20 points off top after 24 point victory!

Oxton first team continued there climb up the Chapel press county league into fourth with a 120 run victory over Grappenhall at Townfield lane.

After a blistering week of weather both team were keen to bat first though the wicket had a green look to it to maximise the bonus points.

Rolo and Griff started brilliantly at the top of the order Griff inparticular working hard against experienced Cheshire bowler and captain Guy Emmett who bowled with excellent control.

56 was put on for the first wicket giving the lions chance to build a big score. Yet again Griffiths fell foul of an unlucky dismisal being run out after a tight run and a direct hit.

In form Gibbo continued where he had left off at Didsbury the week before showing shots all around the wicket and after Rolo was out for another impressive 30+ score, Lee joined Gibbo to try and press the score on.

Gibbo and Lee set to their task as Grappenhall introduced two left arm spinners, both batsman were watchfull initally but soon set about increasing the run rate and punishing the loose ball.  This partnership added 71 before Lee through his wicket away with a mistimed shot down the gound out for 42.

Ross and Gayan departed quickly and Gibbo fell aswell as Oxton slumped from 131-2 to 155-6. Enter Tom and Graham who set about rebuilding the innings and reassessing the tartget.  Tom in particular batted superbly, even though injured, for another encouraging 34 not out. Graham, debutant Chris Matthews and young James Fennah supported well giving Oxton a competitive total of 223/8 after the 55 alloted overs.

The talk in the huddle was of trying to take early wickets with Grappenhall having several very explosive and dangerous players at the top of the order.

Gayan struggled bowling several no-balls in the first over, however he made the extra balls work for him as with the 9th ball of the first over he managed to get Jimmy Mccoy to mistime a shot straight to Chris Matthews.

This was followed by a second wicket a couple of overs later, with Griff standing in as keeper, taking a smart catch off Gayan’s bowling, 21/2.

Richard Green started to play some very good and powerful shots and the run rate was up to 6 runs an over. A change was needed, Gayan was replaced by Rolo the impact was immediate, the wicket of Luke Mccoy caught at mid-wicket gave Oxton real enouragement to go on an take the game by the struff of the neck.

The fields were agrressive and so was the bowling, good disciplines from Birls and flight and Gile from Rolo made it difficult for the Grappers batsman. Rolo was joined by Ross and the spin department went to work dismissing 8 of the Grappenhall batsman, Rolo 5/23 and Ross 3/8 were the difference helped by some good catching and a spinning wicket.

Great result 24 points and now into fourth and 20 points off top……

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