1stXI Qualify for Twenty20 Plate Knockout

A ruthless showing in their final group fixture saw the 1stXI secure second place and progression into the Twenty20 Plate knock out competition to keep their season alive in the shorter format. It was a reverse of the weekend’s fixture as they made the return journey to Stockport Trinity for a winner-takes-all encounter, a loss and a rain-off in the opening games leaving the Jets bottom of the group and in need of a strong performance which they duly delivered.

Despite losing the toss it was one-way traffic in the field. Dave Bridge, one of the lineup changes from the weekend, was to the fore with a runout and catch in consecutive overs to quickly account for both openers. The bowlers again operated in single-over spells, showcasing great discipline and concentration to ensure there was no letup and backed by some excellent ground fielding and catching.

The result was all of the attack finding success in the wicket column in addition to some impressive economy rates. The offspin of Sam Waller (3-10) led the way whilst Toby Carson (2-22) twice induced edges through to Rob Berkeley behind the stumps. Supporting hands from messrs Heath, Banner and Wragg meant Trinity survived until just the 16th over, tallying 62 all-out and putting the 1stXI in perfect position to finish level on points with the hosts and own both head-to-head and net run rate tiebreakers.

Eleven runs from the opening over set the tone for the reply as the Jets would ultimately knock the runs off within the powerplay. Jake Reynolds was the primary aggressor with a quickfire 27* (6x4, 0x6, 14b) that included three boundaries in a crazy fifth over which also included three sets of five wides. With the opening stand at 58 and victory in sight, Andrew Clarke fell LBW to Emma Royle at the start of the sixth over but Rob Berkeley (5*) wasted little time in ensuring the inevitable and securing progression into the knockout phase.