Bolly always on back foot at Oxton

BOLLINGTON travelled to Oxton this weekend for a Division 1 clash, with the visitors remaining second best throughout having suffered a comprehensive defeat.

Having elected to bowl first, Bollington made a positive start with two quick wickets from Louis Whitehouse with the hosts struggling on 5-2.

The Oxton batsmen then made the most of the pitch, which offered nothing to the bowlers, to dominate the game. Both Oxton batsmen brought up their half centre towards the 25-over mark.

With Oxton firmly in control, Williams brought up his century as the visitors still searched for their third wicket of the afternoon.

With the score at 164-2, Ward (2-47) struck with two wickets, Whitehouse (3-41) and Horsfield (1-49) with the only wickets for Bollington as the hosts declared on 210 in the 47th over.

In reply, Bollington started positively with Barrass going well opening the batting. It wasn’t long until Longhorn fell for 8.

Dismissals were constant throughout the innings as Bollington were 77-4 at the first drinks break. Batsmen continued to struggle as the visitors limped the 109-9 before finishing on 157 with Jake Dickinson finishing on 54 not out.

Bolly seconds have been involved in some thrilling games so far already this season and none more so than their brilliant victory over fellow promotion chasers Alvanley at The Recreation Ground on Saturday.

On a terrific batting wicket the visitors batted first and compiled 240 for 5 from their 50 overs as the Bolly bowlers toiled in the heat. George Barker (2-47) and Toby Phipps (2-66) were the only bowlers to taste significant success.

To win the game chasing such a big total would require something special and the Bolly batsmen delivered superbly chasing down Alvanley’s total with three balls to spare.

There were excellent contributions from James Heathcote (43), Dave Paterson (38) and George Barker (15). But it was skipper Matt Dawson with 112 not out who guided Bolly Home to a memorable victory.

Bolly play local neighbours Macclesfield in a 20/20 cup match this Tuesday 22nd May at home and then travel to Heaton Mersey next Saturday 26th May.