1st Team Dove Holes made the trip to Mottram, and arrived in very overcast conditions. Due to the superb preparation done on the outfield and track this was always going to be a big toss, the duke (finally) won the toss and elected to bat. Things did not go to plan as D Jones was unfortunately caught behind down leg, he was quickly followed by Linford Cartledge, who took a optimistic run and was dismissed by a direct hit. Jack Gregory joined the resolute Vernon at the crease. The two then built an excellent partnership of 168 for the third wicket. Gregory smashed 129 off just 104 balls including 9 sixes, with some huge blows. Vernon supported well with a well crafted 54. When the two departed a couple of wickets fell in quick succession and dove feared another collapse was to let down the excellent platform particularly as A benny hill style run out was orchestrated by Joe Gregory and saw Forder depart who was looking well. Forder, Walker and Jones did however all chip in with useful knocks to push the total to 254-9 at the interval. A strong total, but Dove knew they had to be mindful of the quality of the deck and outfield in defending the total. K Jones and S Critchlow opened the attack. Critchlow kept things tight but Metcalfe took a liking to Jones and supported by Andrews put on an opening stand of 74. Until Critchlow got the breakthrough with Metcalfe (51) caught behind. Dove really switched on in the field after this and became more aggressive in the field. Andrews followed shortly after off Cartledge and as Walker joined the attack Mottram were 120-4 at drinks. The game was still in the balance. D Walker bowled aggressively and Cartledge was finding some real action out of what had seemed to be a flat deck. The two combined well to ensure Mottram lost wickets at frequent intervals. Highlights were 5 victims for Jones behind the sticks, and Vernon with three catches - one heavily involving his package. Cartledge finished 5-39 and Walker 4-55 as Mottram were dismissed for 166 with 9 overs to spare. Dove finally have a win on the board and in some style as finally the promise showed early in the season all clicked into a solid all round team performance. 2nd Team On a foggy and drizzly day Dove Holes had a tough game against Mottram. Dove Holes were boosted by 3 players being available from the first team to play making it a strong Dove Holes outfit and making it a difficult selection week. As usual captain Pete lost the toss and Dove were batting in the fog. The innings had batters who seemed to get going but then got out. So it was with great delight the Dove faithful were treated to junior Reece Johnson holding the innings together at Number 4 and making his maiden senior 50 before continuing to 74 not out. A treat appreciated by all the dove players and fans and nice to see the Mottram lads praise the young junior. Some splendid shots by Reece and played like a man ten years older. Mottram bowled well at Dove and S. Scott was the pick with a great 12 over spell only going for 29 runs and taking 3 wickets. Dove Holes finished 184 for 8. Dove took the field knowing they needed a good start and Corey Flint and Dan Waterhouse delivered by bowling a tight early spell. Dan finishing with figures of 12-3-32-4. After a good opening spell backed up by some good fielding the juniors Keiron Collins and Reece Johnson cleaned up the innings with Keiren taking 4 wickets for 24 and the prized wicket of M. Fazackerley for 60. Fazackerley was looking strong having played some powerful hits and probably shot of the day with a straight six hitting the pavilion.
But Dove were delighted to bowl Mottram out for 111 and in the process pick up 19 pts. A game played in good spirits and a thank you to the Mottram male who stepped in and umpired...never easy with a fired up Dan Waterhouse. But Dove will look to build on this win and go Woodley next Saturday with plenty of positives.
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