Milnrow's finest performance of the season

Milnrow's performance at Middleton was arguably their finest of the season, with so many players making vital contributions. Milnrow batted first and Price and Crabtree again batted superbly as an opening pair.

Price was at his best with outstanding shots all around the wicket as he raced to his 50 off 38 balls. Driving powerfully and dispatching any bowling off line to the boundary, he led Milnrow to an opening stand of 117.

Crabtree revelled in the supporting role and he also hit a number of fours whilst carefully rotating the strike.

Price was caught at square leg having made 68 and then Dryden was out soon after and this meant that Power and Crabtree had to stabilise the innings and they did this with real skill.

Crabtree continued to play fine shots in making 55 and Power did what he does best as he ensured that Milnrow posted a challenging total of 239.

Power again showed his class with a range of fine shots and he was ably supported with a good knock from Diplock.

On an excellent wicket, Milnrow knew that they had to work hard and field well if they were to defend their total. Their performance was outstanding.

Diplock took a stunning catch off his own bowling to remove the talented Tierney, diving to his right to take the ball one handed, and then came a superb piece of work from 14 year old, Jack Wynn that changed the game.

Middleton had reached 83 and looked to be cruising. Sub-pro Walters was hitting the ball powerfully and had reached 32 when Power brought Wynn into the attack. With his fourth ball, Walters drove the ball back at the bowler and Wynn took a great left handed catch.

In an outstanding piece of fielding Tahir, who had batted superbly in reaching his 50, was removed. With the score on 124, he edged the ball to Price who parried the ball before Brown diving to his left took a spectacular catch.

As Middleton looked to rebuild their innings, Milnrow's fielding again killed any momentum when 16-year-old Aiden Clarke looked to prevent a quick single and shied at the stumps from square leg. His direct hit removed Bennett and from this moment on it was only a matter of time before Milnrow wrapped up victory.

Crucially, Milnrow needed the five points if they were to reduce the gap in the league table and they worked hard to bowl Middleton out for 159 and this moved them two points behind the Towncroft outfit with a game in hand.

The Milnrow players and supporters were buoyant knowing that two more victories will guarantee promotion.