Match Report

The thirds maintained top spot with a win at Heywood on Sunday. Batting first, the Hogben experiment failed as Owen, standing in for Ethan Kite, succumbed first ball, but the remaining batsmen all chipped in with Jordy Higham holding things together with 75, and being supported by Steve McManus (26), Dan Jones (35) and Sam Winstanley (34no) in a total of 186-4. 

On an easy paced wicket Heywood’s response got off to a positive start with the usually penetrative pairing of Keogh and Worthington producing no real threat to the batsmen, who quickly put together a partnership of 52, assisted by a plethora of wides and no-balls. The turning point was the introduction of the Hogbens, with Elliot (3-43) making immediate inroads with three quick wickets (picture) and Owen (3-17) mopping up the late order, 

interspersed with three comical run-outs. 

It took a couple of mid-innings ‘team meetings’ with the somewhat unimpressed skipper to keep the side focused though, as the usually high standards were not maintained. All’s well that ends well however, and the side found a different way to pick up the five points that left them sitting two points clear of Whalley Range and twelve clear of Greenfield in 6th spot, who have three games in hand. It’s yet another evening fixture that will settle that particular contest, with Friday 23rd earmarked with a full bank holiday weekend of league matches and cup finals to follow immediately afterwards.

Needless to say, the weather forecast is dire.