Exiles Halted by Halton

Lindum won the toss and decided to bat.
A changed side (even many times from original selection) opened with Nabil and Hugo. Unfortunately, Hugo was out LBW in the third over and Glyn came to the crease. Whilst Nabil battled to get in, Glyn took no time at all, taking four 4s from the fifth over of the innings. A bright start, with the score 29-1 off five. The runs continued to tick at a steady rate when Glyn (36) departed in the spinner's first over, leaving the score 66-2 off 15. Martin came and went, LBW to the spinner and now Rob joined Nabil at 78-3. A very handy partnership followed with plenty of running between the wickets split with a few boundaries. Nabil (36) was next to go, run out with the score now 131-4 off 31 overs. A good platform had been set for the final 14 overs. The wickets fell steadily throughout the rest of the innings (Rob going on to also make 36) as Zac was the last to go on the final delivery with the score 177 all out. Everybody chipped in with a few runs including some lovely cricket shots played by the senior Shelbourne, Wes, especially.

Kafait and Glyn opened the bowling and started well - Glyn was particularly unlucky not to get an early breakthrough. The score was 31-0 off 12 overs. Rob (1) and Martin (2) were next and both got in the wickets early as the score was 61-3 off 20 overs. It was a good start but we knew this had to be capitalised on to ensure the score was defended. Aadil & Zac were next up and Zac took an early wicket in his second over. More chances were created from both but none were taken. Score now 117-4 off 34. Anton lined up next and struck in his first over. Zac continued to bowl well and took another wicket soon after. The runs still ticked over, however, and the run rate steadily decreased as we were building to a tight finish. 26 runs were required off the last five overs. In this time Zac had claimed his third wicket before Rob and Glyn were brought back to bowl but unfortunately the flow was with East Halton and they reached the target with eight balls to spare.

It was a great effort all round and equally a great game that was just not meant to be, having failed to take the chances we were given. That one batsman in particular capitalised in driving the rest of the team to the total but we can still be happy with the performance. We were well in the game and on another day, the win will be ours I am sure.

Next week is a home game against Clee Town Laportes where hopefully we can get back to winning ways and make amends for the poor run chase a few weeks ago.

Matt Brett