With a couple missing from the 2s after being called up to the first XI Rob Meredith was captain for the 4th time this season and for the 4th time lost the toss and Clifton were having a bowl.
The captain began the first over, followed by usual partner Tom Worthington. From this moment wickets began to fall quickly. The visitors 7-1 quickly became 7-2 then 15-3 and 15-4 then 16-5 and 20-6. In this excellent spell Rob took 2 wickets for just 11 runs in 12 overs. Whilst Tom picked up 3 wickets in his first spell and AJ and Judgey linked up for a good run out. On came Lewis Keogh in a crucial moment of the game and kept things tight whilst Ethan Kite got the key breakthrough breaking the 50 partnership leaving Blackley 74-6.
Ethan quickly got his second caught by Steven Judge before young Oscar Thorpe picked up a wicket to put the visitors 104-9. Tom then came back and wrapped up the last wicket to walk away with an excellent 4 wickets. Clifton were left chasing 122.
Ethan Kite and Chris Thorpe took to the crease to lead the chase and got off to a positive start. Unfortunately, Chris (8) fell with the score at 33 and Owen Hogben came to the crease. Owen and Ethan batted superbly knocking the ball around the fielders and both made cricket look easy. Ethan then brought up an excellent half century which was rightly applauded by the home crowd. Ethan then gave his first chance away and it was taken which meant he had to leave the field needing just 10 to win after scoring a brilliant 62 off just 74 deliveries. Owen (40*) then hit the winning runs to ensure Clifton gained the bonus point.
An excellent all-round performance earned Clifton a 5 point gap at the top of the table which represents the excellent start they have made.