Fords win Salem event for first time

The Fords filled in the missing piece of their cricketing puzzle when they won the Salem Family six-a-side tournament for the first time on Saturday.

Sponsored by Warwick Financial Maturity, the event at the village club near Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) produced another excellent day of competitive cricket.

When the dust settled at 5pm, the Fords had emerged as deserving winners, defeating 1999 champions the Brothertons in the final with three balls to spare.

It made up for the disappointment of the previous two tournaments, when they were beaten in the final.

From the moment they defeated the Emslies in the opening game of the day, it was clear the Fords would be the team to beat. They had the youngest lineup in the tournament, balanced by the wise head of 56year-old skipper Mark.

Jonny Ford was the batsman of the day and showed his effectiveness in the final as he and brother Chris chased down the Brotherton total of 62 without losing a wicket.

Thanks to Buster’s 36 not out, the Brothertons made sure the Fords would have to work for their victory.

After 15 runs came off the first two overs, the Brothertons held the advantage but then Jonny (40 not out) and Chris (21 not out) smashed 41 runs off the next two overs to virtually end the match as a contest.

Their father, Mark, picked up four wickets during the day to win the Ian Long bowling award, while Mike Emslie won the fielding award for an outstanding catch in the deep.

Greg Wilmot produced the best bowling performance of the day with 2/3 in one over.

The Gary Emslie award for contribution to the tournament went to Charmaine King, who cut the ribbon to officially unveil the Kingston Terrace.

The patio addition to the clubhouse was built in memory of her husband Cuan, who died in March after a lifetime of service to the Salem Sports Club.