Match Report

A proper cup tie in every sense. Tight, tense, and dominated by the ball. In a game where runs were hard-earned throughout, it was Clifton who held their nerve to edge home by two wickets, with a match-winning innings from Caleb Donaldson proving the difference.

Monton’s innings never quite found fluency against a disciplined Clifton attack. Early pressure told immediately, with Oliver Sleight striking twice to reduce the hosts to 14–2. From there, wickets fell at regular intervals as Clifton kept things tight and asked constant questions.

Jordan Stephens provided the only real resistance at the top of the order with a composed 24, while Jake Sandham (15) and Joshua Lenihan (18) attempted to rebuild through the middle. However, partnerships were repeatedly broken just as they began to develop.

Clifton’s bowling unit shared the workload effectively. Ali Hassan was the standout, claiming 3 for 17 and consistently threatening through the middle overs, well supported by Ben Hamilton and Praharsh Parikh, who both picked up two wickets apiece. Tight spells and disciplined lines restricted Monton to 110 all out in 37.4 overs.

The chase, however, proved anything but straightforward.

Clifton stumbled early under a similarly probing Monton attack. Will McAvoy (3 for 38) and Jamie Cotton (2 for 18) led the charge as wickets tumbled, leaving Clifton in trouble at 20–4. Batting was clearly not easy, and every run had to be worked for.

Amid the chaos, Caleb Donaldson produced an innings of real control and maturity. His unbeaten 29 from 92 balls will not grab headlines for its strike rate, but in the context of the game, it was invaluable. Showing patience, discipline, and a clear understanding of the situation, he anchored the innings while others came and went.

Jordy Higham’s 22 provided important support during a key phase, and a late contribution from Oliver Sleight (16) nudged Clifton closer. Even then, the game remained in the balance as Monton continued to chip away with wickets.

Ultimately, Donaldson guided Clifton home, finishing unbeaten alongside Owen Hogben, as the visitors reached 112–8 in 40.2 overs.