Maximum return fires Kerridge to the top

ON another fine day for cricket Kerridge welcomed Trafford Metrovics to Clarke Lane where the hosts lost the toss and were happy to be inserted on a great cricket wicket.

Initially stuttering after a suicidal runout and a couple of loose shots saw the boards reading 27-3.

Kerridge had a similar experience the week earlier when a 139 run partnership for the fourth wicket saved the day and it did again this time as 176 runs and another fine hundred for Jimmy Knight (103) his second of the season and in back to back innings put paid to any whiff of an upset that Trafford possibly had.

Stand in captain on the day Ste Regan this time the man at the other end supporting Knight who also battled superbly to card his best score this term of 70.

With the score past 200 and maximum batting points secured men came and went in the knowledge they could free their arms a bit with Luke Wild adding a quick 25 before Regan finally called time declaring on 260-8 in the 38th over.

Adnan Khan impressed with the ball for metrovic claiming 4-42.

Credit had to go to the lads from Trafford as many facing such a total would shut up shop and play for a draw but they came out all guns blazing with Wilson (36) and Saeed (21) getting the innings off to a good start, without much from the middle order after most had got themselves in the chase fell away with only Torr (32) ever threatening any kind of comeback and the tail were swiftly despatched and Trafford all out for 163 in the 45th of a possible 52 overs.

Alex Grimes, enjoying a good run of form after eight wickets the previous week, took 4-45, with man of the match Knight helping himself to 3-54 with wickets also for Lambton, Gaskell and Banks wrapping up a fine display to see Kerridge move to top of the pile with 25 points taken.

Next week they make the short trip over to Mellor for what should be another fine match.