Clifton's Derek Kay Cup campaign came to an abrupt end on Sunday as Premier 2 side Westhoughton CC produced an impressive all-round display to secure an eight-wicket victory at Manchester Road.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Clifton never really found the momentum or intensity required against a well-drilled Westhoughton side and the performance lacked the focus, grit and determination that has become a hallmark of this Clifton side in recent seasons.
There were promising starts throughout the innings, but nobody was able to convert. Zach Flaxman got Clifton moving with a quick 12 from just nine deliveries before Caleb Donaldson (32) and Ben Hamilton (32)rebuilt steadily, taking the score to 69 before Donaldson became the first of three victims for Nathan Blair. Hamilton continued to look comfortable before falling for 32, while Jordy Higham's enterprising 21 briefly threatened to inject some urgency into the innings. However, wickets fell at regular intervals and Clifton were unable to establish any meaningful partnerships during the second half of the innings.
The visitors' bowlers maintained excellent control throughout. Blair's three wickets provided the initial breakthroughs beforeSaeed Ali ripped through the lower order with outstanding figures of 5-13 from5.4 overs. Ross Sutton also played a key role, conceding just 18 runs from hisnine overs. Clifton were eventually dismissed for 159 in 41.4 overs - a total that always looked below par on a good batting surface.
If the home side hoped to apply pressure with the ball,those hopes were quickly extinguished by an aggressive Westhoughton top order.Jamie Bates launched a ferocious assault, smashing 55 from just 29 deliveries with seven fours and four sixes before becoming one of only two wickets to fall.
Any chance of a Clifton comeback disappeared as overseas professional Saeed Ali took centre stage. Having already dismantled the Clifton batting line-up, Ali then produced a masterclass with the bat, striking an unbeaten 62 from just 38 balls. His innings was full of clean hitting andintelligent stroke play, ensuring the chase never lost momentum. Ali was well supported by Akbar Ur Rehman, who finished unbeaten on 34, as Westhoughton raced to 163-2 in just 17.2 overs.
For Clifton, Ben Hamilton and Finlay Testa claimed a wicket apiece, but the bowling attack struggled to find consistency against a confident and aggressive batting display.
Credit must go to the visitors, who thoroughly deserved their victory. Their professional Saeed Ali delivered a match-winning performance with both bat and ball, while the entire side played with energy and purpose throughout.
Clifton will now look to put this disappointing cup exit behind them and refocus on the challenges ahead in Premier Division.