Harry takes the Honours

Tonge won the toss and elected to bat on a cold and windy day.
Simon Ashcroft got an early breakthrough in the second over having in form Hardman smartly caught at square leg by Dan Higham.Tonge's other opener the experienced Nigel Partington rode his luck hitting the occasional boundary going onto be the backbone of his sides innings.A smart piece of fielding by Gary Tonge with a direct throw from mid-wicket accounted for the no3 who made 27 after having a reprieve in the teens when dropped by Hodgy at long off who only managed to palm the ball for 6.The no4 batsman also went onto make 20odd before being bowled by Gary Tonge who had replaced Dan Higham.Simon Ashcroft was replaced by Wasim who finally got Nigel Partington bowled for 61 after which the Tonge innings faltered,all out for 133 although a special mention to Martin Hodgkiss who dropped a steepling catch at slip NOT...surely the drop of the season.

In reply Westhoughton opened with Hodgy and Harry Honour making his 2nd team debut.After an early reprieve Martin was out for 12 caught mid-off ,shortly followed by Gary Tonge for a duck and Dan Higham run-out for 9.At 30-3 a partnership was required and Runi with Harry took the score to 60 before play was suspended on 24overs,Tonge hoping that the game may not re-start and be declared a draw with the mandatory 25overs incomplete.Thankfully the sun broke through and the game resumed with Westhoughton set a revised target of 111.Unfortunately Runi fell quickly caught and bowled for 8 which started a mid-order collapse.Entered JP at no6 but he too fell quickly for 1 taking his seasons average to 5;bring your bat Tuesday John!!! It was then left to Harry to reach his maiden senior 50 but unfortunately trying to take the game away from Tonge got bowled immediately afterwards.Simon Ashcroft also went for a duck and it was left to Wasim and Chris Trow to get the last 10 or so runs required.Nervous times ensued after Wasim got dropped at slip;then at extra cover and also bowled off a no ball.Eventually he hit a straight four to finish the game.

With 6 first teamers unavailable the 2's drafted in Kieran Waters;Chris Trow;Jordan Higham and of course Harry who made the match winning 50.With Jimmy Burrows at Wembley and Woody still refereeing this was a match that could have easily got away.
Well done lads your efforts made a difference and kept the winning streak going.