After winning the toss, Royton elected to bat and made a good start with the opening partnership making 41 before Charlie Lloyd-Jones made the breakthrough when he removed Walsh. 17 year old Lloyd-Jones has been bowling very well for the second team and showed real promise in his spell here. It was also pleasing to see 18 year old Brad Smith also make the step up from seconds to firsts and he took a key wicket when he caught Durose off his own bowling. Milnrow's fielding was tight and the bowling kept control of Royton's good batting order. At one point, Milnrow's quality bowling had Royton at 123 for 6 with Wilkinson removing former Milnrow captain Nathan Sinkinson for a duck. Wilkinson bowled tightly and with skill to reach figures of 2 for 25 from his 10 overs.
Royton batted resolutely, however, and having been 123 for 6 they reached the challenging total of 196 for 7 after their 50 overs. The unbeaten eighth wicket partnership making 48 runs. Milnrow's fielding was much improved on recent matches and there was confidence that this total could be reached.
The key to the Milnrow innings was the batting of professional James Price and he produced his best performance for the club so far. He came to the wicket following the dismissal of Crabtree with the total on 17 and batted fluently and with great skill. He struck the ball to all parts of the ground with great timing and scored quickly. Unfortunately at the other end, wickets fell regularly with only Dryden and Diplock making double figures and when the score reached 160 for 7, it was clear that Milnrow's fortunes in the match rested on Price's shoulders.
Having reached 98 from 90 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six, there was real tension around the ground but with Milnrow supporters and players hoping that he could lead the team home and make his maiden century for the club, he got a ball that kept low and bowled him. This effectively ended the Milnrow challenge and in the end Royton ran out winners by 27 runs in what was an excellent match. Milnrow's players had competed hard against a good Royton side but ultimately left deeply disappointed.
Contributed by
Colin Williamson
Chairman, Milnrow Cricket Club
Royton batted resolutely, however, and having been 123 for 6 they reached the challenging total of 196 for 7 after their 50 overs. The unbeaten eighth wicket partnership making 48 runs. Milnrow's fielding was much improved on recent matches and there was confidence that this total could be reached.
The key to the Milnrow innings was the batting of professional James Price and he produced his best performance for the club so far. He came to the wicket following the dismissal of Crabtree with the total on 17 and batted fluently and with great skill. He struck the ball to all parts of the ground with great timing and scored quickly. Unfortunately at the other end, wickets fell regularly with only Dryden and Diplock making double figures and when the score reached 160 for 7, it was clear that Milnrow's fortunes in the match rested on Price's shoulders.
Having reached 98 from 90 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six, there was real tension around the ground but with Milnrow supporters and players hoping that he could lead the team home and make his maiden century for the club, he got a ball that kept low and bowled him. This effectively ended the Milnrow challenge and in the end Royton ran out winners by 27 runs in what was an excellent match. Milnrow's players had competed hard against a good Royton side but ultimately left deeply disappointed.
Contributed by
Colin Williamson
Chairman, Milnrow Cricket Club
