TON FOR BRET AS SENIOR SIDES WIN ALL THREE

The three TSJ senior teams recorded a clean sweep of wins in week two, with some impressive batting performances along the way. The firsts were in friendly action, the league game having been cancelled due to Bury 2nds dropping down the divisions. The lads travelled to old NMCL foes Ashton Ladysmith, where a short boundary led to some high scoring action. TSJ batted first and put last weekend's woes firmly behind them, racking up 245/7 in 45 overs. Gav Greaves smashed 69, with other useful contributions down the order, especially from Smalley and Big Phil. In response the home side got off to a rapid start, with the quicker bowling despatched to all parts early doors. However some very tight stuff from Lenny and Gav, in conjunction with a penetrating spell from young Brooky saw the home side restricted to 202/9. Big Phil and Matt Hall took some excellent close catches to support the bowling.

Back at the Meadows Bret was in fine form, recording the first century of the season. He smashed a dominant 118 from just 93 balls, with over 100 in boundaries! Excellent contributions from the Kiwi Proops, with 61 not out, Nick Marsh and Bradders saw us to a challenging 274-7. In reply ere never in the game. Another excellent performance of 4-21 from Si Marsh ripped the heart out of the batting, with Nathan Hall taking a good 3-28 from his 9 overs as the visitors were dismissed for 164.

The 3rds kept their nerve to record a superb win against Heywood on Sunday. Tatts boys put together a competitive 185-5, with Rick Carr commencing his season with a well-composed 89 not out, carrying his bat through the innings. Donny weighed in with a rapid 37 in an opening stand of 49 and Sam chipped in with 20. In response Heywood got off to a steady start, with Openshaw and Dearden putting on 60. However this took almost half the overs, and while the second wicket also impressed, adding 87, the Totts bowlers managed to keep things in check throughout. Kieran Mullan, Nick and Katie put in a good shift, and while they only took one wicket they kept the batters in check, conceding just 96 in their combined 28 overs. The introduction of Sail was a masterstroke, the leg spinner keeping his nerve when bowling at the death. With four overs to go the visitors still had 9 wickets in hand with just 33 required. However the 3rds piled on the pressure and ultimately restricted Heywood to 185, with Sail ending up with 2-27 from 5 nerve jangling overs. A fine team effort and a superb win against strong opposition.

More of the same next week please!

Photos below courtesy of the wonderful Brian Maher