“O woe is me. Me miserum” is the plaintive cry regularly heard from my old Latin master after he marked my pitiful attempt at translating some ancient sage. It was also the feeling around the UCG on Saturday evening after what can only be termed as a Saturday to forget.

The rot started as, after making the long voyage to Sale, the firsts game was called off without a ball being bowled. Upon their return to Old Greasby Road they saw Timps 2nds amass a handy 167 all out. The hopes of the 2nds however took a hammering as they lost early wickets and were struggling at 12 for 4. Tom Woods (23) showed some resistance but on 80 odd for 8 things looked bad. However hope was rekindled as Alex and Batts set about the bowling with gusto. Alex playing with some swagger raced to a quick half century but on reaching that landmark was caught for 51 going for another big hit. Batts finally went for a bright 26 but at 142 they were just 25 short.

Up the road at Leverhulmes Playing Fields the 3rds were playing their nearest rivals Port Sunlight in the match of the day. Batting first the 3rds posted 137 for 9 off 45. PS in reply won a gripping game by two wickets with just 3 balls left. The result sees them close to within 4 points of the 3rds so as we enter the last month of the season it could be squeaky bum time for them.

To complete the misery league leaders Neston comprehensively beat the 4ths on the back. Opting to bat Neston made 214 for 6 with Battersby hitting a bright 64 for the visitors. Pick of the bowlers were the Mcgowan twins Hannah and Phillip who both took 3 wickets apiece. The batting response from the 4ths never got going with only debutant Benji Shiels (11) getting in to double figures. The 4ths were all out for 39.

Some pride was restored on Sunday as the First XI played Ormskirk Occaisionals. The Firsts posted a decent 190/5 with Alex and Tom Woods both reaching their 50s and George Williams 33. Ormskirk replied with 112/4 with Phil Mcgowan picking up two more wickets in what was an enjoyable game.

So a weekend mostly to forget but as ever its onward and upward as we look forward to next weekend when all teams we will be looking to get back to winning ways.