3XI – GIBBO LEADS THE RUN FEST

Wednesday April 29th 2009 | Cricket

The thirds continued the unbeaten clubs start to the league season with a crushing 119 run win over Farnworth Social Circle. Damon standing in as captain lost the toss and was put into bat by the Farnworth skipper.

The pitch looking superb and weather to match, a new opening pair of Tom Gibson and Adam Cheshire commenced the season for the thirds. It was apparent very early on that this was a batsmen’s wicket.

Gibbo was in fine form and playing very fluently, At the fall of the second wicket, Sam Holden joined Tom and they proceeded to pick off the Farnworth attack and enjoyed a century partnership, with Sam reaching his fifty with sensible batting.

Shortly afterwards Tom hit a single to reach a very well deserved 100, however, the watching crowd were unable to applaud his first century as the scoreboard suggested he was on 99. He was clean bowled, partly due to nerves but credit must go to the Farnworth’s Speak (5-99) who bowled 23 overs unchanged, for the delivery that dismissed him.

A mini collapse ensued as 4 wickets fell bringing Matt Walsh (39) and Andy Jones together who steadied the ship, with a partnership that included a 5 and the clearance of the netting into the tennis courts.

The crowd was further entertained by Andy Jones’ attempt at a pirouette, ending up on his back, as he turned quickly to regain his ground on an aborted quick single. Matt was dismissed in the final over as the innings closed on 278-7.

After tea, Farnworth started solidly and opener Wilde hit 71 as they attempted to chase down the total. Whilst the run rate was never quite in their grasp they provided a stubborn resistance.

The introduction of Damon (3-15) and Joe Walmsley (4-20) proved to be the turning point as they took the crucial wickets to ensure that the 3rds kept the winning sequence going.

Man of the Match: Tom Gibson