Promising signs in Bowdon defeat
IN an engaging contest at Victoria Road, Macclesfield lost out against a disciplined Bowdon outfit.
The home side won the toss and elected to bat first in a game sponsored by The New Shalimar Restaurant in Macclesfield. But the opening stages saw a combination of good bowling and poor shot selection from the hosts. Macc’s overseas player, Nick Bertus, played well for a quick-fire 15 before falling victim to an unlucky LBW decision.
Three more wickets quickly followed, seeing Macc lose five batsmen in the opening 10 overs, with only 41 on the board.
Rob Keen (12) had hit a couple of fine boundaries but soon followed after the 10-over mark when he was caught behind off the inspired Ashling (5-43), leaving the score on 43-6.
James Cross’ (11) struck a couple of strong blows before Peter Barron (22) and Chris Moores (17) added a partnership of 30, offering some resistance, but an uncharacteristic misunderstanding between the pair gifted the visitors a run out, leaving the score on 85-8.
Sultan Raja (12) supported Moores well, hitting some beautiful cut shots, whilst Moores executed a couple of lovely cover drives.
However, their 27-run partnership was broken when Raja was stumped and then the innings came to an abrupt end when Moores was bowled an over later. Macc finished on 113 all out off 37.3 overs. Despite the low score, Macc knew they were still in the game and this was backed up by some impressive bowling from Ian Tait and Jack Ward (sponsored by East Cheshire Mortgages). Tait (3-13) claimed the prize wicket of ex-Lancashire player Marshall, for a duck, and Ward (3-55) removed Ball, aided by a good slip catch from Bertus.
This opening spell left Bowdon on 7-3 in the first four overs. Despite this great start and further good bowling from Raja (1-18) and Birchall (0-25), Macc just couldn’t get that muchneeded fourth wicket.
Bowdon, through Leathley (47 not out) and P Ashling (36), slowly took the game away from the hosts, punishing any loose deliveries and generally batting in a measured fashion.
Ashling was eventually dismissed by Ward, leaving the score on 75-4, but the 68-run partnership proved to be match-winning.
A late flurry of wickets gave Macc hope and when the score reached 100-7, thanks to a superb diving catch from Keen, there was a real sense of victory.
However, like so many times during the game, just as Macc looked like taking control, the visitors responded. The calm Leathley steered Bowdon home, striking a six to win the game by three wickets.
It was a disappointing day for Macc, who only picked up three points, yet at the same time there were definitely some encouraging signs for the team to take forwards into upcoming matches.