A hot day faced the 4th XI in their home fixture against Styal. Confronting a worn pitch the Captain fancied a bowl first and got it on losing the toss. Everybody happy (so far...)

They found early success in getting Awan caught at point for 2 off Muzaffar to make it 10 for 1. This brought Pattisapu (jnr) to the crease to partner Matta and this was the beginning of Timperleys woes. Whilst the ball was hard and had shine the bowlers exerted some control and were able to beat the bat and on other days a knick would occur. Not today though. As the ball softened, the deck flattened, the bowlers tired and both batters settled, the score rose remorsefully. Seldom was a bad ball missed for 4 or 6 and the batters could not be contained as they plundered a 301 run 2nd wicket partnership.

Timperleys fielding was of a poor standard with a few dropped catches that would have made a difference and numerous ground fielding errors that gifted runs to Styal. A couple of wickets in the last few overs put a softer feel to the score but Patisappu (161) and Matta (127) had certainly enjoyed themselves putting Timperley to the sword to post 318 for 2.

Not entirely discouraged by the total facing them Timperley knew that a herculean effort with the bat was needed to get anywhere close. Cavanagh and Martin batted positively but were not offered enough four balls to keep up with the rate. Cavanagh (35) fell first to Goel in the covers to make it 67 for 1 off 15 overs and Martin was then bowled slogging for 39 by Carley to make it 94 for 2 off 20 with there now being no realistic chance of winning the game.

On the back of last weeks century at Macclesfield, Coad was batting confidently and with Fisher put on 91 for the 3rd wicket before Fisher (30) missed a straight one from Umar to make it 181 for 3 off 33 overs. Bhatti (17*) joined Coad and the pair of them saw out the innings to 244 for 3, a total that will likely win most matches at this standard. Coad 102*, looked seldom in trouble.

This was the second reminder this season that to win matches you need to bat and field well. You cannot do one without the other.