A strong 2nd XI took a trip to Wythenshawe CC on Saturday which for most of us was a first and one we certainly wont forget.
We arrived at the ground to see the covers being pushed off what looked a very green and soft pitch only to be told we weren't playing on that one but one that was more wet and more soft! When the stumps went in we were far more aware of the 40 yard boundary towards the clubhouse which meant bowling spin from both ends would be a very difficult task.
Having lost the toss, Clifton were all together for the start of the 2024 season and as always, we opened with Rob Meredith. Rob bowled beautifully all afternoon but to no reward wickets wise as he finished with ridiculously economic figures of 12 overs 0-16. The last 11 overs from that end were bowled by the skipper who ended with figures of 2-30 bowling right to the death. The 23 overs from that end went at only 2 and over but unfortunately, some indifferent bowling from the other end meant that the opposition probably finished with more than they should have.
Jordy Higham (1-19 off 4) struggled to find his line and length as did Tom Worthington (0-19 off 4) who followed him. Lewis Keogh was then brought into the attack and bowled 2 great spells of 6 and 3 overs, finishing with an excellent 9 overs 4 for 21. Dan Jones bowled in between Lewis' spells and also bowled with good pace and accuracy bowling his 6 over spell finishing with figures of 2 or 7.
Wythenshawe did well in the end reaching 115-9, which on a very challenging pitch was worth 200!
The Clifton innings unfortunately never really got going - some were tempted by the short boundary, others were victims of the pitch and some just looked like it was the first time they'd held a bat since September. Only Judge (18) Keogh (20) and Hogben (12) got stuck in but even their combined 50 took 120 balls emphasising just how hard it was to score runs. Tom Worthington did a good job in hanging around whilst runs were being scored showing just how hard he has worked on his batting over winter.
All in all a poor day at the office but some positives to take forward into the season.