Kerridge make hard work of victory

KERRIDGE got through a nervy encounter with Appleton, winning by two wickets in what should have been a lot easier game than they made it

After winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, Kerridge didn’t have to wait long for wickets as Jimmy Knight (2/13) bowled Hesford (0) with his first ball. Keeper Luke Wild ran out Sedano (0) brilliantly shortly after.

Adam Banks (3/15) had Grumley caught behind for six before bowling both Darbyshire and Lomas both for nought.

With Knight again striking to remove Owen for 2, Appleton found themselves at 15/6 at this stage and clearly wobbling.

Some resistance came from the opposition skipper, Thorley (23), before he edged behind off Alex Grimes (1/27).

Hyatt (20), bowled by Ryder (2/14), clawed Appleton into the 50s and a dogged 10th wicket stand by Findley (16*) and Iqbal (14*) after Ryder struck again to see off Rafiq for nought saw the visitors limp to 87/9 off 45 overs.

In reply, Kerridge made 22 before losing Regan (12) for the first wicket and then the game turned on its head with Kerridge suffering a similar collapse. The middle order all perished after some good bowling and fielding by the visitors threatened to spoil the day for the hosts. Hesford took 3/17 and Iqbal and Grumley two apiece. A priceless knock of 36 from Alan Harbige kept the innings intact with Adam Banks (12*) in at nine hitting the winning runs to secure a slender two wicket victory and a hard earnt 20 points which moves them to second in the league now. Match sponsor was Slater Harrison & Co Ltd.

Next week Kerridge travel to Glazebury.