1STS WIN TABLE TOP THRILLER WHILE 2S LOSE SOGGY CLASH

There was no match report last week due to holidays, but there were big wins for all our senior sides in the sunshine. The 1sts and 2nds completed a reverse win against Adlington, with Burnsy and Niko again starring with the bat and ball, respectively. Sam also notched his fifth half century, with 62 not out for the 3rds as they routed Brooksbottom.

From 30+ degrees last weekend to a Saturday shrouded in low cloud and horrible drizzle. The firsts hosted Daisy Hill in a must-win table topping clash while the 2nds were away to Blackley. Down at the Meadows, the visitors batted first and got off to a steady start, putting on 33 for the first wicket. Smalley and Burns then ripped through the middle order, ending with 9 wickets between them. Burner picked up yet another 5 wicket haul, with the visitors restricted to just 106. A swift victory looked assured as Dasher Dearden took the fight to the visitors, smashing 40 out of an opening partnership of 53 with Niko. When both fell, quickly followed by Smalley, the innings looked in some trouble, but Matty H and JB steadied the ship. Despite losing Matt and Ry Marsh late on, a five wicket victory was completed thanks to a lovely JB six. The 2sts now sit 10 points ahead of Prestwich and the chasing pack, and look in great shape to push on through August.

Over at a very mossy and soggy Blackley, on and off rain meant that pre-match warm ups were curtailed, with covers finally coming off just ahead of the scheduled start. The home side won the toss and batted on a firm wicket, though that decision was soon called into question as from ball 1 the uneven bounce was an issue. Nick Marsh and Awais got into their work quickly, despite Nick's poorly shoulder. The innings highlight was undoubtedly a spectacular one handed catch at gully from Watty that might have been the single greatest thing ever seen on a cricket field in the entire history of the planet. (Fiver please Michael). Seriously, it was an absolute peach and even the batsman just stared in disbelief. Dangerman Bell fell to a ball that shot along the floor before the rains came with the score at 17-3. A lengthy delay wasn't ideal but on resumption the opening bowlers continued their good work, leaving Blackley at 58-7. However some big hitting then ensued, with Nick T bearing the brunt as Ahmed and Mahon slammed the ball around, putting on 52 for the eighth wicket in just 5 overs. The tail continued to wag before the Doc picked up two late wickets to end the innings at 130 and deny young Jack a bowl!

The Totts innings got off to a flier, with Doc despatching two balls out of the ground and Watty hitting a six over cover. However the wicket was decidedly tricky, and once Doc fell to a shooter for 27 and Watty was given out somewhat harshly the innings stagnated completely. 8 runs came in 8 overs, with Yaqoob in particular really hard to get away. With the run rate gradually climbing Russ launched a brief flurry before losing his wickets, and then wickets fell steadily to leave us at 90 for 8. A 21 run partnership between Nick M and Clive (a cameo 17 from 12 balls) got us to 111, and then with just 11 balls remaining and the side a handful short of victory Nick was bowled attempting to smash the ball into Heaton Park.

This was a poor game on a very bad wicket, but there can be no complaints as it was the same for all. There was also some DLS confusion with our target lowered at one point despite the home side losing batting overs, and nobody having a clue what our final target actually was. The game hinged on a few lusty blows from the Blackley tail end and some soft dismissals from the Totts side. Still, on we go and hopefully those wrongs can be righted next week.

The 3rds game on Sunday was unfortunately washed out after just 7 overs of play.

Thanks as always to those who toiled throughout to try and make the grounds playable and to the hardy knots of spectators at the Meadows and the Schofield clan at Blackley who got absolutely drenched!

To view scorecards from all our games, view the TSJ fixtures and results on CricHQ or check out our fixtures page.