Milnrow's run of six victories comes to an end

Milnrow Cricket Club

Milnrow's run of six victories came to an end on Sunday in their match against Crompton and it was veteran bowler Mel Whittle who did the damage. Whittle's figures of 6 for 56 from 21.3 overs put paid to Milnrow's run chase and ensured that Crompton, already champions, defeated Milnrow by 62 runs. Whittle took the wickets of five of Milnrow's top six batsmen and included the crucial wicket of deputy professional, Suraj Randiv, who made 70.

Milnrow were left to rue the way they let Crompton off the hook when they had them at 107 for 8 following excellent bowling from Declan Wilkinson in particular. Wilkinson bowled with real variety and skill and took four Crompton wickets.

Earlier in the innings, Brown and Diplock again bowled tightly and built pressure on the batsmen. Louis did manage to score freely at one end but at the other wickets tumbled regularly.

Diplock took two top order wickets and Brown one, Crabtree taking two excellent catches. Deputy professional, Randiv, bowled well in tandem with Wilkinson and Wilkinson eventually removed Louis for a well-played 58.

It was the ninth wicket partnership, however, that turned the game. They increasingly frustrated the Milnrow bowlers and also played some excellent shots.

One moment of fortune also went in Crompton's favour when Wynn bowled a ball to Bradley that hit the stumps but did not dislodge the bail.

Crompton took advantage and Taylor batted superbly for his unbeaten 54.

Two run outs meant that Crompton were all out for 188 in the last over, but the 80 runs scored for the last two wickets proved crucial.

Milnrow struggled to get Whittle and Taylor away throughout their innings and runs were hard to come by.

The more the pressure built the more wickets fell and only Randiv was able to build an innings that could influence the game. He played a number of impressive shots but, on 70, he was caught behind by Louis off Whittle.

From this moment on reaching the total never looked on and Milnrow were all out for 126.

The final moment in the game was an outstanding caught and bowled by Whittle. It seemed incredible that a man rumoured to be 68-years-old dived full length through the air to take a stunning return catch, but he did and it provided a fitting end to the match.

Milnrow now go to Elton for their final game knowing that they must win and hope Middleton cannot win theirs if they are to be promoted.