The 3rd XI made the relatively short trip to face Appleton and having bowled them out within 42 overs for 149 they would have fancied their chances. Veterans Ian Sharrock and Pete Clark picked up three wickets apiece, but it was encouraging that three of the seven bowlers used were some of our most promising juniors in the guise of Joe Green, Alex Woods and Luca DiStefano who between them went for just eighteen runs in their combined ten overs. In response, the batting fell agonisingly short, being all out for 138 with 14 balls to go. Charlie Ward led the charge with 37 but was ably supported by Luca DiStefano (26) and Ian Sharrock (25). Despite their defeat, the 3rd XI finish in 3rd place in the league and skipper Ian Sharrock was the first and only bowler for the club to reach (and surpass) 50 league wickets for the season.

On the back pitch at Old Greasby Road, Rob Chapman’s 4th XI made short work of defeating Stretton leaving no time for the anticipated large crowd to assemble as they were done and dusted by 3.15pm. Winning the toss and batting first, Stretton will have fancied their chances against their lowly hosts however they didn’t anticipate them being in such frugal mood. Three wickets apiece for Phil Wood and Ellen McGowan set the tone and a further two for Nathan Pugh saw Stretton being bowled all out for just 70. In response, even a slight stumble didn’t deter Johnny Pettit and George Williams who were in no mood to hang around as they cruised home by seven wickets. The win lifted the 4th XI up to 21st in the table, a position they will look to build on next season when the league splits.

There leaves nothing else for me to do than to wish you the very best for the autumn, winter and spring months and count down the sleeps until we start again in 2017!