Cricket: First loss for Heywood Seconds

Heywood Cricket Club

Heywood Cricket Club’s second team finally lost their unbeaten record in Division Four East of the Greater Manchester League at the ninth time of asking.

They bounced back the following day when they easily overcame Stretford by 118 runs to reach the fourth round of the Second XI Cup.

Ashton Ladysmith were the first side this season to topple the Heywood Second XI in a surprisingly decisive victory at Crimble on Saturday.

The visitors made 123 in an innings interrupted for some time towards the end by a violent thunderstorm.

Dave Gaskin was top scorer with 57 and the Heywood’s chief wicket-takers were Chris Kaye, 3-23, Lee Clarkson, 3-12, and James Mills, 2-27.

The victory target did not appear too testing for Heywood, but never at any time in their innings did they look likely to threaten it as they finally subsided to 47 all out in 30.4 overs.

Olivia Thomas, with 16, was the only player to reach double figures as Kur El-Rehman ripped the heart out of the middle order with 4-7 in six overs.

It was a different story in the cup win at Stretford the following day, as Heywood rattled up 200 from 44.4 overs. Rob Bennett led the way with 77, skipper Mikey Grogan made 48 and Steve Evans chipped in with 23.

Stretford were then always on the back foot when they replied as Mills wrecked the early batting to finish with 4-19.

Clarkson also claimed 2-22 and it was left to No 10 batsmen George Riddel, with 23, to give the home total a semblance of respectability.