2NDS ENJOY BIG WIN IN GMCL WEEK 6

With the 1st XI having a free week it was left to the 2nds to spearhead our challenge over the Bank Holiday weekend, with an away trip to Unsworth an enticing prospect. The 1sts had kicked off the season with a win there, so could the 2nds enjoy similar success?

The answer was a resounding yes. The home side batted first and, with the Totts bowlers on the ball from the start, runs were hard to come by. A good opening spell from Awais and Nathan yielded just one wicket, but then the introduction of Ry Marsh and "all rounder" Gavin changed the game. The pair shared 9 wickets, with Ry picking up a handy 5-34 while Gav was even more economical, returning impressive figures of 4-12 from his 8 overs.

The Totts innings got off to a slightly shaky start, but a great partnership between "Mr Australia" Mick Dundee Proops and Matty Hall took the team to within sight of victory. Despite losing a couple of quick wickets it was left to the undefeated Proops and Ant to guide us to a six wicket victory in fine style.

Sunday saw the 3rds travel to Stand for a tricky fixture. The home side racked up 211 all out in just under 39 overs. Sam Collins continued his all round form with a six wicket haul, though proved expensive with 77 runs coming from his 10 overs. Bret, fresh from back to back centuries, again led the Totts charge, but the innings didn't get off to a great start, with Rowdy, skipper Parky and Dee all failing to trouble the scorers.

Sam joined his dad at the crease and suddenly Totts started to get a handle on the game. Bret was once again imperious, passing 50 from 56 balls to continue his magnificent recent form. Sam was also into his stride, hitting a four and six in successive balls to join in the fun. At the halfway point of the innings Totts has reached 83-3, with Bret on 59 and the required rate just about in sight at 6.45 rpo.

The score reached 89 before Sam fell but Bret continued on his way, smashing four sixes before falling 13 short of an unprecedented third successive century, his 87 coming from just 88 balls. At 131-5 with 10 overs left, the game was once again in the home side's grasp. A flurry of quick wickets unfortunately ended the innings at 136, leaving Stand victorious despite Bret's superb effort.

I Will if You Will Biffaward

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