Once again this season, Rob Meredith took on the role of captain, leading a young team with only two players over the age of 20. As has become something of a tradition, Rob lost the toss, and the visitors elected to put Clifton in to bat.
Openers Steve McManus and Ethan Kite walked to the crease to face the new ball. Unfortunately, a wicket fell in the first over, bringing Dan Jones to the crease earlier than anyone would have liked. However, Dan’s patience and time in the middle proved crucial, as he built an 80-run partnership with Steve. Steve batted excellently, reaching a well-earned 50 at a strike rate of over 100, before falling LBW.
Owen Hogben then joined Dan at the crease, and both looked comfortable until they were dismissed in quick succession—Owen for 18 and Dan for a composed 44. This brought Sam Winstanley and Lewis Keogh together, who accelerated the scoring to push Clifton toward their target of 200. Lewis contributed a quick 19 before being caught at point, and Sam followed shortly after, having made a vital 50 off just 43 balls. With the score at 194-6 and only a few overs remaining, AJ (15) and Hiruka (6) ran superbly between the wickets, helping Clifton to a strong final total of 215-8.
The usual opening bowling pair of Tom and Rob began the second innings, but the visitors got off to a solid start before Tom made the breakthrough at 38-1. Another steady partnership followed, but Ethan Kite removed the second opener, who had made a well-played 45. Tight spells from Dan and Lewis helped slow the run rate, and by the 26th over, the visitors were 82-2, needing 133 runs from 144 balls.
Ethan then picked up his second wicket, and the Clifton crowd began to sense a tense finish. A sharp piece of fielding by Lewis, combined with Owen's composure, resulted in a crucial run-out. With 75 needed from 66 balls and six wickets in hand, the pressure mounted. Owen began to settle into his spell, and the visiting batsman was caught on the boundary by Dan Jones, a turning point that steadied Clifton’s nerves. Two quick wickets followed: one for Tom and another for Owen, both caught by Dan again, tilting the game further in Clifton’s favor. As the final four overs began, the visitors needed 39 from 24 balls.
Some excellent death bowling from Tom meant Owen was left defending 20 off the final over. Dot ball. Dot ball. Dot ball. All that was left was for Owen to stay composed, keep his foot behind the line, and close out the win. The visitors finished just 8 runs short of the target.
After a thrilling and competitive game of cricket, Clifton remain top of the league and extend their lead over second-placed South West Manchester to 9 points...a team they face away next weekend!