Clifton travelled to Flixton on a grey but warm JulySaturday, hoping to maintain momentum in the GMCL Premier Division. But on aday when standards dipped and momentum was hard to grasp, the hosts took fulladvantage and came away with a well-earned victory.
Clifton were not at their best in the field, with a displaythat lacked their usual discipline. Wayward bowling, missed opportunities, anda general sense of sloppiness meant Flixton were able to build a strongplatform after losing two early wickets to Ollie Sleight, who struck with alively new-ball spell (2–35).
The standout for Flixton was Gareth Cross, who punishedanything loose and held the innings together with an excellent 77 off 72 balls.He was supported by another ex Cliftonian in Will Davidson (38) and Beckford(22), and although wickets fell regularly after the 30-over mark, Clifton’sinconsistency with the ball allowed the hosts to post a competitive 224.There were wickets shared around the Clifton attack. FinTesta (3–53) picked up key scalps, while Ben Hamilton (2–53) and Parikh (2–37)contributed. But the general feeling was that a tighter performance could havekept Flixton under 200.
In reply, Clifton began positively through Zach Flaxman, whoraced to 27 off 19 balls with one four and three towering sixes. However, themomentum was short-lived as Jack Stanley and Flaxman fell in quick succession,and Flixton's bowlers began to tighten their grip.
Matt Van Dyk (66 off 104) and Sam Dorsey (34 off 78) showedreal grit in the middle overs, absorbing pressure and slowly rebuilding theinnings. Their partnership hinted at a recovery, but as the required rate creptup, the squeeze began.
Cross returned with the ball and proved just as effective,taking 5 for 61 and breaking the back of the middle and lower order. Beckford(3–50) also caused problems, as Clifton lost wickets at regular intervals andslipped from 162–5 to 192 all out.
There’s no doubt this Clifton side has the resilience tobounce back, and with lessons learned, the focus will now turn to getting backto winning ways next weekend.