Four wickets down with only five runs on the board, Hodnet and Peplow looked the firm bookies’ favourites for a shock FBC Manby Bowdler Shropshire League third division battering by Whitchurch third string.
But they salvaged their pride, if not the match with a great comeback to post a challenging 232-5, a tally Whitchurch did well to pass for the loss of six wickets. A mini revival for the fifth wicket took the score to 38 before John Baker was dismissed.
But then a club record unbeaten sixth wicket stand of 196 between Barry Managh and Ryan Wilkinson took them to their 45 over tally.
It was an excellent partnership, full of fast, flowing, runs, Barry finishing on 106 and Ryan 85. P Ridley (2-25), and D Stubbs (2-55) were the pick of the bowlers for Whitchurch.
In reply, Whitchurch made a good start with Australian Michael Friday leading the way with 62, followed by sound knocks of 51 from Ian Simcock and 33 by C Beddows, others chipping in with 20s.
Barry Managh again bowled well throughout taking 4-72, with one wicket apiece for Nigel Wellings and David Tunks.
Dorian Richardson took two catches and Ryan Wilkinson and Barry Managh one each as a well fought game ended with Whitchurch winning with seven balls to go.
But Hodnet’s eight points means that they still lead the third division.
A good fielding display featuring seven catches carried Hodnet to a convincing victory over Iscoyd and Fenns Bank the previous week.
Set a total of 219 to beat, Iscoyd could offer little as their scoring options were gradually strangled and they fell 118 runs short.
Hodnet had been put in on a flat, dry, track, a good start by openers Billy France (31) and John Baker putting on 40 before Baker was caught.
Hodnet lost France and Nigel Wellings before Adrian Sharpe (76) and Neil Humphries (31) came together and put an excellent 88 run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Sharpe looked to be on his way to a century before being caught in the deep, after which a seventh wicket stand of 30 between captain Barry Managh (24) and Sharpe kept the momentum going to 219.
Opening bowlers Nigel Wellings (3-11) and Rob Mottershead (1-27) took two early wickets to put Iscoyd’s middle order men under pressure and when they flopped to 50-6 it looked all over.
But a recovery led by Paul Creswell’s with a quickfire 49, including three consecutive sixes, took the score to 100 before Hodnet cleaned up the last two batsmen, finishing on 101.
The in-form Neil Humphries took 3-8, Barry Managh 2-31 and David Tunks 1-22.
The seven catches were shared by keeper John Baker (2), Billy France (2), Ryan Wilkinson (2) and Kevin George.
Hodnet claimed a maximum 23 points to maintain their lead in the division and set the scene for Saturday’s clash with Whitchurch.
lTomorrow, Hodnet are at home to Wheaton Aston whilst the 2nd XI are away to Worfield 3rd XI.
