TWO OUT OF THREE AIN'T BAD

The 2021 season kicked off this past weekend, with two of our three senior sides recording victories.

The 1sts started their campaign with expected promotion rivals Radcliffe, on a glorious day at the Meadows. Enormous thanks must go not only to those who spent countless hours getting the facilities ready this Spring, but also those who gave up their time and worked tirelessly on the day - Kieran, Sam, Hayesey, the Peacocks, Miranda, Rick et al. Outdoor service for several hundred attendees was flawless, and the good natured crowd throughly enjoyed the sunshine, cricket and hospitality on offer.

Having reduced a strong visiting line up to 79-6, the 1sts must have hoped they'd keep Radcliffe to a two figure score, alas some doughty rearguard action saw the visitors almost double their total, ending on 153 all out. All the bowlers collected wickets and despite one or two lapses in concentration this was a pretty good first week's effort in the field - a couple of excellent catches were held and we kept a cracking team spirit throughout. Dad-to-be "Big Phil" Fuller took a storming catch off Burnsy, almost losing his finger in the process, and there was an early contender for sledge of the season from young Brooky following an LBW dismissal which hit the batsman in his chest - "Yeah, but you're only two foot four" elicited our very own wordsmith on hearing the batter complain.

Unfortunately 2020's second innings batting woes once again surfaced, with the Tottington reply collapsing from 35-1 to 54-6 as overseas amateur Cumberbatch and pro Saeed bowled with no little pace and some hostility. Despite a late flurry from Ste Brooks and new recruit Liam Hickson, the damage was done and the Totts reply closed on 116, with leg spinner Farley impressing in cleaning up the lower order. Congrats to Radcliffe for their victory and we look forward to an improved performance in the return game.

The 2nds meanwhile were making short work of Adlington. Evergreen seamer Si Marsh was the pick of the Totts bowlers, taking a highly impressive 7-28. Awais captured the other three wickets as the home side collapsed from 53-0 to 98 all out. In return Bret and the Bearded Wonder were soon dismissed, but useful contributions from Russ, Nick Marsh, Ant Moore and Dom Kay saw the boys home to an impressive 6 wicket win in a good all round team performance.

Sunday's 3rd team game at Monton saw stand-in skipper Dan Tatts and his side put in an impressive effort to score 207-7 in their 40 overs. There was some excellent jug avoidance from Daz Wood who managed to get out on 49 to the seventh ball of an over, while keeper Flaherty also just fell short of his half century. Craig Parky and Katie put on a half century partnership and the eventual innings total looked to be enough. The Totts bowlers managed to keep things under control throughout the Monton innings, with Kieran Mullan bowling 10 overs for 24 at the top of the innings. A double strike from Sam Collins kept the home side in check in the middle overs, and eventually the innings closed at 153-6.

Well done to all our players - plenty to work on in the coming weeks but an encouraging start all round, especially with ball in hand!

Photos below courtesy of the wonderful Brian Maher