Doughty effort to get a game on is its own reward
THE most surprising thing about Southport and Birkdale’s rain-ruined match against Fleetwood Hesketh on Saturday was not that it failed to finish. The wonder was that it was played at all.
Without the tremendous efforts of the members at Sea Cop, aided a little by Adam Phillips’ players later in the afternoon, the waterlogged ground would have remained utterly unfit for cricket. Indeed, there was a fair argument that a fulllength, timed game in the Liverpool Competition would not have gone ahead.
As it turned out, the tolerance of both umpires allowed a 20-over match to be played, one in which any firmly hit shots were always likely to be plugged in the heavy ground. Only five fours had been hit when the rain forced the players back to their cars and thence home. That was a pity, too. Matches like Saturday’s in which everyone is determined to get a game on should conclude with a pint or two.
So what could Phillips take from the game as he seeks to build a new side at Trafalgar Road? Well, quite a lot, actually. Bad weather tests a team, albeit not so much its ability as its collective determination to battle through when most players would prefer to be watching their sport on TV.
In this respect S&B’s players can be satisfied with their efforts. All six members of the attack bowled well – mirabile dictu, they managed to fit in only two wides – and Fleetwood Hesketh were restricted to 66 all out in 18.5 overs.
However, with the visitors well placed to overhaul that target on 46 for two after only 9.4 overs, the weather, which had enjoyed the first word, also had the last.
Phillips was left to reflect on a match in which Chris Cunningham had taken four wickets but in which everyone of his players had done their bit.
“I was impressed with everyone on Saturday,” said Phillips.
“I enjoyed the day because of the spirit shown by the team,’’ the captain added. It had the character of a football match in some respects and it was just a shame we couldn’t have a shower and a beer after the game.’’
S&B’s second team game against Fleetwood Hesketh also failed to complete its full course on Saturday. Dave Aston’s 44 and Mike Lightbown’s unbeaten 20 helped the home side to 150 for eight in their 45 overs, Bhautik Shukla taking four for 39, but rain interrupted the second innings of the game when the visitors were 87 for five.