It was a very good week for Mainsforth Cricket Club as they recorded 5 wins form the 5 games played, reports Aidan Head.
It all started on Wednesday evening as Zak Strange led the way for the 2nd XI in the first round of the RH West Cup at home to Hylton CC. Batting first Mainsforth posted an under par score of 103/4 with only Strange seemingly knowing how to swing the bat. His score of 55 not out proving invaluable. He then demanded the new ball and blew away the Hylton top order claiming 3/7 with his stiff pace bowling. Hylton offered little resistance after that and allowed Kieren Jowett to burgle another 3 wickets as they finished on 72 all out. Mainsforth winning by 31 runs and progressing to the next round.
On Thursday night the Midweek 3rd XI travelled up to The Hazard cricket field in East Rainton and after winning the toss and electing to field Adam Hetherington had the batsman fishing in claiming 3 wickets for just 4 runs, East Rainton finishing their 20 overs on 82/6. Fresh from a starring role as Ferryhill Athletic won the Clem Smith Bowl on Wednesday, Kieran Gillham shows his all round sporting prowess with an attacking and free flowing score of 43 in Mainsforths reply. Jamie Appleby also showed his all round abilities (minus the football) by guiding the team home with the bat after picking up a vital wicket in the first innings. Mainsforth finishing winners by 6 wickets.
It was an action packed Friday night fixture up at Littletown on Friday night as the 1st XI got their Serious Cricket 15/15 cup action underway. Mainsforth again won the toss and asked the opposition to bat first. They picked up regular wickets all the way through the innings in restricting Littletown to 95/8 from their 15 overs. An excellent fielding display highlighted by a stunning catch by Aidan Nichol despite him being 3 feet over the line. Ryan Nicholson the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets for just 6 runs in his 3 overs. With the fog closing in Mainsforth made light work of the chase, Dean Storey cleared the boundary on a number of occasions including the very last ball as he mad his way to 50 not out, well supported by Kevin Dixon who finished unbeaten on 26.
At some point on their journey to Marsden on Saturday the 1st XI lost the sunshine and spent the day trying to keep warm as a sea fret hampered any chance of a day in the sun. Marsden won the toss and opted to make the most of the atmospheric conditions by putting Mainsforth in to bat. The Mainsforth found the going tough early on but once the shine was off the ball things got easier with Ryan Nicholson showing his class in making 83 before getting a ball that kept low and wrapped him on his pads. The middle order all made starts but inexperience got the better of them as they threw away their wickets at regular intervals. Captain Kevin Dixon kept his head and tried to hold the low order together before he was last man out. Mainsforth finishing on an underwhelming 187 all out. With the game on a knife’s edge at the half time interval now wasn’t the time for losing their cool and Dixon showed all his experience and leadership qualities with an inspired and calming team talk to his troops. Mainsforth’s early season catching woes continued as easy chances went begging and Marsden made good progress towards the total. Mainsforth stuck at their task well and started to hold their catches as they picked up regular wickets to slow the Marsden march. Latcham and Nicholson both holding on to good catches at slip and specialist fielder Nigel Bihari holding on to a fantastic catch towards the end of the innings. The sea fret never faltered but Marsden’s challenge did as they finished on 136 all out and giving Mainsforth the win by 51 runs.
A big crowd enjoyed the sunshine and bar facilities down at Mainsforth Sports Complex as the 2nd XI played host to Horden CC. After winning the toss and electing to bat first the Mainsforth openers laid a solid foundation as Adam Thompson made 28 before missing a straight one that demolished his stumps. Adam Watson continued on and made his way to a half century before running out of steam and being clean bowled for 53. Contributions from the middle order saw Mainsforth to a steady total of 161/6 after 40 overs. Perhaps sensing the crowd was getting a little too sunburnt, or perhaps worried about their dehydration levels, Chris Reynard made sure the second innings was a short affair as he put on a seam bowling masterclass. Horden barely crawled along to a total of 28 all out with Reynard’s 7/17 being the highlight along with a spectacular 1 handed diving catch by skipper Kieren Jowett which produced a roar from the crowd that was heard up in the village. Mainsforth comfortable winners by 133 runs.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
Great reporting, loved it👍