The ACC 2nd XI play in Division 2 of the Vivio County League

Captain; Mark Szymura. markszymura@live.co.uk 07854 235807

2018

28/4/18 at Northwich

Alvanley seconds make it two from two following a brilliant 158 victory away at 10 man Northwich.

After losing the toss (again….) Alvanley were asked to bat on a sodden track and slow outfield at Northwich following poor weather throughout the week. Northwich’s opening bowlers made life tough at the top of the order, on a difficult pitch, with Nicholson (5) caught and bowled on the slow, wet surface. Battling hard in the early conditions Jones and Pickersgill set about creating a foundation which would allow them to set a competitive total. Jones was the next wicket to fall, bowled by solid, consistent bowling of opener Will Marston, scoring a quick fire 20 of just 32 balls on the slow outfield which limited boundary scoring.

The wicket brought Brummitt to the crease who weathered the conditions with Pickersgill to build the partnership of the game. Manoeuvring the field and picking off the singles runs started to flow forcing bowling changes and more opportunities to score. Pickersgill eventually falling for 41 to part time spinner Sree Ram.

Brummitt accelerated through the innings with the support of D. Jones (8) and M. Szymura (8) to bring a century into site. Northwich in response turned defensive, with Brummitt showing maturity to not take on the catchers in the deep despite some loose bowling. Into the final 3 overs Brummitt needed just 8 runs for the century, with Chris Fletcher (8) setting up a final ball opportunity for a century with some selfless running. Unfortunately Brummitt was unable to convert, finishing on a hard earned 96 not out, which on other days, with a fast outfield would have been more, with Alvanley finishing on an unassailable 206-6 off their 50 overs.

Onto the bowling and Alvanley took full advantage of early conditions with the new ball, to take some crucial early wickets as the weather improved in the afternoon. Mike Roberts, who had an opening spell of 7 overs for just 11 runs, make quick work of the Northwich top order, removing Abraham (0) Power (0) and Whitehead (8) cheaply. That brought Northwich captain Marston to the crease to partner the belligerent Pickstock, who was eventually removed for a hard fought 6 by Summers, caught at over by Nicholson.

With the weather closing in, and with the back bone of the Northwich batting removed, Summers made changes to the bowling with opportunities for part time spinner Brummitt and youngster Morgan Hyde to get bowl.

Brummitt made quick work of Northwich’s batting, despite some loose bowling, removing Marston, caught brilliantly by D. Jones at deep mid-wicket, and Webb (0) with a skied ball to square leg, well held by Nicholson. Hyde at the other end kept up the pressure, with some consistent line and length bowling showing his potential and allowing Summers to set an attacking 8-1 field.

Brummitt’s spell came to an end after a spell of 2 overs, 3 wickets for 1 run, removing Sree Ram bowled in his final over with a half tracker which hit the base of off stump, a day to remember with both bat and ball. That just left time for D. Bergstrand, in as a late replacement for Matt Bragg, to finish the game, having Alan Varyghese strangled down leg side, well caught by Chris Fletcher.

Alvanley securing their 158 run win by bowling Northwich out for just 48 in their 22.2 overs.