on 146 for the first wicket.
Johnson eventually went for 54 but Rogers was still there at the end unbeaten on 94 as MSG claimed the trophy.
Michael Dinsdale bowled a lively opening spell for Etherley, but the side were left ruing a number of dropped catches.
More pictures in next week’s Mercury
