Skem lift gloom to beat Hesketh

SKELMERSDALE CC stars Luke Manley and Ben Maddocks were delighted following an impressive victory against in-form side Fleetwood Hesketh.

It’s been a tough start to the season for Skem after gaining promotion last year and they had not won a game in their last four matches prior to Saturday’s victory.

In the end, it was a comfortable win for Skem in the absence of captain Martyn Brierley as they tallied up 157-2 after a batting collapse saw Hesketh settle for 155 all out.

“It was an excellent win. Everyone was superb both with the bat and in the field so we’re all really pleased,” said Manley.

“[Matthew] Fenney bowled really well and Ben Maddocks was excellent with the bat. [Saurabh] Ambre got his half century too and Jordan Maddocks also did really well with the bat so there were lots of stand-out performers.”

Maddocks added: “It was a big, important win for us on Saturday because it is a tough season for us after being promoted last year.

“The win on Saturday had a number of positives because it broke our run of poor performances in recent weeks.

“There were also lots to take from the fact we beat a team who have been in form and had a good start to the season.

“Finally, our lads found some form too – in particular Fenney, who took six wickets for just 51 runs and Ambre for scoring his first 50 for the club.”

Skelmersdale return to action this Saturday against Sefton Park and Manley hopes his side can come away with another victory.

Sefton Park have picked up just one win in their last five games and Manley believes Skem have the strength to cause problems.

“We need to keep working on all aspects of our game in training and just keep doing what we’ve been doing,” said Manley.

“We have still got a strong squad available on Saturday even though Martyn [Brierley] is still away”.