Whaley Bridge Cricket Club

Saturday 12th July 2008 Chapel, Home

Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack. With the ground under water it is no surprise that this game was washed out.

Sunday 6th July 2008 Romiley, Away. (Bissenden Cup)

On a close day and with thundery showers forecast Whaley lost the toss and were invited to bat on a FRESHLY prepared green wicket. Whaley not for the first time this season were soon in a spot of bother as Neils trip to church in the morning to pray for some runs had not worked and he was caught for 1. At 6 for 1 it looked like the wicket might do the damage, but how wrong we were as run machine Darren Crompton and Millie started to score freely as the pretty boys were punished for some woeful bowling, more akin to the 4th division not 1st division. When Millie was eventually out for 78 in the 30th over, he and Darren had scored at 6 an over, put on 165 runs and taken the score to 172 for 2. Darren was allegedly run out 5 overs later on 92 (I think you have to pass the stumps now before you are adjudged to be in your ground) and the last 10 overs went for a steady 7 an over with Whaley finishing on 243 for 3 off the allotted 40 overs.
With over an hour of play lost to a heavy thunder shower the Romiley innings did not start until after 6pm. Only 1.4 overs were bowled before the next heavy thunder shower drenched the ground. Whaley then did an impressive job of mopping up the ground, in order to get it fit for resumption, only to be stone walled by the Umpires. Fortunately they eventually saw sense and the game resumed at around 7.20. Fortunately the sky was a lot clearer, but time and light would be against the Whaley bowling attack. Whaley bowled superbly and none more so than the king of spin Eddie Ford, who finished his 8 overs with 4 for 20 and Dale 2 for 9 off 3.2 overs. Wickets fell regularly and for the second year running we sustained an injury as Mike Madden pulled a fetlock and had to (not be put down) limp off. It must be said that this did not happen quick enough for the impatient Cromp who could be herd shouting “get him off the pitch” Andrew Atkins who had come to spectate and also consume several beers was asked to come on as sub fielder, while Mike limped painfully round to the dressing room. He did not try to push over any trees in the process, as Heysy did last year. It was a good job Atco was in attendance as ROY CLAYTON was lurking on the boundary. The whole team fielded with zest and vigour and, Millie did a great job behind the sticks. I think Cromp has been out with Eddie too much lately. He even managed an Eddie moment as he threw the ball into the ground after dropping a catch. Next time he might beat the floor with his fists!!!
As Romiley, who were worthy winners of the second division last year, stared defeat in the face they also proved why they were last years outright winners of the parc kaeps trophy, when they proclaimed that one of our players is too ugly to play in the first division and apparently it said in the score book that he was also a @@@@@@. Having read the score book several times the only thing I can see is that at 8.50pm Whaley won by 102 runs, as Romiley were rolled over for 141. Well done you ugly bunch.

Saturday 5th July 2008 Buxton, Away

Whaley made the relatively short trip over long hill to Buxton and with a forecast of you’ve guessed it showers, play was going to be on a knife edge. As it turned out the Buxton microclimate did it’s part and only a very brief shower passed quickly by without even interrupting the game.
Whaley batted first on a ground that only 2 players in the current squad had ever played on before, and with opener Neil out for a duck in the first over the pressure was soon on. Millie promoted to 3, in the absence of Lee Jones, put on a handy 40 for the second wicket with Crompy. In the 20th over with the score on 54 Whaley lost the third wicket of Dale and a low score looked on the cards. The next 10 overs saw Whaley amass an enormous 22 runs as the Buxton bowled a tight line and length. Charlie and Cromp found the runs hard to come by. As if a switch had been turned on, Charlie and Cromp then started what can only be described as a run fest , as in the last 15 overs then scored at a constant 9 an over as Whaley amassed 213 for 4 in the 45 overs. Cromp missed his century by 3 runs as he was caught in cover for a superb 97. Charlie finished 64 not out and the partnership of 145 contained 18 twos and 36 singles, not bad for 2 old codgers.
After tea Buxton set off in brisk fashion and scored at a steady 5 an over for the first 17 overs. Opener Marsden soon had 50 as he stroked the ball to all parts with relative ease. He looked set for a big score until Steve trapped him LBW for 54. The run rate began to slow as Whaley started to bowl with more consistency. Fortunately wickets fell regularly and eventually Buxton fell 17 short with 2 overs to play. It was a most entertaining game of cricket with Steve the pick of the bowlers with 5 wickets. Dale and Eddie had the other 3 wickets with the other 2 batsmen run out.

Saturday 28th June 2008 Charlesworth, Away

Whaley travelled over the hills again to the rim of the Glossop Basin for their encounter with Charlesworth. Even though we are nearly half way through the season this is the first home game for Charlesworth due to the rebuilding of the Pavilion and returfing of the ground. Apologies were made for the length of grass in the outfield, which could not be cut too low yet as it has only just been laid at a cost of £25,000 from Holland. (it did resemble a paddy field it was that wet and long) The pavilion looks very well and in time the ground will dry out and bed in and will be a credit to Charlesworth. Any way back to the game. Charlesworth batted first and made a yawningly slow start, I think the outfield had grown half an inch before the No2 Bat had gone through his boring ritual before each ball had been bowled, A brush attachment on the toe of his bat might not go a miss. In the 9th over Carl made the first breakthrough removing said opener for 10. By the 20 over mark the score had raced on to 39 when the second wicket fell caught by Millie of the bowling of Charlie. Whaley continued to bowl tightly and accurately and runs were very hard to come by, Charlie taking 1 for 12 of his first 11 overs. Charlesworth lost the last 7 wickets for 20 runs with Eddie finishing with 3 for 21 of 10 overs, Charlie 2 for 40 of 17 overs and Steve 4 for 2 of 2.1 overs, leaving Charlesworth staring down the barrel at 90 all out.

After tea (where Charlie set a melon record of 14 slices in 1 sitting) Whaley made hard work of the small total. With Neil and Lee both out inside the first 3 overs and Whaley 2 for 2, the target of 91 for victory seemed a long way off. Whaley found runs hard to come by but a steady partnership of 40 between Cromp and Millie seemed to steady the ship and put Whaley back on track. Whaley were not finished by any stretch of the imagination and tried their hardest to make a game of it surrendering to 49 for 5. 30 more runs for the next 2 wickets should have seen Whaley home with ease. At 80 for 6 Whaley then turned the screw on their supporters nerves loosing 3 wickets for 1 run. Even Eddie Ford (promoted to No10, not Downing Street) gave a simple catch to slip. It was left to Dale and Carl to see the side home in typical Whaley Fashion.

QOTD 1: Carl asked why he left the pub quickly the week before replied “I had a table booked at a restaurant, but when we got there it was shut. Mind you the table was booked for 9pm and it was 10pm”

QOTD 2: Mille “Cromp are you a pervert”
Cromp “NO”
Steve “Well you do a very good impression of one”

QOTD3 : Steve: Neil woke me up once at 2am. He rang me when I was away in the Far East and asked where his mother was as he needed his tea cooking. I don’t know I’m in Far East. OH YES.

Saturday 21st June 2008 Hollingworth, Home

The longest day of the year turned out to be one of the coldest. Not only cold but with a heavy suspicion of rain in the air it turned out to be a typical cricketing day in the middle of summer. As the rain swirled around the ground a game looked highly unlikely let alone a delayed start of 31mins to create an 80 over match. Whaley batted first and the decision to play took opening batsmen, Darren Crompton, by surprise as he had to race home to collect his whites. Whaley got off to a good start and were 31 after 7 overs when the first wicket fell, that of skipper Neil Woolley. Unfortunately that was as good as it got as Whaley collapsed to 38 for 4 during the next 6 overs. A stand of 26 between Darren and Dale then took the score to 64 from where wickets fell regularly leaving Whaley 92 all out and without a batting point for the first time this season. Darren top scored with 26 and second highest score was Extras with 18. (Not Good) Colin Wild last man out was the only wicket to fall Bowled all the others were out caught.
After a super tea from debutant tea ladies Jen Holden and Pam Holland, Carl Massey opened the bowling and was just a little rusty, his first ball nearly landing on his big toe. It must be said though, the 9 over spell only went for 2 beamers 16 no balls and 3 wides. It did account for 2 wickets though the first being hit wicket from a good delivery which the batsmen misjudge, catching him on the side of the head, and who then stood on his stumps a little dazed as he was not wearing a helmet. Charlie at the other end bowled tightly but without much luck and ended his twelve overs with 1 for 43. Dale had replaced Carl and bowled 4 decent overs taking 4 for 16. Hollingworth overcame the Whaley score with the loss of seven wickets. 30 more runs would have made for a very interesting finish.

Quote of the day 1 : “it’s the longest day today” Darren in reply “It doesn’t matter if it is the longest day it will go dark when the sun goes down!!!!!!”

Quote of the day 2: (Annon) the score is currently 87 for 9 and Eddie Ford has just gone into bat. “I do want us to get more runs, but wouldn’t it be funny if Eddie was out for 0”

Saturday 14th June 2008 Broadbottom, Away

A warm if not slightly breezy day greeted Whaley as they travelled over the hills and far away to Broadbottom.
Charlie and Colin opened the bowling as Broadbottom took first knock, and bowled their usual tight lines without much luck, Charlie bowling 4 maidens in his first 5 overs. At the end of the first 10 overs the scored had raced to 22 for 1 as Colin dismissed the opener clean bowled. Eddie and Neil replaced Charlie and Colin and they managed to keep it tight for a while. With plenty of wickets in hand the batters then started to try their luck and pushed up the run rate with some rather unorthodox shots to cow corner, plenty of thick edges and generally a whole dose of luck. Dale came of the worst during this onslaught and was carted for 59 off his 8 overs with the return of 3 wickets. The Innings closed on 221 for 6.
In reply Whaley lost early wickets and at 29 for 2 a hint of deja vu as the wicket took on the resemblance to the one at High Lane the week before. Surely there can not be two wickets that do the same. (absolutely no bounce from a ball that pitches half way down the track) Well I can confirm that it must be true as I understand that the Twinning Society are now looking into the possibility that High Lane will be twinned with Broadbottom. Watch this space for more news, or more importantly watch the road signs the next time you drive down the A6 when you enter High Lane, it might just read TWINNED WITH BROADBOTTOM. The news soon spread to the pavilion, you must get on your front foot. It is easier said than done to a ball that pitches half way down the track. Instead a ball that should sail over the boundary for six accounts for yet another wicket. Unfortunately Whaley lost wickets at key stages and never quite looked like reaching the target. The innings closed on 215 for 9. Darren Crompton Top scored with 66 and Charlie 37.

Sunday 8th June 2008 Hawk Green, Home (Bissenden Cup)

On a relatively warm and sunny afternoon at New Horwich Park Whaley entertained the first division team of Hawk Green in the 2nd round of the Bissenden Cup.
Following comfortable wins in the last three games Whaley were confident (provided we could score more than 300 runs, as Hawk Green had scored 360 the previous week). Whaley Batted first and got of to a good start and were on 39 before the first wicket fell, that of captain Neil Woolley. Lee Then Joined Darren in the middle and the pair stroked the ball to all parts of the ground putting on 95 for the second wicket. Millie joined the action and notched up a quick fire 21, which then brought Steve to the wicket. When Darren was out a short while later having scored a splendid 76, Whaley were on 196 for 4 with 8 overs to go. Steve and Charlie then pushed the run rate up to nearly 9 an over with some lung busting 2’s run between the wicket (apparently a sight not often seen by the No 6 batsmen). The innings finished with Charlie and Steve 52, out in quick succession, on 263 for 6.
In reply Hawk Green made a positive start and were up with the run rate, on the fast scoring pitch. Charlie and Dale bowled well and at the end of their allotted 8 overs each Hawk Green 88 for 1 following the run out of the opening batsmen. At this stage of the game It should have read 2 wickets. Unfortunately the Square leg umpire in the first ball of Charlie’s last over lost count (counting to 4) and called a NO BALL as Charlie had just bowled the opener middle stump. A perplexed and confused bowler, who can only ever remember bowling 1 No Ball in the last 20 years looked across to the umpire and started counting aloud the number of players in the circle. For those of you who are not familiar with the new rules for this seasons cup matches, then in a nut shell 4 fielders must be inside the white circle when the ball is bowled (excluding the Wicket Keeper and bowler). On a recount surprisingly the umpire managed to count four fielders and so a dead ball was called and the batter lived on to score another 36 runs.
Eddie was next into the attack with the instruction to “keep it tight Fordie.” This didn’t work either as Eddie’s first over went for more than Charlie’s entire 13 overs of the previous day. Eddie took revenge next over with the stumping of the reprieved opening batsmen, thanks to some smart work behind the sticks from Millie. Jordan Henderson continued to punish the Whaley attack and in his 18th over brought up his century. Fortunately for Whaley he tried to hit the ball out of the ground once too often and he was out for 112. At this point Hawk Green were 218 for 3 with 10 overs to go. From this point on the wheels fell of the cart for Hawk Green as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The capitulation was unbelievable to witness, as the tail end batsmen fell like dominoes in a Guinness Book of records dominoes extravaganza. The rabbits were caught in the headlights and the last 7 wickets fell for the addition of 12 runs. The innings ended on 230 All Out. Steve Woolley finished with 6 overs 2 wicket maidens 3 for 22, and Eddie finished with 7.5 overs 4 for 52.
Whaley now face Romiley Away in the next round of the cup to be played on 6th July.
Quote of the Day: Dead Ball !!!!!!!

Saturday 7th June 2008 High Lane, Away Whaley 1st X1 travelled to High Lane and were greeted by a bouncy track, well that was if you didn’t avoid one of the 76 pot holes on the way down the track to the ground. The Track on the ground was its usual hard pale batters paradise (sorry must have banged my head on the way to the ground) wet, green, slow, low Bowlers paradise or is it an oasis in the desert, the only thing missing is the camels. Whaley were fortunate enough to lose the toss and surprisingly were asked to rack up a huge score and bat first. Having carelessly lost 99 runs mid week to Mellorgate, it was important that Darren got off to a good start. Unfortunately the umpire had not read the same script, so when smoke obscured his vision of the wicket he duly gave Darren out LBW at the first opportunity, for 0, and Whaley were in some trouble at 3 for 1. Lee followed soon after with the score on 16. Neil had now got the measure of the wicket and managed to strike a few fours. He had been joined by, inform batsmen millie, and pushed the score onto 53 before Neil fell to what can only be described as a High Lane delivery, because it is the only ground in the league where this can happen (regularly). This is the delivery for those of you who have not witnessed it, that pitches half way down the track and then bounces precisely 2 inches off the ground. The result is a Batsmen that looks a fool playing back to a ball that should be going over the stumps, but instead bowls him or traps him LBW. The only remedy is to play every ball off the front foot NO MATTER WHERE IT PITCHES. Anyway where were we, Oh yes, Millie went on to score 56 front foot runs not out and the rest of the middle order chipped in with a handful of runs each and HLD’s and the Whaley innings closed on 162 for 8.


In reply High Lane were very soon in big trouble as Collin and Charlie removed the top order. High Lane were 4 for 3 after 6 overs and an early finish looked on the cards. The Number 6 Batsmen had other ideas and was the pick of the High Lane line up top scoring with 61 Not Out. With only 2 other batters making double figures it is no surprise tha High Lane were 120 All Out. Eddie did try and make a game of it by conceding 12 runs off his first over. He did manage to mop up the tail and finished with 5.3 overs 3 for 33. Charlie finished with 14 overs 6 maidens 3 for 20, Collin 7 overs 2 maidens 2 for 16 and Steve 12 overs 1 maiden 2 for 39. With Hadfield’s loss to Buxton, Whaley move back to the top of the league. Quote of the Day: Steve talking to Crompy: “I’ve known you since you were a little boy, and you were a pain in the esra then”

Saturday 31st May 2008 Buxworth, Home

After a heated discussion with Neil’s intention of batting first being heavily criticised by Darren, we lost the toss and were invited to take first knock on a damp wicket. It soon became apparent why Neil is captain and Darren is not as the wicket offered little to the bowlers and our two argumentative openers added 120 for the first wicket in quick time with Neil scoring 58 and Darren 64. Neil was first to go and was quickly followed by Lee who contrived to convert a slow half volley into a wicket taking yorker. Next to the wicket was Milly who scored an entertaining 50 and held together the remainder of the innings and aided by a quick 20 not out by Tommo Whaley amassed a total of 259-8.
The youthful opening bowling attack of Colin and Steve made life difficult for the Buggy openers, who in turn were unwilling to take any chances despite the large target, the result being an uneventful first 10 overs yielding a score of 19-0, hardly ideal chasing 260 to win, the scoring rate increased slowly until with 65 on the board Neil made the first breakthrough bowling Leatherbarrow for 36, Neil also dismissed the other opener Furness helped by an easy catch by Darren. This bought the ex Whaley star Josh Ratcliffe to the wicket, and he played some attractive, if not text book shots before attempting one too many and was well caught on the long on boundary by Eddie, again of Neil, at this point the score was 140-4 with Eddie having chipped in by having the No 3 caught behind of a top edge. The stage was now set for Eddie to steal the show and he did so in fine fashion finishing with 6-34 helped for once by some good catching by Steve, Dale and Colin in the outfield. Buxworth finished on 184 all out giving Whaley maximum points for the second week running and leaving captain Neil with yet another dilemma – what number will Charlie bat on his return next week ?

Saturday 24th May 2008 Mottram, Away

On a bright but very windy day, a quick inspection of the wicket left no doubt that we should bat first and when Neil lost the toss we all feared the worst, however the Mottram captain obviously thought he knew something we didn’t and invited Whaley to bat first. A steady start saw us progress to 35-0 before Neil was caught behind for 23, quickly followed by Darren for 11, Stuart was then given out LBW to a ball pitching way outside the leg stump and to which no shot was played, the umpire admitting later that he thought that meant you could be out !!! – this somewhat dubious decision left Steve coming in to join Lee with the score on 41-3 and everyone wandering if Mottram’s decision to bowl was maybe not so incredible after all, but fear not, as Steve and Lee set about the home bowling attack adding 104 for the 4th wicket before Lee was out for an accomplished 35 to be replaced by brother Dale. The score then moved on to 185 before Steve was LBW for 85, next in was Alistair with instructions from captain Neil to ‘give it some welly’, never one to ignore an instruction Alistair helped Dale add quick runs before the two fell in quick succession with the score in the 240’s Tommo, Eddie & Heysy managed 2 or 3 runs between them off the last couple of overs and the innings finished on 252-9.
The game was over as a contest after 12 overs of the Mottram innings as Steve quickly claimed the first 4 wickets aided by a sharp reflex catch by Eddie, wickets then fell steadily until at 100-8 the end was in sight, however the Mottram No6 (their best batsman by some distance) was joined by the No 10 (2nd best batsman by some distance) and the Whaley bowling attack decided that there was still time to make a game of it, the score moved very quickly to 175-8 before a superb boundary catch by Steve off Lee’s bowling broke the partnership, Neil then adopted his tried and tested wicket taking strategy of two long hops and a good length ball, result 4,6,W and the innings closed on 185. Neil 4-34 and Steve 4-39 were the main wicket takers giving us 22 points and looking forward to Buggy next week.

Saturday 17th May 2008 Hadfield, Home

With the return of Captain Neil Woolley from Holiday the answer to the previous weeks question would undoubtedly be answered, but we will have to wait as Hadfield take first knock, on a nice day all be it a little cool.
With the left handed Cooke opening the batting for Hadfield the score soon raced onto 50 without loss, with some fine strikes over mid wicket for the opener. In fact this wagon wheel was rather lopsided as all the scoring shots appeared in the same place. With the score on 84 Steve Woolley defied gravity as he took off and caught Cooke one handed at Square Leg. (Eddie Ford did comment that he would have caught it with two hands. I know one thing for certain though Cromp would have dropped it even if he had eight pairs of hands.) The second wicket fell soon after, again to the bowling of Eddie and the safe hands of Steve. After 5 overs Eddie had figures 2 for 10, but unfortunately the next 2 overs went for 21 runs. None of the bowlers had a particularly good day as the batsmen were prepared to take risks and take the offence to the bowlers. Ball ended the innings on 80 Not Out although he did loose some toys on the way, as he complained to the umpires about missed wides. We await with eager anticipation the day he takes up the white coat to see if he does a better job. The innings closed on 247 for 7.
The time had come for Neil to answer the question, and he did so by leaving the top order as per the last couple of weeks and swapped Dale and Minnie. This appeared to be a good decision as Minnie top scored with 72 Not Out. The rest of the top order struggled to make an impact as wickets fell regularly without the gain of many runs. The Innings closed on 188-7.

Sunday 11th May 2008 Buxworth, Home. Bissenden Cup
Another warm sunny day at New Horwich Park, and faced with one of those wickets where it is sometimes best to lose the toss and let the opposition decide what to do first, Dale promptly did just that and Buggy took first knock. After a steady start by the openers, a sharp catch by Eddie in the gully off Colin’s bowling gave Whaley the breakthrough and steady bowling from Colin, Steve & Dale reduced the visitors to 69-6 after 20 odd overs, a mini recovery then ensued until a brilliant runout from T.R. Wild put Whaley back on the front foot. Captain Dale then returned to the attack and 2 quick wickets from him and Buggy were in big trouble at 100-9, however in keeping with recent form Whaley were unable to clinch the final wicket and promising Buggy youngster Joe Hall cashed in on some wayward bowling to see the visitors innings finish on 127-9 at the end of the 40 overs. Dale was the pick of the Whaley bowlers with 4-27 from his 8 overs whilst new signing Stuart Milner had a good day with 3 catches behind the stumps.

In the continuing absence of captain Neil the innings was again opened by Steve & Crompy, to face the Buggy opening attack of John Theyer & Joe Hall, Thankfully for Whaley the Buxworth fielders appear to have attended the same catching lessons as the Whaley players and instead of being 10-2 after 3 overs Whaley progressed quickly onto 65 before Darren attempted a strange pre-empted sweep at a slower ball from John Theyer and was embarrassingly bowled for 33. Steve was then joined by Lee Jones and the two of them shared a number of boundaries in easing Whaley past the target without further loss and with some 20 overs to spare, Steve finishing on 60 not out & Lee on 34 not out – prompting the question in the dressing room ‘what number will Neil bat next week ?

Saturday 10th May 2008 Mellor, Away

It was a good decision from the league committee to arrange the game between Mellor and Whaley on a different day to their summer ball, as Daren “pedlo” Crompton would not have been able to focus on the game( nothing new I hear you cry). It turned out to be a very hot and humid day at Mellor with thunder and the threat of heavy rain looming throughout much of the game. Before Cromp took to the wicket he had realised that he had forgotten to bring his helmet to the game. Charlie duly lent him his helmet and Steve and Cromp opened the innings. The runs soon flowed from Steve and the score had reached 43 before Steve was adjudged LBW for 35. Lee followed 2 balls later for a duck, Caught behind, probably off his shoe lace. Charlie then strode to the wicket wearing his club cap, and at the end of the over when he met Cromp in the middle he remarked “Bl*@$y He*! it rolls back the years seeing you come out to bat without a helmet on, it must be 10 years or so, How come?” he remarked, “Your wearing my helmet Cromp” replied Charlie “Oh my god so I am.”
Despite the tears running down our faces we managed o focus on the game and push the score on to 116 before Charlie hauled out in the deep. If only he had one of Caddy’s 70 yard bats it would have been another six and not a catch. Meanwhile Cromp was finding it difficult to get the ball off the square and had not yet reached 30. Dale joined him at the crease and Cromp suddenly clicked into life and started to score freely. They put on an impressive 90 run stand before Dale was out for 35. Cromp and Minnie saw the innings close on 221 with Cromp unbeaten on 99. (another Jug avoidance)
Charlie and Nick Heys then opened the bowling and kept it tight for the first half dozen overs with nick dismissing the opener for 12. Steve took 1 wicket in his 8 over spell and Lee and Eddie failed to make a breakthrough. With the score racing along, due to some poor fielding, drop catches and wayward bowling, Whaley were on the ropes as Mellor needed 62 to win with 7 wickets in hand, and 15 overs left on the board.
Captain Dale Jones brought back Charlie and introduced himself into the attack. The run rate started to climb and wickets fell regularly and the Mellor innings closed on 206 for 9.
Dale finished with 8 overs 3 for 42 and Charlie 17 overs 4 for 43 (the last spell 8 overs 3 for 16). Whaley Failed to take the last wicket but was a good win in the end.

Quote of the day 1: 150 is a wining score on here we’ve got more than enough. (Cromp at tea.) (Mellor reached 160 in 29 overs)

Quote of the day 2: The helmet (above)

Saturday 3rd May 2008 Woodley, Home

On what turned out to be a warm dry and sunny day at New Horwich Park, Vice Captain Dale Jones won the toss, in the absence of the Mickey Mouse hunting captain, and asked the visitors to bat on a glorious flat batting track!!!!!.
Charlie and Dale opened the bowling and Whaley’s fine fielding was soon on show. With several catches spurned in the first five overs, the visitors made use of each of their 9 lives and had soon moved to 50 without loss. Young Steve Woolley then replaced the wayward Vice Captain and with the score approaching 70 Steve made his first breakthrough. Several more catches were dropped, we do not have enough time or space to list all, but one or two maybe recalled for evidence later in the season. Eddie ford replaced Charlie and the wickets started to fall steadily and the visitors were held to 161-9. The most notable bowling figures were posted by Steve Woolley, with 4 wickets off his 14 overs. Whaley debutant Minnie also had a fine afternoon behind the sticks taking a stumping from Eddie fords bowling, which TR commented on being an easy chance.
After tea or should we say crompy’s turkey feast (as if you were one of the 21 players who did not have any meat for their tea, look no further than Daren Crompton who thought it was Christmas all over again, come to think of it, it doesn’t look like he has eaten since Christmas.) Steve and Cromp rolled back the years and strode out to the middle to open the Whaley innings. With some slack bowling the score soon moved to 34, when steve was caught. Lee and Daren then put on 111 runs before Lee was dismissed for a fine 62. With 17 runs required for victory Daren and Charlie had added 16 before they were both out trying to score the winning run. Dale saw the side home with a splendid 1 Not Out to seal a well deserved first victory of the season.

Quote of the Day 1: Caaaaaaatttttttttcccccchhhhhhh iiiiiiittttttttttt was the cry from Daren Crompton as the ball looped into the air and landed near his feet.
Quote of the Day 2: Gibbo you have the Chairman’s vote of confidence. (Having returned home from Woodley Defeated.)
Quote of the Day 3: I do wish Minnie wouldn’t whisper. TR.