Mersey lost the toss and were asked to field by Hale Barns, the bowling was opened by Mark Lever fresh from his 4 wicket performance last week but maybe not the night before. He bowled a solid first 5 in the heat from the Green Lane end with the batsmen giving him nothing. He was supported by Patrick Glare from the other end who bore the brunt of some early aggression from the Hale Barns captain Farhan who hit a few lusty blows. But Patrick was to get his revenge when Farhan skied one and it fell down into the waiting hands of Charlie Gilluley. So after 10 overs Hale Barns had got of to a positive start and were 50-1. Charlie came into replace Mark and showed some good senior experience with a solid off-stump line, and was rewarded with 3 wickets during his 9 over spell. The first was a simple catch straight into the hands of Dave Flisk at slip, the second was a full length dive into the hands of Mohammad Shafiq at square leg to show there is more than one fielder in the family. Then finally the skipper stepped up at mid on to take one. At the other end we had Hassan Waleed making only his second senior appearance and is taking very well to senior cricket with his strong personality, he bowled well. He picked up a wicket with a leg before with the batsmen ensure what to do and ended up playing French cricket. He was also involved in a run out of the non- striker who was not backing up properly, this was something he had taken note of from his junior game earlier in the day. With Mersey solidly on top captain Pete made his final bowling changes. He brought Ali Raza on to replace Hassan again for only his second senior appearance and bowled a really tempting line of spin to trouble the batsmen, even a previous Mersey player Sohail Anjum. He was rewarded with ironically his worse ball which was caught at short fine leg by Charlie off a full toss. At the other end captain Pete took one wicket sending the bails to Wales of the Hale Barns batmen. Then part way through the 34th over the heavens opened and both captains shook hands to admit defeat to the weather in what was shaping up to be a competitive run chase.

Bowling figures:

Mark Lever 6-0-23-0
Patrick Glare 5-0-35-1
Charlie Gilluley 9-1-35-3
Hassan Waleed 5-1-23-1
Peter Lewis 2.2-0-10-1
Ali Raza 7-0-21-1

Mersey now prepare for an away game against Brooklands after an excellent fielding and bowling performance. A special mention to the under 15s playing today Patrick Glare, Hassan Waleed and Ali Raza who showed that youth programme at Mersey is continuing to provide quality players.

Man of the match this week goes to Charlie Gilluely for his 3 wickets, 2 great catches and general vocal support and energy in the field.