1st XI v's Lytham 8/5/10

After a desperate start to their league campaign only James Illingworth out of the first five Ormskirk batsmen  dug in and showed some tenancity  against Marcus Sharp, the wicket a little green (somewould say) suited his bowling early on and it was not easy in the middle.

Enter Ian Glayzer, brought up from the seconds to replace Keggsy who had been called up to the 1st team, Glayzer played one of the best knocks seen at Brook Lane for some time. Batting 140 balls and being disappointedly run out for 76 whilst a ton was on the cards, Ian showed what was possible with some dedication in the middle. Ably supported by tail end batsmen  Chris Smith & Gavin Griffiths who kept one end up and worked the strike gave the Ormskirk attack something to bowl at with the Ormskirk Innings finishing on 179- 9 declared after 59 overs. One more over would have seen a new Law come into play this season where at 60 overs the fielding side take a new ball, the crucial thing is, it is the ball of the opposition. Hopefully this may stop sides batting past 60 overs.

Following the tea interval, Lytham made a steady start and with the first wicket falling at 30 then the second at 62 it appeared Lytham were going to chip away at the Ormskirk total and take the points. However a superb catch by Gavin proved the catalyst for a fight back by Ormskirk. Chris Smith was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 16 overs  4 for 31 and some tremendous catching and fielding Ormskirk looked like they may swing the game in their favour. Lytham lost their way and appeared to shut up shop at little early and the game finished in a draw with Lytham on 146 for 8 off 50 overs.

Scorecard

S & B U13 6/5/10

Southport & Birkdale

U13's 6th May 2010

Ormskirk won the toss and elected to bowl (no proportional representation here). We were up against a traditionally strong S and B side who, it is fair to say, have dominated us since the team were at U9 level.

The openers Sam Forrest and Tom Woodland plied their trade with grit and resilience up against Scott Bolton (Lancashire U13 squad member) and N Knight. However the opening pair rode their luck being put down in the deep on no less than 6 occasions. Woody finished his four over spell with figures of 0 wickets 0 maidens 30 runs, which didn't do his fast and accurate bowling justice. Sam faired slightly better with his four overs 0 wickets 0 maidens 15 runs, once again bowling line and length.

The next bowlers trusted with the cherry were Sean Weston, Charles Coldrick and Josh Flynn.

Charles Coldrick showed flashes of pace but despite outstanding effort he struggled against the quality openers.

Josh Flynn finally got the breakthrough in the 13th over when he bamboozled Bolton who skied one straight into the arms of Ryan Williams at Mid off. All credit to him though for an impressive half century. The next batsman in Essex lasted one ball after a mix-up left both batsmen at the bowlers end whilst the Ormskirk Keeper Matty Petterson casually removed the bails.

Sean Weston got a severe battering in his first over going for 16 but he didn't let that get him down and he recovered well trapping H May, S and B's no 4 plum LBW for 5. Sean finished with figures of 4 overs 0 maidens 1 wicket for 28 runs.

Having been set an outstanding target of 113 off 16 overs Ormskirk's openers Tom Woodland and Ryan Williams marched to the crease intent on emulating England's Kevin Pieterson. Unfortunately Bolton had other ideas and clean bowled Williams with his last ball of the first over with a pacey out-swinger that pitched on leg and neatly flicked the bails from the off stump. Ormskirk were unable to recover with no one able to stay with Woodland to form a partnership. By the time he was out for a respectable 32 it was too late for the visitors and despite a quick and undefeated 11 in 8 balls from Sam Forrest they only managed 56. Despite the disappointment of defeat this was a good performance that shows promise for the future. Congratulations to S and B (once again)!!

League Matches starts 8th May

Next weekend sees the start of the season proper as they say. The last few games against inadequate opposition have done little to test the 1st team and done little in providing any quality entertainment for the spectators. Lytham at home will be a different prospect on Saturday and we wish Robbo and the team well in their league campaign.

Andrew Ford is settling down well, Gavin's slotted into the team superbly and with some confident performances under his belt looks every inch a quality player. No doubt opening up with Nicky Caunce will make a formidable attack and with the every dependable Martyn Farrell and hopefully (for our sake at least) Simon Kerrrigan as change bowlers things look good in the bowling area.

Ian wont need to worry about where to bat Adam this season as surprisingly he has decided to join St Helens Recs, a decision which, for someone who was so proud to Captain Ormskirk seems somewhat strange!

With a fine win under his belt on Saturady with Ollie Gallagher making his maiden ton, Shaun Brocken begins his campaign and with a strong team behind him could be up amongst the top in 18 weeks time.

Good luck to all the teams and players and enjoy your cricket.

Spring News Letter

Spring news Letter Courtesy of Peter Rogan

John Simpson's maiden Ton

Report on Simmo's Ton

Well done John on your maiden century for Middlesex, all the lads are delighted for you.

Make it the first of many