A DEPLETED Billinge CC tasted defeat for the first time in 10 matches at the weekend, when they lost by seven wickets to title-chasing Goodlass.

After being put in to bat, the hosts lost early wickets, due to poor shot selection and some controversial umpiring decisions.

Only Martin with a steady 23 and O'Hara with a long overdue knock of 18 managed to get into double figures. Stan Byrne 4-16 and Phil Morgan 3-33 were the main bowlers to benefit from poor batting.

When Goodlass went into bat they were made to work all the way by some outstanding bowling by Andy Martin and Carl Stockley, who conceded less than 30 runs from the 20 overs that they bowled between them, and although this good work was continued by Steve Middlehurst and Tom Walsh, the Billinge bowlers had no luck, but deserve credit for the way they kept at it, making Goodlass wait until the 36th over to hit the winning runs. Phil Morgan 28 and Frank Bradley 26 top scoring for Goodlass.

Billinge CC are sponsored by Jimmy Jackson Plumbing and Heating.

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