Match Report

Clifton had a slightly changed XI from Saturday's win at Bradshaw as both skipper and opening bowler Richard Dempster and Overseas Amateur Max Meyer both finding themselves on the physio's table. Selection shuffled the pack and selected club stalwart Rob Meredith & Jordy Higham to come in and join the squad.

Clifton batted first on a warm sunny Sunday and got off to a flyer. Again the opening partnership of Dorsey and Settle got us off to a great start with the ball flying to all parts and taking us past 50 before the first wicket fell. Sam, who took the aggressors role, was again unlucky to fall victim to a phenomenal catch behind square for a rapid 37 and Joe continued on in a steady fashion. Zach Flaxman, who's has been slightly out of touch in recent weeks, was promoted to 3 and it was a perfect scenario for him to thrive with a good pitch, a fast outfield and the platform set and thrive he did. Zach punished the Horwich bowlers hitting the ball long and hard when it was right to do so and with his foot on the accelerator took us to 141 before he eventually fell for 60 from 50 balls. Settle again continued working the ball well and hitting the freebies when they were offered up and once he was joined by Professional Ryan Ayres Clifton took the game and firmly but us in control. Ryan struck a fantastic 74 not out off 69 balls and when he and Joe (67) were eventually broke up the game was already gone. Clifton amassed 258-5 from 40 overs meaning Horwich in reply had to go at nearly 7's from ball one.

Clifton opened up with our Mr. Economicals, Rob Meredith and Danny Higham who both bowled their 8 over spells straight through meaning that when they had finished, Horwich had only managed 58 off the bat and lost 2 key wickets. The Clifton bowlers continued the stranglehold on the game and all took regular wickets along the way which ultimately meant when the biblical storm hit, Horwich were 50 runs behind the DLS target.

So another great win for the lads and its Ormskirk away in round 4 on May Bank holiday Sunday!