Tough day at Home for the 2nds
The seconds’ losing streak continued again on Saturday when Little Hulton were the visitors to Manchester Road. Those of us with longer memories will recall some epic encounters with the ‘noisy neighbours’ from down the road, but sadly those days are no more as their only senior side plies its trade alongside our seconds in a division 5 that is effectively the 10th, 11th and 12th tiers of the league structure. Having said that, there is often some decent cricket on show and Saturday’s defeat, which left Liam’s side 4th and some 12 points off a promotion spot, was no exception.
After Tom Worthington snatched an early wicket, the second wicket partnership batted extremely well and effectively punished every bad ball in a stand of 108 and when this was followed up with a stand of 70, the bowlers began to look tired and raggedy. Late inroads couldn’t prevent the visitors from posting a healthy 228-8 with Jordy Higham and Lewis Keogh picking up late wickets. The Clifton reply never really got going and although several batsmen got starts, they weren’t able to turn those solid bases into the one big innings that would have challenged the visitors’ total. Steve McManus (31) and Dan Jones (27) batted with promise but then wickets started to tumble in pursuit of the big total and when Rockin’ Rob Meredith succumbed to his first ball with four overs left, they were still some 88 runs behind.
This young side though, continues to improve and if promotion is a bridge too far this season, then next year will surely see them get away from the league’s dark nether regions.