Half Way House

Visiting captain Mark Greaves won the toss and opted to bat in a bid to secure batting points on what typically is a good surface on the Haddon Field. The opening pair fended off some aggressive bowling and indifferent variation to take the score to 62 before the deadlock was broken by Kieran Boyle, smartly removing the visiting captain following a build of scoreboard pressure. Slow left arm bowler Stephen Bliss entered the fray to face his former club and soon put the visitors onto the back foot with the dismissal of Sam Hunt. Bliss returned a first 5 wicket haul of the season and impressive figures of 15-51-5 on a supportive wicket. Young gun Sam Brothers showed that he truly was very bothered in a spell which confirmed the late order collapse, returning stats of 7-17-3. Andrew Davies was also in the act, collecting the final wicket of the innings which finished on what seemed to be a below par 163 all out, with Tim Niemand top scoring with 73 for Davenham.

New look opening pair, Leandro Du Toit and Jamie Williams stepped out to the middle in hope of securing a second win for Nick Gills side. The chase was off to a solid start with LDT finding the fence with regularity and Williams remaining supportive at the other end. The pair’s partnership was finally disturbed with the score on 51, prompting a swing in momentum when Du Toit was removed for a well played 41 from 58 deliveries. Little is to be said for the middle to late order bar a couple of lusty blows from Sam Brothers (18) and the hosts finally succumbed to some good bowling from Davenham’s spin twins for 113.

Moment of the Day

Sam Brothers continued his 6 hitting prowess, this time taking on the visitor’s overseas recruit for a six over cow corner.

Captains Corner

“This was huge game for us and following such a solid first half the lads are devastated not to go on and produce a better batting performance. There is no doubt now that the second half of the season will require something special and I have every confidence that that’s what we will see”

So, what next for Middlewich Cricket Club…?

This coming weekend proposes another huge home clash with Cheadle Hulme, a game which the hosts will certainly fancy their chances in as each Saturday is now looking more and more like a ‘must win’ encounter in a bid to secure Division 1 survival.

Aside from the pressures of league cricket Middlewich 1st XI have a genuine shot at a cup run on Sunday, when visitors Romiley make the trip for a Cheshire Shield knock out clash.

Members, supporters and friends of the club are very welcome to enjoy the sunshine, bar and hopefully the cricket over what could be a decisive weekend in the playing calendar.