The 1st XIs first ever visit to Brooksbottom ended in disappointment after a poor quality game ended in defeat in a low scoring game.The former North Manchester League club are now the highest placed of the clubs that merged from that league to form the GMCL and the team and facilities reflect their enhanced status.
For the spectator, the cricket did not reflect that enhancement, with some poor batting, shot selection and running between the wickets being compounded by some curious umpiring and home team fielders who felt it necessary to scream appeals at the umpires from positions including deep square leg and third man, every time the ball passed the bat or hit the pads.
Sam's batting line up, with the exception of Gareth Cross(41) who ploughed a lone furrow, crumbled to 93 all out with only Parikh managing to reach double figures. The team rallied in the second half and four Brooksbottom ducks briefly threatened a Clifton win, but professional Ullah guided his team home to a four wicket win with Gareth Cross completing a decent personal day with 4-39.
There is no doubting the talent in this side, but their confidence is currently in their boots and they are finding it hard to see where the next win is coming from….Saturday at home would be just the tonic.