Hartlepool's sunny delight against Seaton Carew

Hartlepool cruised to victory over Seaton Carew at a sun-soaked Park Drive yesterday.
Hartlepool's Lewis Stabler traps Seaton's David MacAllister lbwHartlepool's Lewis Stabler traps Seaton's David MacAllister lbw
Hartlepool's Lewis Stabler traps Seaton's David MacAllister lbw

Having won the toss, Pool had no hesitation in asking the Seasiders to bat first, taking advantage of the overcast conditions.

Pool’s opening bowlers Callum Prosser and Lewis Stabler, certainly took advantage, reducing the visitors to 8-2.

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A solid stand saw Seaton reach 51 before the third wicket was lost, Dale Metcalfe removing Usman Arshad for 31.

Lewis Stabler then grabbed his third wicket, dismissing Matthew Skirving for a duck as he got back amongst the wickets.

David Braithwaite then played another telling innings, his second of the weekend, but had players falling all around him.

His only support came from Martin Skirving and then ex-Pool veteran John Fitzpatrick.

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The support of Fitzpatrick - particularly late in the innings - was vital, as at one stage it appeared Pool could run riot.

That did not happen though, with Seaton finishing their innings on 153 all out.

Prosser, Metcalfe and Carson all got rewarded for their bowling performances.

As the reply commenced, the weather improved and the crowd began to swell.

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Whether it was the sunshine, the Bank holiday Monday, or the anticipation of some of seeing a batting masterclass, the crowd certainly played their part.

Pool started slowly, but importantly without losing a wicket.

Neil Coverdale and John Watson showed what a quality opening pair they are, taking the score to 80 before Watson was dismissed.

That brought about the arrival of Phil Mustard, for who many of the crowd, had wanted to see put on a magnificent batting display.

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Pool were certainly hoping he could smash his side to victory, and make quick work of the remaining runs required following a great foundation having been laid.

His walk to the wicket certainly got the Seaton following a little more vocal, albeit if some of the comments were a little ill-chosen.

Mustard’s stay was a short one though, as he inside-edged onto his stumps from the bowling of Paul Braithwaite for just one.

Coverdale, who had battled so well, then edged to the keeper to give Seaton a sniff of victory.

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However, David Seymour and Alan Tebett showed their class, playing faultless knocks to see their side home.

Seymour played some audacious shots in his undefeated 46, while Tebbett showed his class to steer Pool to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory.

Pool showed their class without their star professional firing, romping home with over 10 overs to spare to take the 20 points.

Seaton Carew: P Braithwaite lbw Stabler 0, McAllister lbw Stabler 0, Arshad c Tebbett b Metcalfe 31, Martin Skirving c Stabler b Metcalfe 18, Natthew Skirving b Stabler 0, D Braithwaite c Coverdale b Prosser 56, Taylor-Gell c Carson b Metcalfe 1, Lobb b Stabler 0, M Storey b Carson 6, Fitzpatrick not out 11, D Storey b Prosser 4. Extras 26. Total all out 153.

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Bowling: Stabler 4-36, Prosser 2-37, Metcalfe 3-40, Carson 1-24

Hartlepool: Coverdale c D Braithwaite b P Braithwaite 42, Watson c Fitzpatrick b P Braithwaite 38, Mustard b P Braithwaite 1, Seymour not out 46, Tebbett not out 19. Extras 8. Total for 3 wickets 154.

Bowling: Lobb 0-38, Fitzpatrick 0-19, D Storey 0-28, Taylor-Gell 0-24, P Braithwaite 3-28, Arshad 0-12