TON UP SAM IN DOUBLE WEEKEND DELIGHT

Two weeks into the season and the Collins century count continues, with Sam joining his Dad by passing three figures in a thumping second XI league victory. Amid sunny skies and welcome warmth both senior sides launched their league campaigns with sizeable victories while the 3rds kicked off their campaign with a tie!

Over at Micklehurst the 1sts strolled to a 9 wicket win, thanks to Matt Smalley's impressive 7 wicket haul. The paceman claimed 7-32 as the home side were skittled for 114, before skipper Phil Hayes crashed 75 not out from just 40 balls to secure victory in just 12.3 overs. Callum provided solid support in a century opening stand. An impressive start to the league following the disappointment of last weekend's bowl out cup loss.

After heroic work from Kieran, James, Dickie P and all those who have worked so hard in the past few weeks, it was finally game on at Crompton Meadows. The seconds won the toss and wisely elected to bat against an Adlington side who sadly could only muster eight players. Sam wasted no time in exposing the lack of fielders, by crashing the ball to all parts from the word go. His first three balls disappeared to the boundary and from then on it seemed a high score was assured. Sam passed three figures, ending with 101, and there was plenty of time for Nathan to follow last weekend's half century with another 50+ score, before 15 year old debutant Lucas Bright-Lees added a well made 54 not out. The innings ended at 273-6, a challenging target for 11 never mind eight. The Totts bowlers showed their visitors no mercy however, dismissing Adlington for just 35 in a scoreline eerily reminiscent of last weekend's cup result. Three cheap wickets each for Faisal and Nathan were supported by a steady spell from Nick T who picked up 1-18 from 11 overs.

On Sunday, Katie's barmy army travelled to Edgworth and took to the crease to set an imposing total. At 74-7 things were looking bleak, but a fantastic 130 run partnership between the veteran duo of Bret and Marshy (best number 9/10/11 of all time). Bret managed to completely blow the run of centuries from the Collins clan by "only" making 87, while "spinner" Marshy carved his way to 35. Edgworth's innings saw a revised target of 129 from 24.3 overs, and incredibly the game went to the final ball, with Griffiths managing to hit a boundary to level things up. A great effort from a very young bowling attack (aside from our veteran Si;)).

A terrific set of results overall and it's heartening to see plenty of players picking up runs and wickets ahead of what are surely tougher challenges ahead. Thanks as always to everyone who played, spectated, supported, worked on the ground and bar, and scored. Onwards and upwards!