4th XI defeat Appleton

Phew – it was a hot one and the team sincerely hoped it was ‘win the toss and bat’. Unfortunately the Appleton skipper called correctly and took first dibs on what looked like a dusty road of a wicket trapped in a lightning fast outfield. I think everyone was worried about the amount of ball chasing they would be doing.

Fortunately the bowling unit saved corporate heat stroke by bowling straight and bowling to their field. Waseem & Pushka set the standard first up and all bowlers followed. The bowlers had a little luck with a few batsmen playing on but they kept sustained pressure on the Appleton bats to try & make something happen and break the strangle hold. The opener Thorley played well for a patient 40 over 40 overs as wickets fell around him but others looked ineffective until the left handed Cross came in at 8. He looked the part and struck 25 before being well held by Krishna at deep mid-on. Perhaps the Appleton bats were distracted by Mo Tayyab’s flatulent Elk impression or even Zain’s incessant chatting, questions I suppose we will never know the answer to. Wickets were spread around with Mo Tayyab leading with a 3 for 41 return supported by the immaculately attired Waseem with 2 for 21.

In reply Mo & Zain made it look a different game as they confidently took the attack to the Appleton bowlers. Both clubbed their own paths to a partnership score of 62 for the opening wicket before Zain took one liberty too many and was well held at deep mid-wicket for a hard struck 28 off 36 balls. The bought Kabir to the crease and he seemed to be on a mission to try and overtake his Captain before the innings closed, scoring 42 off 21 balls including four 4’s and three 6’s. He did not however catch his Captain who scored 52 off 39 balls including 9 fours to get Timperley across the line for a 9 wicket victory, all built on a great bowling and fielding effort.

Next week sees a visit to Trafford MV who will no doubt prove a firmer test.