Heaton Mersey Cricket Club

Thrilling game - finishes the season

Written by Nicola Bennett
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Mersey 1st were to play in one of the most exciting games of cricket seen at Mersey this season. There was little to gain for the homeside except pride but for the away side the golden ticket for the Premiership joining Division One League winners, Urmston. A game played in good spirit yet with emotions running high especially for the followers of Bramhall as their team put them through the wringer as at the tea interval if they were honest many of them thought the game was in the bag, and were almost celebrating promotion - but Mersey had other thoughts. Without their overseas, who had decided to return home for other commitments the Mersey boys were determined to make a good account of themselves. Winning the final toss of the season Mersey Captain Mark Bennett elected to bat and he and Adam Catlow got off to a good start with 41 on the board before Adam was caught. As has been the case in many games this season, one wicket became four and Mersey players and followers at 67 for 5 were wondered where it had gone wrong. The score crawled along to just over the hundred, and a rear guard action from opening bowler Saf saw Mersey finally finish on 118 all out. Only Mark (31) and Pete August (27) the notable innings. Bramhall used just three bowlers through out, Simon Wilkinson and Damien Stringer bowling the majority of the 47 used, with just Kieran OConnor bowling a 6 over opening spell. Their efforts rewarded with 5 wickets each. With Urmston already promoted, the second spot was between Christleton and Bramhall both on equal points before todays games. Bramhall I think it would be fair to say were extremely confident that with 53 overs to reach the target the game and the Prem move was theirs. At 19 for 2 with both openers Damien Stringer and Cheshire Keeper, Matt Dawson back in the hutch, nerves twitched a little. But after his disappointment earlier in the week Cheshire Captain, Albert Hall steadied the ship with Club Captain and ex mersey man, Nick Cantello, before Hall (40) was dismissed to a catch by Hass off brother Waqar with the score on 67 for 3. 81 for 4, 90 for 5, with 2 wickets falling to Ian Hughes on 100 Bramhall and its supporters began to go into panic mode. 110 for 8, 113 for 9 and with 6 to win or 1 wicket to fall with the possibility that Division One could be their fate in 2010 was to much for many too bear. Frantic use of mobiles could be heard to Poynton to see the scores on the doors and Mersey boys smelt blood and the tension could be cut with a knife. Johnson and Bell battled with bowlers, Ian Hughes and Waqar Rashid, the batsmans tension added to by that of their teammates who played every ball with them. Overs whittled away and appeals came and went, Bell eventually taking the winning run and taking his side into the Premiership. Bowling figures, Saf 2 for 16, Ian Hughes 3 for 31, Waqar Rashid 3 for 34. As the players walked off, Mersey congratulating the away side on their Promotion the Mersey boys felt a sense of pride and great enjoyment in their performance. They had once again worked hard as a unit, encouraging one another and had played an important role in for them a nothing game. Both teams enjoyed the september sunshine and a beer and looked back on the season. Bramhall not to critical (time over the winter for them to assess what they need to do - and who they need to recruit) as they move to the prem, and a long night of celebration back at Bramhall. Mersey assessing their season and looking forward to the challenge ahead. We are a young side, led by a young captain and for all the negatives we can find there are many positives. It may be the end of the season but for the Cricket Exec the work starts here as we look to what we need to strength next season. The season finished with a Presentation Evening and trophies awarded to all the 4 senior sides, and a sharp reminder that their is plenty of young talent at Mersey, and the futures bright ......so for all those that watch from afar - which we know that there are many - watch this space. Play cricket link Richards scorecard Set as favorite Bookmark Hits: 1575 Comments (0) Write comment Name Comment smaller \| bigger