Hatz Off To You: Hatzoglou Masters Sticky Wicket to Sink Jets at DASC

1stXI v Ashton-on-Mersey

With London Road still underwater the 1stXI fixture was switched to Jackson’s Edge at short notice for what inevitably turned into a low-scoring scrap with promotion-chasing Ashton-on-Mersey. Sent in to face the music, the game rarely resembled 1stXI cricket with every fielder positioned in front of square and a struggle to adapt saw the Jets fall to 24-5.

The Williams brothers produced a recovery of sorts by proving that attack was the best form of defence, Chris (22) and Danny (36) the only North East batsmen to find the boundary, but a failure to bat the overs and eke out a defendable score in three figures left an uphill task after the interval.

The visitors finding life equally tough at 38-5 as the 1stXI found more enjoyment in the field. Things could have been even better had a regulation chance to end the innings of Peter Hatzoglou been taken, and the Ashton overseas punished the Jets to the fullest by carrying his bat 55*. His was the key wicket as no other batsman made it past 6 and another example of the kind of fixture which has left the Jets marooned in midtable and not competing for honours.

Scorecard

Rostherne v 2ndXI

The 2ndXI ticked off another week with a fifth win via concession. They can all-but confirm the title with a win over second-placed Knutsford this week.

3rdXI v Bowdon Vale

A five wicket haul for skipper Owen Johnson (5-29) after winning the toss looked to have the 3rdXI well on the way to victory at in-form Bowdon Vale. The home side mustered just 83 but then turned the tables on North East after the interval.

In a shambolic start to the chase, five of the top six failed to trouble the scorers as the home bowlers ran riot. Opener John Westerby (23) watched the carnage unfold and despite his best efforts and a late cameo from Sam Scragg there was no coming back and a disappointing defeat was confirmed when the final wicket fell for 59.

Scorecard

4thXI v Lindow

On the same pitch as the 1stXI the previous day the 4thXI lost to all but confirm the title for visitors Lindow who are unbeaten outside of the reverse fixture. Some additional time to dry and some sterling work from the ground staff made batting slightly easier but the five Jets who got starts couldn't cash in which led to an under par tally of 112.

Lindow were made to work hard in reply by some economical bowling but they were able to keep wickets in hand and safely register the win. It took until the 40th over but with only four wickets down there were few alarms despite the best efforts of Andy Hadfield (2-23).

Scorecard