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Ashley vs Alvanley Date: 3rd May 2008 Venue: Alvanley CC Toss won by: Ashley CC Batted First: Ashley CC |
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Match Report The race for 2X1 Captain became clearer after Saturdays 1X1 game at Alvanley following the skippers decision to bat first on a green seamer. With the host’s overseas James Wheelahan steaming in down the hill generating very good pace and bowling in good areas the pressure mounted on Ashley who were unable to get him away and both openers played at missed several times before edging behind to the keeper, though Richard Smith wasn’t happy with his which was the first of several poor decisions during the day. Though in fairness poor decision-making was equally evident in the batting ranks of both sides. With Ashley stuttering at 15-2 after 13 overs, skipper Ian Barber once again had to dig in and battled hard for almost 90 mins for his 28. Liam O’Doherty also found it tough going batting for an hour for his 16 before being adjudged LBW to Wheelahan who continued to ask all the questions whilst P. Pearce’s wily accurate slow bowling at the other end kept things tight. Dixie Deans suffered a shocking decision to see him back in the shed for 0, and at 46-4 after 32 overs Ashley were staring down the barrel with time running out. Seamus Sons once again batted well for his 25 before succumbing to a hamstring strain and was run out. The skipper was eventually stumped when attempting a huge wipe over mid-wicket but not before smashing Pearce for a huge straight six into the field which for a man with no talent and bat without a middle was some achievement! Nomaan was unable to repeat his innings of the previous week, and McKinstry was beaten for pace by Wheelahan. Matt Wilson (7) and Dave Woods (2) remained unbeaten as the innings closed on a disappointing 100. Ashley got off to a flier with Dave Woods removing Geddis and Bennion in successive overs and reduce the home side to 3-2. Nomaan Hasan cleaned up Gilbert to give Ashley real hope at 13-3, however, Ben Pearce and Senior both overcame nervy starts to bat really well and built a partnership worth 50 that took the game away from Ashley. With the skipper frequently changing the bowling options and the fields Ashley worked hard to stay in the game and got a break through when David Alves induced an edge from Pearce and a Seamus Sons took a smart catch at slip where he remained stationed throughout the innings. Ian Barber won a successful LBW against Szymura to open the door again at 67-5 but a difficult missed chance saw Senior escape and that was that. Senior batted extremely well with very good patience and discipline to remain undefeated on 44 and fittingly he smote the winning boundary in the 41st over. This was a disappointing result against a side that Ashley should really be looking to beat and finish above in the table. Batting was difficult early on and all our batsmen were struggling to dominate against the new ball. The Ashley batting has yet to fire this season though it is fair to say three of our batters did get rather poor decisions on the day. However, all credit to Alvanley, particularly their overseas James Wheelahan who bowled with genuine pace and it has to be said seemed to bowling well within himself, and ofcourse to the experienced Senior with his match winning knock. Ashley fought hard and did well in the field but 100 was always going to be at least 30 short of a winning total on that wicket. Plenty to think about and work on in the lead up to the visit next week to the Railway Field of Cholmondley who also took a beating at the hands of Mere. |
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FIRST INNINGS |
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SECOND INNINGS |
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Result: Alvanley (25 pts) beat Ashley (3
pts) by 5 wickets |
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