Manley just magnificent

SKELMERSDALE CC enjoyed a successful week as they overcame opponents Hightown St Marys and Wigan in a double header.

Martyn Brierley’s side were dominant in their league victory against Hightown on Saturday and they followed it up with another commanding performance in the cup on Sunday.

It was their first two victories in four games but Skelmersdale looked in top form throughout the weekend thanks to a number of stand-out performers.

Skem lost just one wicket on Saturday and they built an impressive tally of 193 before producing a similarly strong innings in the field.

Ben Maddocks, Jordan Maddocks and Saurabh Ambre did all the work with the bat before Jack Maddocks and Luke Manley put in an equally impressive display with the ball in hand.

“It was a great win at Hightown and it was comfortable too,” said Brierley.

“I was surprised they declared so early – especially as batting is our strong point and most teams know that.

“It was another big performance from Luke Manley with the ball. I threw him in the deep end with the bowling as we’re a little lightweight and he’s stepped up to the plate brilliantly.

“There were also some good performances from the batsmen too so it was great to see everyone doing so well.”

Skelmersdale produced another good display on Sunday and Brierley was encouraged to see his side carry on the momentum from Saturday’s win.

He hopes Skem can record their third successive victory this weekend against Rainford but it is going to be tough as they will be without three keys players.

The Maddocks brothers – Jack, Ben and Jordan – will all be unavailable meaning Skelmersdale are without both opening batsmen and a key all-rounder.

Brierley addied: “We played really well on Saturday so I was happy to see we were able to carry that through to Sunday and bat well again”.