Clifton 3rd XI moved to within one victory of the leaguetitle with a dominant 100-run victory over Radcliffe, maintaining theirremarkable unbeaten run for the season.
Batting first, Clifton had to recover from a difficult startbefore posting an imposing 186-9 from their 40 overs. Early wickets leftClifton 20-2 before Owen Hogben took control of the innings. With wicketsfalling around him, Hogben produced an outstanding knock, patiently rebuildingbefore accelerating as the innings progressed.
Clifton slipped to 89-6, but Hogben found excellent supportfrom Fred Breidenbach and together the pair completely changed the complexionof the game.
They added a superb 80 runs for the seventh wicket, takingClifton from a vulnerable position to 169-7. Hogben eventually departed for amagnificent 87 from 103 balls, including eight boundaries. An innings thatformed the backbone of Clifton's total.
Breidenbach carried on the good work, finishing 35 not outfrom just 33 deliveries, with five fours, as Clifton reached 186.
If Radcliffe thought they had a chance of chasing it,Clifton's bowlers quickly had other ideas.
Tom Worthington produced a devastating opening spell,reducing Radcliffe to 29-4 and ripping the heart out of the top order. At theother end the pressure was relentless, with Radcliffe finding runs extremelydifficult to come by.
The final word fittingly belonged to Worthington, whoreturned to dismiss A. Mehmood and complete a brilliant five-wicket haul,finishing with figures of 5-22 from eight overs, including two maidens.
Radcliffe were dismissed for just 86 in 27 overs, sealing anemphatic 100-run victory for Clifton.
It was another hugely impressive team performance from a 3rdXI who simply keep finding ways to win. Hogben's superb 87 rescued the inningswhen Clifton were under pressure, Breidenbach provided the crucial latemomentum and Worthington's five-for ensured Radcliffe were never seriously inthe chase.
Most importantly, the unbeaten run continues.
After a fantastic season so far, Clifton 3rd XI now stand justone win away from securing the league title.
One more. 🏏🏆