The weekend saw a remarkable return to form by the 1st XI batters, but disappointments for the 2nd and 3rd XIs.
Having struggled to post competitive totals for much of the season, the 1st XI seemed to have had their third Weetabix before welcoming Oulton Park to The Beets on Saturday. Haris Yassin led the way with his maiden ton for the club in only his second game. With a quickfire 50 from James Lines and rapid scoring from the rest of the line up, we posted a magnificent 339 -9 off our 50 overs. This was a fine effort, particularly that we were missing players due to last week’s injury nightmare at Romiley. In reply Oulton Park did well to get closer than expected, falling just short of the 300 mark themselves. 600+ runs and 19 wickets on the day is great credit to the track prepared by our excellent groundsman. The 1s remain at the foot of the table but we now have the other clubs in our sights. The 2s had less luck with the track at Cheadle Hulme, being bowled out for 104. The hosts also struggled, losing 5 wickets in the run chase. Having players called up the 1st team because of injuries clearly impacted on our team, but it was great to see our younger players once again being given the opportunity to experience cricket at the sharp end. Praise too for former 1st team skipper, former Club Chairman and current Junior Chair, Mark Timms, who found his whites and reminded us of what a fine player and top clubman he is. The 3s lost a low scorer at The Beets on Sunday, going down to Bramhall on a rain interrupted day. Runs from Finn Coburn and Steve Abel could only get us to a total of just over a hundred but we looked in the game as Zach Roberts and Adam Heap knocked the top off the visitors’ batting, leaving them at 32-5. But rain and some help from messrs Duckworth and Lewis got our guests over the line in the 19th over. The development of our younger players continues and the future of the club looks bright.
