FIRSTS BOWLERS SHINE WHILE BRET SMASHES ADLINGTON

After a comprehensive pair of victories on the opening weekend, it was important that our Saturday sides followed up in week two. Suffice to say our players stepped up, with each team recording even more convincing triumphs over Adlington.

At Crompton Meadows the firsts took on an Adlington side which won the toss and elected to bat. The returning Lenny made early inroads with a brace of wickets before the middle order took the score to 65-3. At this point, pro Burns and Lenny turned the screw, and with each displaying skill and no little control the visitors innings imploded, the last seven wickets falling for just four runs! Lenny ended with a deserved five wicket haul, with Burner taking 4-28. Nathan also pulled off a run out, and just three of the Adlington team reached double figures amidst the carnage.

In response Matty Hall took early charge, finding the boundary on six occasions in an opening stand of 46 with skipper Fuller. Unfortunately a typical Totts collapse caused some wobbles; three wickets fell on 46, and another two runs later, before Burnsy and Niko took us to victory by six wickets with 35 overs to spare. The side sit nicely atop the league after the opening pair of fixtures.

Over in Adlington, a revamped 2nds were missing several of last weekend's players but turned in a good performance in the field. Bradders admittedly lost some of his week one threat, but Marshy was his usual economical self, picking up 3-30 in 14 overs of controlled seam. Awais and Watty returned to the side and each put in a good shift with the ball, Awais especially showing control with 2-20 from his 14 tight overs. The home side's innings of 129-8 was totally dominated by opener Chamberlain who managed to plunder 91 before falling an over before the end.

A new look opening pair took to the field to begin the Totts response, with Kieran pushing himself down the order. The returning Tom played steadily, but at the other end Bret was in command from ball one. He absolutely smashed the bowling, with opener Samways on the wrong end of 0-41 from three overs as Bret piled on 81 in just 42 balls, with five sixes to complement ten other boundaries. Bret fell to the final ball of the tenth over with the score on 104, but Hayesy then joined Tom to see out the innings, the pair ending on 19 and 20 not out, respectively. A thumping 9 wicket win followed on from last weekend's 8 wicket success, leavign the side joint top of Division 4.

On Sunday the 3rds took on an Elton 3rd XI that had plenty of experience alongside some keen youngsters. Totts batted first and veteran Johnno showed glimpses of his old self with a patient 38. Dom plundered 40 as the pair took the score to 92-1. A flurry of late wickets saw Totts restricted to 135-6 from their overs, a total which looked a little undercooked on another super wicket.

The home side needed early wickets and despite Awais bagging a couple, the Elton top order was scoring rapidly. Ryan Kent took the game away, blazing 64 from 30 balls, with nobody able to keep the runs in check. Young Jack got in five overs that certainly offers some promise for the future, but the 3rds were perhaps a couple short against a strong Elton outfit. Onto Heywood next week!

As ever thanks to those who worked tirelessly on the ground, bar and facilities through the week and on both match days, and thanks to those who came down to support our sides. We hope to see you back at the Meadows on Saturday when the 2nds host Blackley. Next week all three senior sides are again in action, with the firsts facing a tough trip to Daisy Hill. On Sunday the thirds go to Heywood for what's sure to be another hard fought encounter.

To view scorecards from all our games, view the TSJ fixtures and results on CricHQ or check out our fixtures page.