Match Report
Match Report Sun 13 July: 3rd XI vs Woodbank CC 3rd XI - Sunday Premier Cup (Quarter-Final) (Home)
Tue 15 Jul 2025
Dominant All-Round Display Sends Clifton 3rd XI into Semi-Finals
After a Friday and Saturday of 30+ degrees temperatures, the 3rd team came prepared on Sunday with the inclusion of an "executive players relaxation pool" next to the changing rooms for the afternoon to help them cope with the heat. After a successful debut, a proposal will be taken to the General Commitee next month for a permanent "pool" to be installed at the top end for next season.
With the sun baking down on Manchester Road, the toss won by captain Steve McManus was celebrated like a wicket, with the decision to bat first being most welcomed.
Steve didn't take personal advantage of the opportunity to bat, falling with just 8 runs alongside his name. A 71-run partnership from Sam Winstanley and Dan Jones ensured the hosts maintained control of the game, before Sam fell for a well-earned 47 off 42 balls. Oliver Dunn joined Dan at the crease and kept the runs coming, taking Clifton up to 148 before the third wicket fell, when Oli appeared to be protecting his dodgy hamstring in being run out. A solid 37 at around a run a ball was just what was needed.
148/3 became 167/4 when Dan Jones was bowled, ending a knock that wouldn't go down as the most elegant he's ever scored. The struggle to time the ball was obvious, but adding 46 to the team's total when not feeling it isn't a bad contribution. With Lewis Keogh out lbw first ball, it left Owen Hogben to keep the scoreboard ticking, finishing with 40 not out to take total to 231 and set Woodbank a difficult chase.
However, shot of the day must go to Elliot 'Slogben' for hitting his only ball over the clubhouse for 6 in his own unique style. Are you not entertained?
In reply, young Oscar Thorpe opened the bowling with his now customary head height no ball first delivery, before cleaning up the opener with an absolute seed a ball later. The loosener appears to be working in recent weeks.
It took a change of bowling for the second wicket to fall, with Elliot Hogben cleaning up the other opener and the number 4 for a duck. Owen and Lewis then came into the attack to take 3 wickets each and wrap up a dominant performance, even allowing the opportunity for AJ and Sam to have a bowl at the end; although I don't think either of them did enough to be coming on first change next week.
Onwards and upwards for this young third team, moving into the semi-final where they'll face either Greenfield, Whalley Range or Glodwick for a place in back-to-back Sunday Premier Finals.
Pictured: Steve enjoys the 'Executive Players Relaxation Pool'.
