TRIPLE TROUBLE AS SEASON GETS UNDERWAY IN EARNEST
After the opening weekend was washed away by rain and snow, the new season finally got underway in earnest this weekend, with all three senior sides in action. Given the eventual results, perhaps the weather might have delayed things a week?
The 1sts were finally in action, hosting an unknown quantity in Whalley Range. In chilly conditions, Totts batted first and Nick Marsh set the scene for an afternoon of batting dominance. He crashed 10 fours and a handful of sixes on his way to a cracking 91. Support was mainly provided by veteran Nelly B, batting under a helmet for the first time I can recall; he added a useful 34 and with the score at 141-3 we were looking set. However there was a late order collapse, which put paid to thoughts of 200+. However we ended up at a respectable 189-9 off the 45 overs, a total which would have been plenty in past seasons.
Thoughts of a win came to the fore as opening pair Nick Marsh and young spinner Ste Brooks each picked up an early wicket to leave the visitors at 28-2. Enter Mr Fakir with 162 needed. One of last year's WR stars, apparently put into the 2s due to lack of net attendance, the bastman blasted an unstoppable 125 not out, completely dominating the inings and smashing the ball left, right and centre. Despite a heavy bowler rotation which saw seven bowlers used, Fakir couldn't be stopped and he led his team to an 8 wicket win with some 13 overs to spare. Ouch. Next week will see some of the other bowlers back so we'll see if that makes any difference - with Fakir in such great form, it would have taken something special to stop him. Match scorecard
2nds report to come
Our women's team travelled to one of domestic women's cricket's strongest sides, Saxton, on Sunday. The multi-time local and national champions are formidable, and proved to be so again, dominating our youthful bowling attack to the tune of an impressive 304-4 in their 40 overs. Despite such an onslaught, a young Totts side kept their composure - and their smiles - and really did keep going bravely.
Chilly day watching @saxtonladiescc pic.twitter.com/9haytzWpq1
— Jane Hildreth (@hildreth_jane) April 24, 2016
In return Totts could only post 114 in their overs despite a classy 50 in just 39 balls form the legend that is Ceebs, but it was a game effort for a team lacking in experience - however days like this are generally good to bounce back from and we'll be looking to the girls to put on a strong show when they return to Crompton Meadows to face Bradford on May 8th! Thanks must got to several parents and supporters (Paul and Gemma especially) for sending across the scores and thoughts during the game. Oh and come back soon Nicki Wilcox - your game face was missed by the girls!
Lots of new images in our 2016 match photo gallery
