Match Report

Somewhat surprisingly, the normal fielding prowess, bolstered by the unlikely figure of Chris Thorpe dragged out of retirement for a most welcome cameo, was not at its usual best, with simple catches going to ground and the general ground fielding being lacklustre. Having said that, a blinding, ankle biting catch by Owen pepped up the rest of the side and the second half of the innings was markedly better. The other extremely satisfying element to the visitors’ final total of just 91, was the fact that, once again, every bowler tasted success and it was not until an annoying last wicket stand of 26 that Prestwich could put together a partnership of more than 20. 

A wobbly start to the reply saw the side stumble to 17-2, but Ethan and Sam (Pictured - Any excuse to use this image of that drop a couple of weeks ago) then proceed to put the entire township of Clifton to sleep, with a winning partnership of 77 in 27 overswith overs eight to twenty providing just eleven runs! Time at the crease was exactly what Sam in particular needed though, with his 33no perhaps teaching him that he does not need to score off every ball and that, the longer you stay at the crease, the easier it gets. For Ethan, the usual array of nice shots are still tending to find fielders, but the power and placement will come as he continues to develop, and his 40no helped to dispel any prospect of an embarrassing collapse when Dan Jones was out to his third ball. 

The day ended with a somewhat disappointing losing toss for the Cup Final venue, so it’s Prestwich away on August 26th with (whisper it quietly) the prospect of a Premier Cup and League double still a reality.