Match Report

For the neutral, this was an enthralling game of cricket which swung this way and that before an unlikely last wicket partnership tipped the balance in the home side's favour. For the Clifton supporter, it was a frustrating, annoying, infuriating, exasperating display which screamed out for someone to slam on the brakes and take a breath whilst the enfolding situation was assessed. 

Given the weather conditions, it was a grafters' wicket which Sam's men managed well for the main part, with the conditions, rather than inauspicious shot selection, accounting for most scalps. Even Matt Howarth, going for a second six in quick succession, could be excused, as those of us watching from the side witnessed a ball, seemingly heading for Blackburn town centre, get caught in the wind and blown back into the waiting arms of the fielder. 

The innings revolved around a quite wonderful half century from Sam (see pic), who, after losing Jordy Higham for a mature 29, managed his own and his team mates' innings superbly in posting what looked like an above par 157-9 in the available 42 overs after a biblical downpour at precisely 12.30 delayed the start. 

That optimism seemed well placed as the fourth wicket fell with only 22 on the board (see pic). The ensuing partnership of 74 swung the game back in Egerton's favour, but both partners went in quick succession followed by two more that took the score from 96-4 to 113-8 and placed victory firmly in our grasp. Even when a ninth wicket took the score to 130, there was still 28 runs required and only four overs to get them in. 

Number 11 sloggers either lose their castle immediately or cause consternation. Sadly, the latter scenario played out and his 25 in 13 balls, completing the mayhem with his third towering six, ended the game in the home side's favour and left Sam's men rooted in 11th place, four points from safety.

PIC1: Sam cuts for four

PIC2: 22-4 ct Dorsey b Higham.