CRICKET: Simpson heroics not enough to force win (From Bicester Advertiser)

CRICKET: Simpson heroics not enough to force win

11:00am Thursday 16th August 2012 in Cricket

Bicester & North Oxford were forced to settle for a draw away to Witney Mills in Division 3 on Saturday.

Mills have won only once all season and did not come very close to tasting victory at the weekend, falling 47 runs short of Bicester’s 208-5 at 161-8.

The visitors are ensconced safely in mid-table, thanks largely to the all-round exploits of Richard Simpson, who invariably contributes runs and wickets to their cause.

At Witney, he hit 34 to get their innings off to a decent start and then entered the attack with his leg spin to take 4-19 from ten characteristically tight overs.

Mills rely heavily on experienced bowlers Richard Tilley and Steve Kelly, who delivered 35 of the 53 overs between them and conceded only half the runs.

But there was little support at the other end, where there were wides aplenty, and runs flowed freely.

Chris Heron (42), Nick Moorman (41) and Michael Simpson (43no) were the main beneficiaries.

Bicester’s total was never threatened after the interval as Mills ended the match happy to avoid defeat, but aware that their chances of avoiding the drop are growing slimmer by the week.

Witney Mills 5pts, Bicester & North Oxford 18