Crompton CC vs Middleton CC

Middleton kept up the chase for a place in next years LCB Knock-out Cup with a comprehensive victory. Crompton skipper Carl Taylor won the toss and chosen bat on a very green and damp wicket due to the heavy downpour the day before.

Carl opened with his brother Danny but with the score on 2 Carl Taylor was well caught by Scott Stanworth off George Walker and 2 balls later, Walker took his second wicket when he had Aqib Zulfiquar caught by Grant Jones for 0.

Ste Wright joined Taylor and together put on a stand of 55 off 17 overs before Wright was bowled by Dale Highton for 15.

Danny Taylor reached his 50 in the 28th over off 79 balls before being bowled by Middleton deputy Professional, Michael Smith. Crompton professional Matthew Needham and Glenn Rigby took the score to 106 when Needham drove one back to Highton and was caught and bowled for 25.

Crompton managed to struggle to 132 before being bowled all out. A good bowling performance with George Walker continuing his good form with the ball, finishing with figures of 12 overs, 2 maidens, 4 wickets for 32 runs and Dale Highton another marathon spell of 24.4 overs, 2 maidens, 4 wickets for 65 runs.

The usual partnership of Scott Stanworth and Steve Davey opened the innings and took the score to 37 before Davey snicked one behind to Alan Whiston off Carl Taylor for 13.

Smith joined Stanworth and together they put on a partnership of 96 in 13 overs to easily win 5 points with Stanworth 37 not out and Smith 61 not out off 40 balls with 8 fours and 1 six to continue his great form for Middleton. In 2 innings against Crompton this year he has scored an unbeaten 254 runs.