Cricket- Gifford Plate Final

On Wednesday 14th September the West Midlands Police Cricket team hosted the final of the PSUK Plate competition at Kenilworth Wardens Cricket Club against Lancashire.

Having beaten the British Transport Police by 200 runs in the semi-final three weeks earlier, WMPCC had reached the final for the third time in 5 years and were looking for their first silverware of the competition.

Lancashire won the toss on a hot day and elected to bat first. Lancashire amassed a total of 210 all out with the pick of the batters being G Evans scoring 87 and M Emery scoring 47.

WMPCC spinner Paul Greenfield returned bowling figures of 3 wickets for 34 runs off 9 overs well supported by Matharu and Craig all taking 1 wicket a great direct run out by skipper Parker.

In reply WMPCC lost wickets early on with both Dowling and Sidgreaves bowling very straight with only batsman Clifford offering some resistance with a patient 24. Having been off the pitch for up to two hours with an injury Pyke was put into bat and maintained the scoring with Parker who made 15. Lancs continued to take wickets (McGuiness 3-40 and Jones 2-39). The tail end supported Pyke but when he was eventually out for 49 the WMPCC were finally bowled out for 168 some 50 runs short of the Lancashire total.

The best team won on the day and all Lancs bowlers put in an impressive performance. Man of the match went to G Evans who was the mainstay of the innings and set up Lancs total with a well-made and patient 87. This award was given by the umpires.