2nds XI in a poor run of form, and continue to struggle to find a win.
For the second time this season, I neglected to post a report last week, and for that I apologise, after the defeat away to Old Glossop, I was in a foul mood, and just couldn’t bring myself to write one, I know there aren’t many who read my missives, but some of you do.
With that in mind, another week has passed, and another defeat, although I made an error in my last report against Hazel Grove, saying it was our 7th consecutive defeat, however it was only the 5th, the ACTUAL 7th came today, this time to current league tail-enders Compstall, you just can’t get the staff these days.
With Brian Stone away, the heavy mantle of captaincy fell on Steve Monk’s shoulders again, and despite winning the toss, the decision was made to put Compstall into bat, having won at their place six weeks ago, we knew well enough the dangers of the father and son team of Ravi and Josh Patel, but whereas we were able to get Josh out fairly cheaply on 8 last time, the same could not be said today, Ravi managed to stay at the crease for 2 hours straight before being bowled by Maurice Barber just 6 runs past his century, but Josh batted even more impressively by carrying the bat for the away side, seeing out all 45 overs and finished on 53*.
The only other to get runs for Compstall was Robert Bradley with 20, caught by Monksie off a Ned Woodman delivery, Compstall finished their overs with a big target for Stalybridge to chase of 198, with a loss of just 3 wickets.
After the interval, opener Stu Nock, was deemed LBW in the 3rd ball of the innings, and Khalid Akram bowled on 3 with just 18 runs on the scoreboard, Stalybridge were instantly put on the back foot, Stuart Barnes in at number four was our seemingly best hope to get back in the drivers seat, but despite his managing to hit 25 in just 18 deliveries, getting caught for John Abbot’s 3rd wicket meant almost certain defeat, my son Jordan who got the winning runs and 50 at the away fixture, hit a couple of decent balls straight to fielders, but his 5th saw it straight into the hands of Heath Stewart, off newly at the bowling attack Josh Patel.
Stalybridge are now 4 down with 46 runs, Steve Monks comes in to replace Jordan, and sees his partner, opener Maurice, out a few balls later, Monks tries his damnedest to keep us in the match, running quick singles and doubles with Keith Bowers (20), Ajeet Kaintura (8) and Ned Woodman (2), and manages an admirable 56 before being bowled, his effort meant Stalybridge were now a more reasonable 153, though with just one wicket remaining, it was a very tall order for Ahmed Hayat and Mark Connolly to see the home side to victory, which they were unfortunately unable to do, with Ahmed getting caught off the other Patel, Ravi, to see Stalybridge all out for 159, 39 runs short of Compstall’s total, both teams have now just one win all season, against each other.
Stalybridge 2nds match next Saturday is away at Birch Vale & Thornsett, currently sitting third in the table, and the constant search for a second win and the effort to lift the players and this scorer mood out of the doldrums will continue there.
The firsts won away again, this time at Pott Shrigley, so that is good news at least.
Final result and scorecard: Compstall CC 2nd XI win by 39 runs.
Unfortunately lost, however thanks to our scorer and statistician for supporting team all the way.