Milnrow slump to defeat against Royton in Wood Cup

Milnrow Cricket Club

Milnrow lost a tense, hard fought Wood Cup preliminary round match at the Paddock against Royton on Sunday.

After winning the toss, Royton elected to bat and made a good start with the opening partnership making 41 before Charlie Lloyd-Jones made the breakthrough when he removed Walsh.

Milnrow's fielding was tight and the bowling kept control of Royton's good batting order. At one point, Milnrow's bowling had Royton at 123 for six with Wilkinson removing former Milnrow captain Nathan Sinkinson for a duck. Wilkinson bowled tightly and with skill to reach figures of two for 25 from his 10 overs.

Royton batted resolutely, however, and having been 123 for six they reached the challenging total of 196 for seven after their 50 overs. The unbeaten eighth wicket partnership making 48 runs.

The key to the Milnrow innings was the batting of professional James Price and he produced his best performance for the club so far. He came to the wicket following the dismissal of Crabtree with the total on 17 and batted with great skill. He struck the ball to all parts of the ground with great timing and scored quickly.

At the other end, wickets fell regularly with only Dryden and Diplock making double figures and when the score reached 160 for 7, it was clear that Milnrow's fortunes in the match rested on Price's shoulders.

Having reached 98 from 90 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six, there was real tension around the ground, but with Milnrow supporters and players hoping Price could lead the team home and make his maiden century for the club, he got a ball that kept low and bowled him.

This effectively ended the Milnrow challenge and Royton ran out winners by 27 runs in what was an excellent match.