Stubborn Middlewich Show Their Worth

With many the league follower speculating a clean sweep from home side Urmston, it was up to the returning 1st XI captain Nick Gill to prove Middlewich could compete with the former premier division club.

Nick maintained his positive form at the toss and with an important win he elected to bowl first with the pitch undoubtedly going to retain well throughout a pleasant afternoon.

Regular new ball bowlers, James Cornford and Leandro du Toit got the visitors under way and soon learnt just how flat this wicket was, despite some good bowling and a few heart in mouth moments for the opening pair the Lancashire Academy duo were relatively chance less and took the score to 110 before young Sam Brothers broke the deadlock and removed Calum Turner (64). It was then up to the slow bowlers to attempt to stem the flow of runs with all-rounder Stephen Bliss bowling 21 overs 2-90, notably removing England u19 Matthew Parkinson and brother Calum cheaply. Patrick Hurley continued his fine form at the other end, adding a further 2 wickets for the season from his 9 over stint. Middlewich weren't able to sustain pressure and eventual centurion, Bradley Yates (114*) steered Urmston to an over par score of 282 – 5 from their 50 overs.

Moment of the Day
Andrew Davies had clearly been watching too much IPL cricket with a spectacular effort on the boundary, leaping high to catch and throw the ball back into play stopping a certain 6.

Following the interval Middlewich were off to an awkward start, with both Thomas Shepherd (0) and fellow opener James Williams (2) departing cheaply, leaving the score 7-2. From that moment in it was always going to be difficult for the visitors to chase down 282 and instead opted to secure as many batting points as possible. Vice Captain, James Cornford provided the backbone to the Middlewich run chase with a stylish 72*, form which all hope will continue throughout the season. James was ably supported by Andrew Davies (13), Nick Gill (35), falling foul to what appeared to be a harsh decision and the ever present Kristian Clowes who found the middle on more than a few occasions in his quick-fire 44 from 31 deliveries. Middlewich eventually closed their innings on 181-6, taking both batting and a draw point from the game.

Captains Corner
“Knowing full well how tough this fixture was going to be I think, despite having to chase more than anticipated, that the lads really stuck at it well and showed just how tough we are to beat. I hope we can maintain that stubbornness moving into next week and start pushing for the performances we all know we a re capable of”

Middlewich play host to league newcomers Weaverham this weekend, who despite having made a great start to their Division 1 campaign should expect a tough fixture at the Haddon Field. First ball from 1pm, spectators welcome as always.