Match Report

On another overcast and jumper wearing June Saturday, our 1st XI made the journey around the M60 to the East side of Manchester to Windsor Park, home of Denton West CC.

Winning the toss, Richard Dempster elected to field and hopefully take advantage of the overhead conditions. Three early breakthroughs from the opening attack of Ryan Ayres (3/45) and Danny Higham (3/50) put the Kingfishers on top with the host struggling on 11 for 3. Denton West took stock and patiently rebuilt their innings with a 68 partnership for the 4th wicket.

Intermittent wickets in between a few hefty blows saw Denton West all out after 48 overs for a useful total of 208 from 48 overs.

In reply, Clifton got off to a steady start, with openers Joe Settle (33) and Sam Dorsey (33) laying the foundations for a comfortable run chase. With Joe and Sam back in the pavilion in their 30s, Ryan Ayres (33) dropped at mid-off without troubling the scorers, it looked like lady luck may help Clifton claim the 5 points. Ryan and Max Meyer (37) added momentum and increased the run rate, but it was all in vain. Once again, losing them both, also for scores in the mid 30's the bowling side took a squeeze and control of the game. Wickets tumbled quicker now and the only highlight for the away support was the passing sight of the Airbus A380 - With a maximum capacity for 853 passengers, a length of 3.5 cricket pitches and wingspan of 4 cricket pitches, it was a distraction from the days play and the end of the Clifton innings. Falling disappointingly 15 runs short, on 196/9 off their 50 overs.