Top of The Table Clash for MCC U13’s

Middlewich Under 13’s extended their winning streak in an important top of the table clash against local rivals Holmes Chapel in a game where the weather threatened victory almost as much as Middlewich’s fearsome bowling attack.

Captain Johnson lost the toss and Middlewich were put into bat to set the a target for Holmes Chapel to chase.

A new opening pair of Oakes (8)& Irving (7) walked confidently to the middle and between them started the game well, but Johnson fresh from his Cheshire District duties came to the crease with the score at 13 for 1 and on his first delivery put the ball on the club house roof for 6.

His innings continued from there with another 3 sixes, 1 on the roof & 1 over the clubhouse, which took his tally to 29 when he was caught 1 short of retiring, but a very useful knock.

Cottom (15), Brock (11 Not out), Naylor (3 Not out) took the score to 86 for 7 after the 20 overs which was Middlewich’s highest score to date and one Holmes Chapel would have to bat well to beat.

After a quick turnaround (with no biscuits or drink!) Middlewich opened the bowling with the now established pair of Irving (3 for 14 from 3) & Naylor (0 for 14 from 3), and after the first over Holmes Chapel were 3 for 2.

Further wickets from Johnson (2 for 1 from 3), Cottom (3 for 11 from 3) left the home side at 56 for 9 after only 14 overs, and it was down to a decisive ball from Foster (1 for 5 from 1) and cat like reactions from Egerton behind the stumps to finish the game and see Middlewich go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

Man of the match went to R Johnson for his excellent batting & bowling performance but the whole team showed they are now a formidable unit who are visibly improving every week.