Carnforth vs Warton

Derby day drubbing.

On a scorching day at Quarry Park, home skipper Hoyle won the toss and opted to bowl first. A decision that would of been replicated, had veteran Crowther called correctly.

In team news, Carnforth appeared at full strength, whilst the visitors were missing long term absentee Beck (injury), vice skipper Finney (Ed Sheeran), Bolton (brownie points), Weatherill (Morrisons big breakfast) and Partridge (Good Dad).

Needing a solid start, the Hyningmen, got off to a shocker at 5 for 3 off 6 overs. Matthews (1) driving on the up to cover, Barrow (1) needlessly run out by Price, going for a second run that no 61 year old would make, and Barnfield (0), clearly affected by severe hay fever mirroring Matthews, this time off Thompson (1/20).

Winder (15) looked in good nick, finding the cover boundary on 3 occasions, before D.Nelson gained his second victim with a beauty, nipping back to hit the top of off stump.

At 24/4 off 13, Nelson Senior joined Price and the pair embarked on recovery mission.S.Rich (0/13) replaced Thompson, again bowling with good control from his 7 overs. The tropical conditions meant Nelson needed to replace his batting gloves. This led to a slight delay as between Mayor and Graseley, 2 left hand gloves were brought on to the field. The partnership reached 75 in 22 overs, before Nelson perished looking to up the rate, picking out Thompson perfectly on the deep square boundary off his brother Darren.

Any hope of a wagging tail were quickly cut short, as Benson (1/22) replaced Rich and had Mayor (0), well caught at mid on by Parry, Crowther (4) fell in the same fashion to Winder from Nelson, and Graseley cleaned up first ball after his initial thoughts of defense, were overturned with the will to try and whack it. This gave Nelson a well earned Michelle, as his marathon session in the heat continued.

Needham (10) briefly rallied, with a couple of lusty blows, before thinking he was Viv Richards, to give Nelson 6. With 6 overs still remaining, the ever dependable Smith Joined Price, who had sensationally batted right through for his team. The pair added a further 12, allowing Price to reach his Boycott like fifty. The innings concluded, when Nelson trapped Smith (1), to finish with a mightly impressive 7/61 from 22.3 overs, with Price (boyc's) carrying his bat for 51no off about a 1000 balls. Warton closing on 127ao from 44.3 overs.

After a lovely spread at teatime, where Boycott made the hosts wait for there reward, the visitors knew early wickets were going to be key, to have any chance. Unfortunately this never came to fruition as Tomlinson and Ryan Nelson, scored boundaries at will. Nelson being particularly harsh on uncle, Crowther (0/30) and Tomlinson hitting Needham for 3 boundaries. At 45/0 off 9, the hosts were cantering to victory. Needham (2/37) though, cutting a frustrating and somewhat angry figure, after feeling a little aggrieved, made the breakthrough, having Tomlinson (14) snaffled at slip by Barnfield, despite a little juggling act. The next over he had Parry (0) dismissed, caught behind by Mayor.

51 for 2 gave Warton a little hope, but skipper Hoyle entered the crease full of intent and quickly stroked the ball to all parts, almost batting in 20/20 mode. If not for Smith thwarted him on numerous occasions, literally putting his body on the line, Hoyle would of got his team over the line in even quicker time.

Crowther tried to mix up his bowling with Price (0/18) and Barnfield (0/12), but Hoyle continued his assault, whilst Nelson was content to protect his average and bat for a red inker, still clearly smarting from his father easily beating him to the league averages the year before.

With the game reaching an inevitable conclusion Graseley (0/20) and Matthews (0/7) tried to prize a wicket or two, but to no avail as 4 byes from a Graseley delivery brought victory by 8 wickets with 22 overs to spare.

Nelson ending 43no and Hoyle 62no including 11 boundaries and 1 maximum.

The visitors returned to their dressing room (hottest place on earth), to dwell on their first really poor showing of the season, whilst Barnfield, despite a duck and only bowling 3 overs, needed 2 showers to cool down.

On the fines front, Mayor excelled himself, with fines including a duck, lack of child control, Ricky's gloves fiasco, sexism, alcoholism, and attempting to drown his dog!

Despite the defeat, the visitors remained in good spirits, enjoying a drink or 2 in the sun, with a vow to bounce back in the H&L quarter final the next day, against Arnside at the Hyning.

By Graeme Crowther.