Wells happy to draw comfort
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RUNCORN Cricket Club’s first XI had to settle for a draw against Stockport Georgians last Saturday after notching up 184-7 when they were chasing 218-8.
Captain James Wells admitted he was a little disappointed not to get a win but it was important his side were able to prevent a loss.
Runcorn currently sit at the top of the table and Saturday’s draw means they will head into this weekend’s clash at Haslington with a small gap over their rivals.
“We stopped them getting a win and that’s the important thing,” said Wells.
“We couldn’t get the victory in the end but like you always say, a draw is better than a defeat so it wasn’t a bad result.
“I think we did well overall in the game. I won the toss and I chose to bowl to try and control the match from the start.
“We bowled OK but we could have done a little better. Our fielding was fine too but our batting needed picking up. It was a bit slow for us.
“DJ McNamara did well with the ball in hand and got us four wickets for 42 runs. Jordan Grobbelaar did well too batting 47 runs and I got 37. They were the standout performers.”
Runcorn have been batting strongly this season but they were not in top form last weekend and Wells has put it down to a bad day at the office.
He hopes his side can continue to work hard in training and has urged the team to come up with a stronger batting display this weekend.
“It was a bad day for us with the bat really. I think the pitch was fine and on another day we could have got the win,” said Wells.
“In training, our bowlers just need to focus on taking the wickets and the batsmen just need to do what they have been doing all season.
“We have had a few players hitting the runs but we need everyone to be chipping in now. If we can get that going, we’ll be winning games comfortably.”
Runcorn return to action this weekend at Haslington in their latest league fixture and Wells believes it’s a hugely important game. He wants his side to make it three wins in four games and consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Runcorn will be without a few key players, though, but they will be boosted by the return of two experienced all-rounders.
“It’s a big game for us this week as obviously we want to bounce back and make sure we stay top,” said Wells.
“We’ve got some big players missing this week too so it’s going to be really tough. DJ [McNamara] Will [McGee] and Matthew Tyrrell are all out.
“That means we will essentially go there without a spin bowler so that’s definitely a blow for us but we’ve got some strong players coming back in.
“Ben Clishold is coming back and Roger Watt had a week’s retirement but now he’s back in the team too. It’s going to be a big boost to have them back because Ben is hugely experienced and Roger is also one of the senior players too.”
Wells added: I’m always expecting a win. I want to take 25 points, get a win and remain top of the table.”