Hawk Green do the business...

Arriving in their normal haphazard way, Timperley were soon to lose the toss & be asked to field on what looked like a good track. The outfield looked fast too, a tribute to the groundsman so early in the season.

Openers Butler & Littler enjoyed a little luck in the first few overs when the ball was new with a few play & misses against Cross & Phadeke. They soon settled though as the hardness & shine left the ball and began to enjoy themselves in an opening partnership of over 200. Getting full value for their shots, both would score hundreds before the day was out. A key moment in the game was an exocet paced shot from Littler into the covers early in his innings that led to Nevells retirement to hospital with what was later diagnosed a broken finger. Had that hard chance been taken perhaps it would have been a different story.

Timperley Captain Bangee tried seven bowlers but could not contain the Hawks and not a maiden was bowled in 40 overs. Littler was out first, seeking the short leg side boundary. He slightly miscued and was well held overhead single handedly on the boundary edge by Khan off Bangee. This bought Messih to the crease & he and Butler continued the mayhem with Messih scoring a quick fire 54 all around the ground. Both he and Butler were run out late in the innings as the Hawks closed on 328 for 3. Butler 118.

In reply Timperley knew they would have to play well to get anywhere close. The nowadays cruiser weight Bhatti batted fluently for 50 off 55 balls but at the other end Usman laboured through lack of strike. Bhatti fell first to Messih and soon after Usman fell for 18 off Fenteman to a good catch in the gully by Littler. Khan & Desai attacked when they could with Khan particularly severe on Hallands. However Ridings & Messih showed more control than the Timperley bowlers and the required rate crept up. Once Khan was out stumped for 52 & Desai bowled for 47 attempting to slog Ridings, the game was up. Timperley kept playing shots to try and reach 250 ish but ultimately ended at 226 for 8 which on other days would be considered a decent batting effort.

On the day Timperley were well beaten but could have perhaps created a closer game with some tidier out fielding and catching.