Vs Chorley (A): Timeless Test

Chorley CC 158-5 (Catterall 56) beat Carnforth 156-8 by 5 wickets.

Carnforth started well by winning the toss and elected to have first use of the pitch. They were soon in trouble after promoted opener Hoyle (2) was caught at mid on leaving Carnforth 10-1. Morris (18) carried on where he left off and looked to build a partnership with Nelson (36). Nelson was next to go given LBW by the same umpire who gave him caught behind off his pad 24 hours previously.

Morris was next to go caught at point off the impressive Dhar. Dhar bowled some quite outstanding balls, drifting it into the right hander and turning the ball square past the bat. He was unlucky not have more than the 3 wickets he deserved. Barnfield (33) and Pedder (34) then rebuilt the innings. They were both finding the going tough trying to survive never mind score of the spin twins. Both eventually played freely after guiding Carnforth to 127 off 40 overs before Barnfield walked after edging one behind, a partnership of 61.

Bradley (0) soon followed being bowled for a duck and when Pedder eventually left the crease Carnforth were wobbling at 135-7. Solid contributions from Hornby (11*) and Horsfall (8) made a total of 156-8 off 50 overs.

If Carnforth were to win the game then they had to get early wickets. Unfortunately Chorley openers Catterall (56) and Holdsworth (35) shared a solid 51 opening partnership. The introduction of Morris stemmed the flow of runs and he accounted for Holdsworth being trapped well in front of all three.

Stu Naden (11) came to the crease and batted with carefree ease until he gloved a sweep shot to Barnfield behind the timbers. The decision wasn't given even though the batsmen seemed to start to walk from the crease. He was soon run out by an impressive piece of fielding from both Morris and Hoyle.

Moulton (0) came and went as he looked to play across the line to Morris, only finding the top edge and skipper Hornby took his first catch of the season! Critchley (24) batted fluently and by this time Chorley had reached 133-4 and the game was over. Occasional 'spin' bowler Moore was brought on and after bowling his first two overs all down the legside he eventually got one towards the stumps. Unfortunately it as a full toss and Critchley duly dispatched it for 6. Moore then served up another pie and this time Chritchley decided to give him his first Northern League wicket as he spooned it in the air to Benson.

This left Dhar (8*) and M.Critchley (7*) to see the game home with over 10 overs to spare. Morris was again pick of the bowlers with 3-49