Cricket: Middleton XI beat Heywood by seven wickets

Heywood Cricket Club

A strong select Middleton XI beat Heywood by seven wickets in a pre-season game at The Crimble on Sunday.

On a glorious early April day, Middleton captain George Walker won the toss and invited Heywood to bat.

Mike Pritchard and Tom Rutter took the new ball and did not let their captain down as they quickly found their rhythm with a line and length that was constantly asking questions of the batsmen. Between them they left Heywood reeling at 12 for 5 when they were withdrawn from action.

Michael Witts was the first to fall as he was bowled by Pritchard and Sean Burrill soon fell after in similar fashion.

Former Moonraker, Rob Bennett came to the crease to join Wes Hunt however both found themselves back in the pavilion courtesy of the bowling of Rutter. Bennett was caught behind and Hunt was caught as short cover by Walker.

Dom Fawcett became Rutter’s third victim as he was well caught by Pete Woodcock at square leg.

Jack Morley became the mainstay of the innings, and took advantage of an early drop to reach a very well-crafted half century, but he struggled to find a partner to stay with him.

Keelan Nugent and Mike Grogan the only other two batsmen to reach double figures as the bowlers dominated on an early season wicket.

Aaron Eaves took the final three wickets as Heywood were all out for 124 with three balls of their 40 overs left.

During the tea break, the cloud coverage became dense and rain threatened to disrupt the day’s play.

In reply, Rhys Tierney and Leighton Le Carpentier opened the batting. With the score on 5, Le Carpentier was bowled by Cabhan Bhimvll-Hilton, and it was the same bowler who accounted for Pete Foden, again bowled, after a rash shot.

Grant Jones joined Tierney and the pair looked comfortable, until Tierney cut a rank long hop to Morley at point.

Jones and Walker then showed their quality as they got their side into a winning position until both retired. It was down to Rutter and Steve McGuinness to get Middleton past the post.

Result: Middleton CC, Lancashire - 2nd XI - Won by seven wickets

Heywood CC - 2nd XI 123 all out (39.3 overs)
Middleton CC, Lancashire - 2nd XI 134 for 3 (34 overs)