For the third time in as many years, Clifton’s 3rds played in a rain affected game away to Heaton.
Much to the bewilderment of those around the ground, both sides found themselves waiting around for an hour without any rain falling, with the umpires choosing to delay the beginning of the game in case of incoming rain. Eventually, after losing the toss VC Elliot Hogben led out his team of 8 juniors onto the field to bowl.
An excellent opening bowling performance from Lewis Keogh and Tom Worthington kept things tight. Later supported by the seam bowling trio of Elliot Hogben, Jordan Higham and Dan Jones, each bowler took 2 wickets each to bowl Heaton out for 117 in just 26 overs.
Opening the batting, Ethan and Sam soon succumbed to the new ball, before Dan Jones was caught behind. Owen Hogben came to the crease at 4 with Clifton 32-3. His match winning knock of 44* was played out in what is rapidly becoming his own style. Slow and cautious to begin, respecting good bowling before scoring quick-fire 1’s and 2’s with good running between the wickets with the occasional 4 through the offside for good measure.
Jordan Higham brought an increase in the run rate with a quick 23, including a glorious lofted cover drive for 6 before trying to pull a ball that wasn’t quite there for it.
AJ Dangwal joined Owen in the middle and batted with maturity and some powerful scoring at the correct times, a partnership of 40 between the two gave Clifton a 6 wicket win and kept them competing with Prestwich at the top of the Sunday Premier League table.