Match Report

The 1st XI travelled to Heaton with the aims of solidifying their Lancashire cup spot for the next season. Losing the toss, Heaton opted to bat first on a fresh wicket.

An opening stand of 65 in relatively quick time saw Heaton on the front foot, until a breakthrough was had by Captain Richard Dempster with an edge through tidied up by Flaxman. Dave Dempster dismissing the other opener shortly after leaving one onto his off stump. The hosts reached the hundred mark shortly after the dismissal of Sutcliffe again off the bowling of Dave Dempster leading them to drinks. The partnership of Shah and Anjula (Pro) was the one Clifton knew they had to break to avoid chasing a potentially daunting score. The change of Turner into the attack did just this, removing the Professional with a catch in the deep by Sam Dorsey. Clifton proceeded to take wickets at regular intervals and besides some good hitting at the end by the Heaton tail, they were restricted to 202-9 off of their 50 overs. Standout figures of 15-3-4-30 for Dave Dempster.

Clifton got off to a poor start losing Dorsey early with an edge behind off Anjula. This brought Matthew Howarth to the crease, creating a small partnership with Joe Settle before his departure via a good delivery again from the Professional. Howarth set out his innings in a positive manor, this followed on by Professional Ryan Ayres who fell for a quick fire 21 from 12 balls, with Howarth achieving his maiden 1st XI 50 in the process. Another partnership was formed with Hamilton who made a run-a-ball 20 prior to his departure the score 136-4. Clifton losing two more wickets in quick succession led to the captain joining Howarth at the crease and seeing him achieve his maiden 1st XI hundred, from just 70 balls.

Howarth departure shortly after for 102, however his innings had already done the damage, with the brother Dave joining Richard at the crease to see Clifton over the line with 13.4 overs to spare.