The BACC 1XI returned to their winning ways at the weekend with a comprehensive 9 wicket victory away at high flying Richmondshire 2XI. The Kingsway men were keen to make a speedy amends for their shock loss last week at the hands of Marske CC and provided a performance full of effort and quality.

On a glorious summers day in the picturesque town of Richmond, Bishop skipper Nathan Rimmington won the toss and elected to field, on an absolute belter of a pitch and what turned out to be a rapid fast outfield. Aussie speedster Ben Roosenboom withdrew from the Bishop team early Saturday morning after feeling ill through Friday night. Rimmington (6/53) spearheaded the bowling attack, bowling fast and at times aggressively short. His hard work was indeed appreciated by his team mates on a flat batting track. He was ably supported by Ian Grainger (2/44), who in Rosenbloom’s absence shared the new ball. Opener Marc Lockey nicked Rimmington early to first slip, before a stubborn partnership of 45 between Jamie Stead (54) & Richard Curruthers (10) took the home side to 1/57 before Carruthers chipped Grainger to extra cover. Home skipper Brad Elsworth shuffled across the crease early to be LBW and Grainger had two in an over. Stead remained resilient, skilfully avoiding the short bowling of Rimmington and dealing with offside width when it was presented. However, when he clipped a full toss from Rimmington to midwicket, the home stuttered and lost wickets regularly. The returning Steve Chapman (2/19) took two of the middle order before the home side were all out for 117 in the 30^th over.

The chase was as attractive as it was fluent. Jack Rutherford’s impeccable form continued as he drove immaculately throughout his innings of 50no which included 8 x 4’s and 1 x 6. With the total at 29, opener Steve Chapman played across a straight Jonny Carr delivery to be bowled for 12. Scott Oldfield batting at number three was once again magnificent. Striking at over 127 he very quickly got his innings underway and soon enough was alongside Rutherford for runs scored. When Bishop passed the Richmondshire total, Oldfield had moved on to 51no off just 40 balls in a knock that included 7 x 4’s and 1 x 6.

The 20 points from the weekend keeps the 1XI in second place in the NYSD Div.1 as all eyes now turn to Saturday’s home fixture against third placed form side Normanby Hall.