SECONDS HAMMER LEADERS DARCY!

The 2nds recorded their best performance of the season so far with a quite magnificent eight wicket win over table topping Darcy Lever at Crompton Meadows.

Captain Steve Moriarty won the toss and inserted the opposition on a damp but drying wicket. Considering the monsoon like weather we've had over recent days the pitch and surroundings were in remarkably good nick. The drainage work we've had done has clearly had an effect.

High flying Darcy Lever must have come into the game feeling confident and a steady start saw the knock up 60-odd for one without them ever cutting loose. But they were up against a keen Totty in the field and the bowlers gradually took the upper hand. Despite their promising start Darcy were restricted to 132 all out thanks to a terrific bowling and fielding performance.

Danny Moriarty bagged 2 for 48, while skipper Steve Moriarty took 2 for 40. Andy Walker bowled a great eight-over spell, taking 3 for 27 off eight, including Darcy's top-scoring opener. And a special mention must go to spinner Simon Kelly, who took his first ever wicket for the club. Equally, two quite stunning catches from veteran of veterans Graham Fletcher simply had to be seen to be believed, as he rolled back the years with a great pouch on the boundary and a diving corker of a snaffle in the gully. Incredible stuff.

Chasing 132, a good start was essential and Totty certainly got off to one. An excellent opening stand from man of the match Danny Moriarty who scored his highest ever score for TSJCC and Mike Ainscoe (27) of 116 off 26 overs put the 2nds in an unassailable position.

Danny was eventually out for 79, his best ever knock for the club and what a knock it was too. He dispatched the bowling to all corners of Crompton Meadows in a stunning display of controlled aggression and delightful stroke play.

TSJCC finished up on 134 for 2 as Ryan Stoney smashed the winning boundary with 14 overs to spare to complete a truly memorable performance by the 2nds.

What a day in the sun at the Meadows!

Report courtesy Andy W

I Will if You Will Biffaward

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