The unbeaten Clifton 3s welcomed neighbours Prestwich on Sunday afternoon, who arrived at Manchester Road from one junction up the M60 to be greeted by a freshly cut outfield and blistering blue skies.
Prestwich won the toss and of course opted to have a bat.
The early exchanges involved tight, wicketless spells from Tom (0-20 from 7) and Dunny (0-15 from 8). Lewis Keogh and Elliot Hogben came on and the set batters went after them early doors before they pulled it back to put the brakes on. It wasn’t until the 28th over - with Prestwich 97 without loss - until Clifton made the first breakthrough when Luke Jones bowled another youngster (who had replaced the “retired hurt” opener who was struggling with 5 from 30). Four overs later Luke claimed another victim where a full toss was edged to Sam Winstanley at cover.
Sam came into the attack himself and quickly took the big scalp of opener, J. Mercer, who had to depart an agonising 8 short of his century following a great knock from the lefty.
Four more wickets fell in the last 5 overs, as Clifton finished well to restrict the visitors to 175/7 when 200+ was on the cards with Sam, Lewis and Luke all picking up two wickets apiece to sandwich a runout between Elliot and Sam.
The chase then got off to a poor start with AJ bowled fourth ball, and it didn’t get much better as Luke (4), Sas (8) and Sam (4) all fell to leave Clifton up against it at 26/4. It was then that Lewis Keogh joined Owen Hogben at the crease and they put on a masterclass of rebuilding and developing a partnership to get the home side back in the game.
It was a partnership of ever growing maturity from the young pair, resulting in well deserved half centuries for them both in a 103 run pairing. Lewis (56) was first to fall, with Owen (60) hanging around until the end to see his side across the line with just over three overs to spare.
It’s now 4/4 for the 3s in the Sunday Prem, and Elliot’s men look like they’ve got the right balance of giving young players a platform and supporting them with some experience in the side. There’s no need to panic with the loss of early wickets anymore as this middle order is stacked with runs to take games deep.
Another enjoyable Sunday watching the 3s in roasting hot conditions. Long may it continue.