The 2019 season embarked for Heaton Mersey’s first XI on a glorious Easter Saturday at Oakley Villas. Last year’s Division Three Champions welcomed two new recruits into the line-up; including Damien Stringer and Neil Mountjoy with the side hoping to build upon the success of 2018. Captain Luke skilfully lost the toss, with Winnington Park electing to bat first.

Luke got his side off to the perfect start, claiming the outside edge of Butcher in the first over. The Mersey attack kept the visitors under pressure from the start with tight lines and excellent ground fielding. The pressure soon showed as Winnington Park slumped to 14-3 with a Jordy B run-out the highlight of the first twenty overs.

Sensible batting and some occasional comical fielding from Zeb and TL helped the visitors recollect control within the game. The home side, however, remained strong and patient throughout. Strings and Neil both collected their first Mersey wickets, but the show was stolen by “The Spindoctor” Ian Hughes. Spider Man’s arch enemy picked up four wickets; bowling with excellent control, manipulation and even an occasional bit of spin! Hughesy finished with figures of 4-31 as the visitors reached 120-9 off their 45 overs.

After an excellent tea, the Mersey batting line-up were put under immediate pressure with Zeb back in the clubhouse early. Louis (37) and Jordy (36) fought hard and were eventually rewarded with a composed 65 run-partnership. Nevertheless, 74-1 soon turned to 94-6 as the Mersey middle order struggled to push on from the foundations built by Louis and Jordy. Winnington Park bowled excellently, making the home-side work hard for their runs.

Josh Ains dug in for a hard fought 13* whilst Luke elegantly made easy work of what teased to be a tense finish. His gutsy 21* pushed the side over the finish line for the full 25 points. The skipper fittingly scoring the winning runs in front of his newly born daughter Ruby.

A strong start to the season. Thank you to all spectators for all of their support!