Wilmslow CC 1st XI 158 for 6 beat Maritime CC 157 ao
The Squirrels reached the Cheshire Alliance League Cup Final on Sunday defeating Maritime, a Wirral outfit who play on the iconic Bromborough Pool Village Green near Birkenhead.
The venue was founded and built by a philanthropic candle maker in the 19th century, and the backdrop of the church and school along with the managers and his workers houses which is now all in a conservation area, made for an interesting setting.
Largely, we believe of Sri Lankan origin, Maritime have transferred from the Merseyside League and have started in the 3rd Division, two leagues below Wilmslow. On this showing, they should climb the leagues very quickly. Certainly, their enthusiasm, good sportsmanship and penchant for providing an all day barbecue will make them a popular destination.
Having won the toss Maritime batted with a flair that produces quick runs, but against tight bowling the loss of early wickets. After 17 overs Maritime were 107 for 8, the visitors were on top and an early finish on the cards.
As ever the final pairs put the bowlers to the sword and on this occasion were successful as several balls flew over the boundary. Within no time 50 runs were on the board, before the returning Pickup took 2 in 3 to close the innings on 157.
Happy with their work with the ball, Wilmslow went out to bat confident of achieving the target. There was to be a quick reappraisal after just one over. No wickets fell, and indeed 30 runs had been scored before Jags went LBW, but this was tough work. Maritime possess not only two of the quickest bowlers in the league, but they also know what they are doing.
To Wilmslow's credit this was a challenge they met head on, and the 3rd wicket stand of Elliot Rowe (54) and Rob Herriott (48), was near enough chanceless and wonderfully crafted. It was however, at the required run rate and when they both went, incoming batsmen needed to hit the ground running. Toby Rowe with 20no steered the visitors home with just 3 balls to spare, but he saw 3 wkts fall at the other end as the pressure told.
This was a great game, played in a great spirit, and we would like to express our thanks to Maritime CC, for being such generous hosts.
Generosity was a feature for both 1st and 2nd XI's on Saturday, but this was the kind that gifts wins to the opposition. At the Rectory Saughall registered 202, an average score given the conditions. Only Narayaranan and Toby Rowe showed the right application with a sixth wicket stand of 60. Credit to Saughall, for their deserved win. This loss and failure to maximise batting points, puts the 1st teams promotion hopes in real jeopardy.
In other matches at the weekend, highlights included the bowling of young Paddy Draper and the batting of Rob Hart, in a narrow loss by the 2nd XI at Audlem. The all-round performance of Jake Woodhouse in the Squirrels Development XI tie with Trinity shows further proof of some outstanding emerging talent.
Match report by Mike Harding.
