Thumping victory for Milnrow Cricket Club

Milnrow had another thumping victory in the Pennine Cricket League Championship and again professional, Rudi Second, put in another tremendous batting performance. Coming to the wicket after only 12 runs had been scored in the first ten overs, Second dug in to build the Milnrow innings and ensured that he offered stability to the Milnrow batting.

He reached his 50 from 78 balls but again accelerated for his second fifty. His fourth century of the season came after 103 balls. He placed the ball to all parts of the ground, finding gaps with ease towards the end of the innings, and showed a full range of his skills.

He took on a supporting role in his partnership with Fanie De Villiers, however, as the younger South African really opened up once settled at the crease. De Villiers smashed 65 from 50 balls, including three sixes in an over, as he and Second scored a century partnership.

They moved the score from a tricky 46-3 to 149 - 4 and this took the confidence away from the opposition and put Milnrow in a winning position.

Second steered the side to an excellent score of 247 for 8 and the home supporters enjoyed a cameo knock of 19 from 10 balls by Aaron Brown which included a six of the last ball of the innings.

This knock appeared to give Brown a lift and he had his zip back in his bowling. He trapped Jackson lbw in his first over and then took the Uppermill skipper, Baron, in his fifth. His figures of two for 32 did not fully show how well he bowled.

De Villiers claimed Milnrow's second wicket with the score on 16 and Milnrow were building the pressure.

The South African, De Jager, batted very well for Uppermill, however, and Milnrow knew that when they got him out they would go on to win the game.

Unsurprisingly it was Second who brought the false shot from him and he was caught by Faad Khan on 66.

From this point on, Milnrow quickly saw out the game and took another five points in their quest for promotion, with all the bowlers making good contributions.

On Sunday, Milnrow lost 2-1 to Werneth in a bowl out in the quarter final of the Tanner Cup. It was a bitter disappointment for players and supporters as the team has been in such fine form and a really good team effort with the ball had seen them bowl Werneth out for 148.

This was clearly an achievable total and so when the rain came it was cruel on Milnrow, but their confidence is strong and they go into next week's home game against Werneth at the top of the league.