ALL the hard work which has gone into rejuvenating Haydock Cricket Club paid off as both sides got their Southport and District League campaign off to a flying start.
The first team entertained Halsall in the Sandhurst Shield and, batting first, they lost N Din for only 15. But Rob Burke began to score freely playing some good shots either side of the wicket before losing his wicket for a fine 56. Dave Cross was his usual effervescent self his excellent 36 came up rapidly. Darren Mathews smashed his way to a fine 36 in typical style as Haydock reached 196/8 at tea.
The Halsall bowlers took a bit of a hammering only J Graham 2/30 looked useful. Halsall started poorly in reply thanks in the main to the Haydock opening pair of Barry Jordan and newcomer Dave Burrows. Burrows gas good value for his 3/18. Barry Jordan also bowled well and was a little unlucky at times his 2/43 was more than useful. J Halsall 35 and P Higham 17 tried to steady the ship but the introduction of Andy Bentham was just the tonic Haydock needed. Andrews tidy spell of 3/40 proved decisive as Haydock ran out worthy winners in the end shooting Halsall out for 129.
The second team beat Aughton in the Pochin Cup. Batting first proved to be the right decision as Alan Lever simply destroyed the Aughton bowling. He sent shots raining round the ground finishing with a magnificent 83 not out. Barry Cross started his season well and took advantage of some generous bowling with a useful 23 while Chris Nuttall hit a barnstorming 25 as Haydock reached 194/4 at the break. Rain and bad light delayed the Aughton innings but than as only delaying the inevitable as the Haydock bowlers took command. D Jones bowled well and struck almost at will taking 3/16 from a good spell while the welcome return of Steve Plant taking 1/3 was a pleasing sight for the visitors. Paul Johnson skippered well and took 2/2 as Haydock ran out easy winners send Aughton packing for just 51.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article