Match Report

The firsts secured a rather routine league double against a side that were surprisingly lacklustre given that they were just four points behind at the start of play. The win cements third place and maybe even presents a sniff at second as the last two games approach. Joe and Sam (36) provided the base for the win, with an opening partnership of 83 that was to prove just four short of the home side’s response. Joe fell frustratingly one short of a third half-century of the season and six short of the 500 run mark. The rest of the batting order chipped in with some useful double figure knocks that posted a total of 179-9 with Dave Dempster (21& Pictured) providing the patience to ensure that 133-6 didn’t dissolve into a much poorer total.

Egerton’s response never materialised and, for a second time this season, heads seemed to drop when their talismanic pro, Abid Ali (1255 runs for the season) was sent packing courtesy of another Sam Dorsey catch, his thirty third of the season. The attack was once again spearheaded by skipper Richard Dempster (Pictured) who’s 5-25 once again comprised mainly of top order batsmen. Ryan and Ben captured two apiece and the dismissals were completed with a run out, which appeared to the side-on Clifton Deckchair Army, to be more than a little harsh as the batsman appeared to be beyond the stumps and turning to make his way back when the bails were dislodged! There was a minor flourish that took the score from 51-8 to the eventual 87, but in reality Dempster’s Demons had barely had to break sweat all afternoon to secure the five points.

Victory in the final games against Denton West (one win in five) and Woodbank (one win all season) could just see a highly improbable second spot secured and end the 2024 season on a bit of a high, with Roe Green having to travel to Flixton on the last day.