Logo: Bredbury St Marks Cricket Club
Bredbury played host to Alsager in a must win game for the saints. The day started just like every Saturday with the catching competition. Before I continue an apology must be made. Last week the winner of the catching competition was awarded to Sandsy, however I was quickly and reliably informed that Tinker had won. This week the defending champ was looking to make it back to back victories unfortunately for Tinks Legs had other ideas and went on to take the glory.
Woody won the toss and elected to bat in the hope of accumulating a mammoth total and batting Alsager out of the game. After a visit to Scotland to meet the in-laws Peter McZybrands opened the innings with the boa constrictor Leesy. Both batsmen were under instructions to continue as they have played in recent weeks and put the bad ball away. Things did not start off as planned Leesy fell early doors losing his off stump to an in-swinging delivery for 7. Gippo was the next to go in peculiar fashion as a ball struck him on his pads then looped over his head and headed towards his stumps, not content with this Gippo felt the need to help the ball on it’s way and duly kicked it onto his stumps for 1. At 13-2 the saints knew this was not the start they were looking for. Legs set about trying to steady the ship whilst McZybrands tried to score runs where possible but Legs fell before he reached double figures. Woody was called to the crease next and set about trying to turn the innings around, unfortunately McZybrands was caught behind trying to cut for 30. Keys was next and after a brief resurgence Woody fell for 30, Sandsy came next but failed to trouble the scorers. Keys fell next due to a mistimed sweep that looped up for 38. Dev from corrie went in at 9 and hit a brisk 24 to claim some more batting points but in the end the saints struggled to 151 all out.
At tea Bredbury knew that they would have to bowl well on a bowler friendly track. Legs and Woody opened up, Legs enjoyed some early swing and bolwed with some good pace and was unlucky not to take a wicket in his first spell. It wasn’t until Nutt’s was introduced into the attack that Bredbury got the breakthrough. Nutt’s picked up 2 quick wickets with his usual big in-swingers. Woody came back on and at 53-5 we were in with a shout. Unfortunately Alsager reached the target with 3 wickets spare leaving Bredbury frustrated and knowing that it was a game they should have won.
Bredbury visited Bollington on Saturday hoping to expand the gap from the relegation places. The day started in typical fashion with the now highly competitive catching competition, this week Sandsy took the top spot after nearly dropping the ball but rescuing it with his football skills, Sanos did a couple of kick ups before coolly catching the ball and continuing the game.
The two captains made their usual small talk and then eventually tossed up and sure enough the toss was lost. Bredbury were asked to field after a heavy week and Legs was asked to open the bowling with his brother. The Bollington batsmen both started aggressively but soon enough they realised that their innings would be short if they continued to play in that manner. Legs struck first as the Bollington overseas player tried to flick a full ball off his legs and got a leading edge that flicked straight up into Nutts eager hands. It didn’t take Chris (or bad egg) long to take the second wicket a young number 3 batsmen was thoroughly worked over by a seasoned pro for a few overs before being trapped LBW, even the umpire said it was just a matter of time before Bad egg got the wicket. At 30-2 Bredbury were upbeat and confident at that stage however a very unorthodox number 4 seemed to have all the luck in the world as balls would fly over the covers as the batsmen only seemed to be playing with his bottom hand. Legs kept plugging away regardless and during his 11th over his brother (Bad egg) advised him that he only had another 14 overs to go before the end of his spell, this seemed to take Legs by shock as he fell to the floor in dismay. Nutt’s took the ball next and it didn’t take long before he got the ball swinging in his usual way and took his first wicket, Regrettably wickets dried up and Bollington finished on 211-5 with a special mention going to Bollingtons skipper who batted all the way through the innings for 99 not out.
At tea 211 seemed like a very reachable target with our batting line up. Zig and Leesy opened up in a positive manner with Leesy setting off were he had left off in previous weeks smashing balls through cover and over the bowlers head. Ziggy didn’t offer him much support as a ball moved back at him off the seam forcing him to say goodbye to his off stump. Gippo strode out at 3 and it didn’t take him long before he found his favourite shot (forward defensive). After a brief onslaught Leesy was judged to have been caught although even most of the Bollington supporters did not agree with the decision. Legs went in at 4 but struggled to find his feet and fell before reaching 20, with Bad egg and the Scruffy one at the crease the target was still very much in sight even though Gippo was on 11 off 60 balls! It went from bad to worse as Bad egg was caught behind. Keys should have been next but an emergency visit to the toilet meant that Sandsy went in at 6, Sandsy fell after a couple of nice shots including a pull that hit the fence in the blink of an eye but fell in the teens. Keys was next and only watched a couple of balls before Gippo charged down the track and chipped a ball back to the bowler. Tinker came next but didn’t last long as he was caught through a mistimed off drive. At 100-7 and Serena Williams (Johnny Gordon) walking to the crease things looked unpleasant. Serena got off the mark with a big straight six and continued to play shots strongly and sometimes simply hitting the ball hard whilst Keys tried to value his wicket whilst playing shots wherever possible. It worked however as Bredbury gained some batting points. Johnny ‘819’ Gordon (if you don’t get it ask him) fell for 37 by the time he went the score was 160-8. Keys and Nutts held out for the draw finishing on 36 not out and 0 not out respectively. Bredbury earned a disappointing 6 points.
Bredbury entertained third spot Cheadle in search of their first win. As Bredbury arrived there was a positive mood in the camp.
During the warm up it would have been difficult to predict what would happen. We had the two Woods hitting the ball to our fielders due to injury, whilst our fielders waited to reluctantly warm up. Dicko made the first mistake chasing the ball and falling over giving our team something to laugh about. After the warm up it was time for the eagerly anticipated catching competition, Dev from corrie (Johnny Gordon) took Sully’s spot and fell first due to a poor throw, our skipper fell shortly afterwards leaving legs to take home the glory, however I’m not sure how good it is for his back reaching down six and a half foot to the floor for the duration of the contest.
Woody met Cheadle’s skipper to talk about whatever they talk about which always seems to take much longer than is comfortable for either captain, then finally tossing up. Bredbury prayed to the gods that we would not have to field in the sun on a rock hard batting paradise, the gods were sadly not with us as the Cheadle skipper won the toss and elected to bat. We quickly realised that there was nothing to do but go out there and bowl like we really meant business for the first time in recent memory. Legs and Woody opened up and enjoyed some early swing. It has to be said that Bredbury’s fielding was far superior to last weeks display as balls were taken cleanly and chased eagerly on the lightening quick outfield, sometimes the ball was chased too eagerly as Leesy set off in hot pursuit of a cover drive which he chased all the way to the boundary keeping his eyes on the ball all the way not noticing a tree which he slid into giving him an excuse to have a rest and roll around on the floor for a while. After a good opening stand which reached 50 Bredbury finally got a break through thanks to our ever reliable skipper. Cheadle’s overseas player strode out to the crease, his innings was short however as he hit a straight drive no more than six inches off the floor which Dicko swooped down on like a cat getting those big hands under the ball (it wasn’t until after the match and a conversation with our team that he realised just how unlucky he was). Wickets fell at regular intervals and Cheadle finished on 185-9 from their allotted over’s. Woody finished with figures of 4-42 from his 17 over’s proving what an asset he his with the ball in his hand.
At tea Bredbury tried not to get too exited about the prospects of their first win. The track was brushed and rolled to make sure that their would be no excessive lateral movement in the second innings. With no Gippo Zig was called on to open with Leesy. Both Zig and Leesy looked to play positively against the Cheadle bowling attack and soon proved their supremacy as the score quickly reached 50 for the loss of no wickets. Zig fell after what can only be described as a woeful shot saw him caught at mid wicket for a comfortable 31 prior to that shot. Woody had to go out at three because his “little brother” had an appointment with the toilet, he soon settled in giving Leesy the support he needed to open up and in doing so reaching his half century in no time which included 2 sixes worth a special mention. The first was straight over the bowlers head and over the houses, the second an imperious lofted cover drive that flew on to Pennine road. Leesy fell for a crowd pleasing 59 which brought legs to the crease fresh from his visit to the toilet and a little bit lighter. Both Woods continued where Leesy left off looking comfortable and scoring runs at a more than sufficient rate. Legs fell in the late 20’s but by this time he had done enough to see Bredbury within touching distance of their first win. Keys was summoned next but his work would be minimal as Woody hit a flurry of boundaries leaving Bredbury less than 10 to win. Two cover drives saw Bredbury home with 7 wickets and 11 over’s to spare. Woody finished with 45 not out and could finally walk off the field happy. Bredbury then celebrated in a typically restrained manner by rolling out the long white run-up covers, covering them with water and sliding down whilst the crowd looked on in amusement. This didn’t seem to bother the Bredbury boys however as they were over the moon.
Bredbury travelled to promotion hopeful’s Macclesfield on Saturday hoping to put a dent in their promotion campaign. As Bredbury set off Berty was the designated leader and promptly took the following vehicles on a tour of the Cheshire countryside, only after the best part of an hour did we arrive at the ground. As the Bredbury boys warmed up it soon became apparent that we had a Dev from corrie look-alike in Johnny Gordon and therefore bared the brunt of most jokes.
After the tour of the countryside and the corrie jokes being made we soon realised that there was no time for the usual post warm up catching game! Not to worry however, our captain came up with the idea of playing in the changing rooms as our two opening batsmen prepared to do battle with the Macclesfield bowling attack. Gippo and Leesy made their way out to the middle and made a very good start bringing up 50 for the first wicket stand. It has to be said that the Macclesfield bowling attack bowled a very good opening spell which saw balls go over and through the slips, this did not seem to phase our opening pair as it was about time we got some luck. Leesy fell first for 33 and then fell on the steps trying to leave the pitch which gave everyone a little laugh. This brought Ziggy to the crease who seemed to start very well playing each ball on it’s merit, it wasn’t until Zig reached at a ball outside his off stump that he looked uncomfortable and lost his wicket in the mid teens. As Legs looked to try and build an innings a spectator seemed to be having some trouble watching the game and thought that the obvious solution would be to step onto the pitch to get a closer look. It was the umpire who had to usher him off the pitch earning his money in a different way than usual. Legs and the scruffy one more than held their own against the usually potent Macclesfield attack both of them playing their shots whenever possible. Gippo fell just six short of his 50 bringing his skipper to the crease Woody hit some strong shots before being well caught on the edge for 20. Keys strode to the crease looking to score some quick runs to set a competitive total, Keys hit a few quick fours before being stumped (just) in the last over for 23. Legs continued hitting the ball hard including a huge six to cow corner leaving him with 41 not out and the team 190-5.
At tea (which was excellent) the Bredbury boys were hopeful of a couple of early wickets to put them well and truly on top. Woody and Legs opened up Legs bowled with some good pace but to no avail. What Legs and Woody didn't allow for was the woeful fielding which was slow, sloppy and well below par giving the bowlers little back up. The less said about the bowling and fielding the better. In the end Macclesfield reached the target easily for the loss of just 3 wickets. Credit must be given to Macclesfield who bowled well, some of their batsmen batted very well and not forgetting the teas.
An upbeat Bredbury entertained Timperly on Saturday in the hope of a win to drag themselves out of the relegation battle. The day started as usual with a highly competitive post warm up catching competition to warm hands. With no Sully last spot was up for grabs and Ziggy wasted no time in being the first eliminated despite a typical whiny Australian protest, however after all the laughs it was realised (rather worryingly) that overseas player had the worst pair of hand on offer that day.
With the warm up out of the way the Bredbury boys got serious as they prepared to do battle with the ball. Legs took the first over as a chirpy Bredbury office remembered the verbal treatment given to them in the previous fixture earlier in the season. In fairness the two Timperly openers saw off the first couple of overs very well playing safely while the ball was still new. Then suddenly the Timperly batsmen had a change of heart deciding to slog full deliveries outside the off stump through mid wicket, this however was a good sign as the Timperly batsmen were starting to take risks. Regardless of the exuberant batting style adopted by Timperly both Legs and Woody did not alter their line and length to compensate for this keeping bowling tight forcing errors that seemed to continually fall short and wide of the eager Bredbury fielders. After a good and also unlucky opening spell Dicko and Stu Ryan were brought on to bowl to try and break the first wicket partnership. Stu bowled accurately and continued with the misfortune experienced by Legs and Woody. Dicko took the first wicket after one of the openers charged down the wicket 3 balls in a run (unfortunately hitting the first 2 for boundaries) and missing the third and losing his leg stump. Due to Stu’s bad luck he was replaced by Ziggy who bowled arguably his best spell for the saints keeping the ball full and straight and in doing so claimed figures of 3-36. At the other end Dicko kept plodding along and finished with figures 1-47. Nutts came into the attack and claimed a well deserved wicket, quickly followed by Legs claiming his wicket also finishing with 1-47 before Timperly declared on 236-6.
At tea the mood was good in the Bredbury camp 236 seemed like a reasonable target. Darren Carr and Leesy took the field with Bredbury hoping a large first wicket stand was coming, unfortunately this was not meant to be as Leesy fell before reaching double figures. Carry fell in his teens leaving Legs and Ziggy at the crease. Ziggy looked in great touch playing his shots wisely and seemingly effortlessly through the gaps. Legs was trapped LBW for not many which brought Woody to the crease, the two Bredbury batsmen looked to be going well until a ball popped up on Ziggy catching a glove on the way through to the keeper for a very good 29. Tinker strode out to meet his skipper but unfortunately fell for not many caught close in. Keys was the next man summoned to the crease next and looked to steady the ship under his captain’s instructions. As the overs ticked by both Woody and Keys looked to up the run rate Keys fell for 32. Sandsy was then caught at deepish mid on trying to keep up with the run rate. Woody then fell just one short of 50 with a leading edge that flew straight up. Stu fell quickly leaving Dicko and the ever reliable Nutts blocking out for the draw.
A disappointing result for the saints who will visit promotion hopefuls Macclesfield next week.
A confident Bredbury travelled to local rivals Poynton in search for a win to keep them above the drop zone. The day started in typical fashion with Sully playing a full blooded pull shot straight into Tinkers car during a supposedly harmless game of car park cricket. Unfortunatley the day was not going to improve from there. Bredbury arrived at a wet Poynton pitch and were asked to bat. Darren Carr and Rick Lees opened the innings and it soon became apparent that runs would be difficult to come by as Poynton bowled a very tight line and length displayed with a 9-1 field being applied in instances. D.Carr was the first Bredbury batsmen to go pushing a fullish delivery to short cover for 0. Leesy offered brief resistance playing his typical lofted cover drive to good effect to take him around the 10 mark but then also holed out striking a ball straight down mid off's throat trying to force some runs. As Leesy made his way off the pitch it soon became apparent to the Bredbury batsmen that this was not a pitch for driving or for that matter playing many other run scoring shots. The usually strong Bredbury middle order all fell in quick succession leaving Zig stranded and quickly running out of partners. The Poynton bowling attack changed nothing keeping the ball full and straight in the knowledge that the ball would not run away on the very soft outfield. Zig was the next batsmen to fall for a very patient 28 leaving Bredbury 62-7 and looking up at the sky and considering a rain dance. Greeny fell for 3 and by doing so giving Sully an opportunity to prove to everyone that he deserves a promotion up the batting order he keeps whining about despite not scoring a run in 5 games including 0 not out twice. Sully did indeed improve only to fall for a season’s best of 6. Chris Nuttall showed some resilience and a great temperament defending ball after ball before taking one over for 10 including a glorious slog sweep over mid wicket. Unfortunately the last Bredbury wicket fell leaving the saints to defend a disappointing 84 all out. Credit must be given to the Poynton Bowlers who consistently bowled in the right areas and for also giving our 2 loyal spectators free burgers and chips.
After tea the Bredbury boys took the field in hope of a few early wickets to put them in with a shout of a win. Legs struck early as the Poynton opener reached for a ball that left him at the last minute and edged it behind. This brought Poyntons smiling West Indian to the crease who struggled with his feet and using sawdust in a bid for some grip. As the showers got heavier leaving the pitch increasingly slippery both umpires agreed that it was time to put the covers on. The bredbury boys kept spirits up with numerous games of changing room cricket and changing room catching competitions, these however turned out to be the highlight of the day as both captains finally agreed and the match was abandoned leaving both teams with 7 points. The highlight of a bad day
The early league leaders were the next visitors to the BCG, and duly inflicted Bredbury's first defeat of the season. Skipper 'Woody' invited Macclesfield into bat, and led by their prolific overseas, reached 239-8. During the innings, 4 overs were lost off the match total, but aware of the potential in BSM's batting ranks, Barney Cutbil elected to still bat his 50 overs. A decision that was proved correct in the end, just.
BSM lost wickets consistently throughout the afternoon, unable to forge any real match winning partnerships, only 'Woody' and 'Zigs', who put on 62 for the 4th wicket, combined to put Macclesfield under any real pressure. Despite the batting collapse, BSM came very close to holding out for a draw, with only 2 overs remaining when the returning keeper 'Chaz' was bowled, resulting in BSM being bowled out for a meagre 165.
It was a cloudy and generally miserable afternoon, with the constant threat of showers looming above during the full course of the day. With this dull weather and an F.A. Cup final taking place, the stadium looked a touch sparse, one can only think that our season ticket holders must have had a decent idea of what was about to take place.
BSM started brightly enough taking a wicket in the very first over, when Stuart Ryan executed a well thought out plan to dismiss their opener, with a lovely full toss, the batsman duly obliged in stuffing it right down 'Mings' throat at mid on. With casual ease, 'Ming' took the catch when the ball was travelling at decent speed.
'Leggo' picked up the other opener to bring Macc's Aussie to the crease, who was helped to his umpteenth consecutive half century with best described as some friendly bowling. Despite slogging 'Leggo' to the leg side for 6, he was fortunate to survive early on against 'Woodys' testing line. Not reading his slower one, and edging between 'Chaz' and 'Leggo' early.
However, he rode his luck and made good use of the short boundary, when hitting to the leg side. He led Macc to their total of 239-8, the wickets for BSM being shared around. 'Zigs' relieved of his wicket-keeping duties this week, was restored to the bowling attack and picked up a couple of wickets. 'Sully' finished well coming up the hill, also picking up 2 wickets in his final spell.
This left BSM 46 overs to chase down the total, not a particularly intimidating score on this ground, but a total that proved beyond us.
'Giz' fell early doors, and 'Leesy's' brief, yet as ever, entertaining stay at the crease, was ended when he was bowled by Hillaby, who incidentally picked up the first 5 wickets of BSM's innings.
'Leggo' was next to go edging behind a beauty that appeared to do absolutely everything possible in the air and off the ground (have you worked out who writes these reports yet ?), for an unfortunate duck.
Then came the biggest partnership for us, as 'Woody' and 'Zigs' showed what is possible with the correct application and shot selection.
'Zigs' succeeded in passing 50 for the third time already this season, and looked capable of taking BSM closer to the set total.
'Woody' then fell for 30,with the score at 113, when he attempted a flick over the top through the on side, only to be snaffled at square leg. It was a shot that brought him a good deal of success during his period at the crease.
When 'Zigs' fell for 63, BSM's hopes almost fell with him, 'Sanos' showed a glimpse of his capabilities with a couple of well struck boundaries, but only 'Tinks' stayed around long enough to make Macc work hard for their maximum points victory. He finished up with a well structured 30 not out.
When the last wicket fell, the 74-run defeat was complete, with BSM picking up only 8 points.
On Sunday, Macclesfield were once again the visitors, in the Cheshire Cup. With both sides, some way short of matching the sides that competed on Saturday.
'Leggo' won the toss and opted for BSM to have a bat. 'Tinks' batted beautifully and made his maiden half century for BSM despite taking part in the Manchester run in the morning. That's his warm up sorted out for the coming fixtures! 'Smokin' Joe was the only other player to make double figures, as he made his way confidently to 31.
Macc wobbled early on and were 3 wickets down fairly sharply, but a solid partnership saw them home without further scares.
So a double disappointment was complete, but the chance to recover comes round quickly this week, with a 20/20 game at home to Didsbury on Thursday, where you can expect a feast of big hitting and entertainment, before we travel to Cheadle on Saturday for the next league fixture
The more traditional inclement early season weather returned on Saturday, which resulted in a slightly shortened game, however, with some of the downpours a touch severe, it was credit to Timperley's ground that a game took place.
For BSMCC it was the fourth draw of the season, a losing one, to a reasonably well equipped home side. If we can take anything from the game, we managed to gain 2 more points than if it was abandoned, although that is in reality, scant consolation.
Timperley opted to bat and take advantage of the wet conditions that we had to endure in the field. We certainly did not help ourselves, a series of slack fielding, general lack of interest in body language, and bowling that gifted the opposition their speedy start.
When the first downpour came, they were 83-0 off 14 overs, and the skipper deservedly read us the riot act. Spirits were lifted when the unfortunate 'Tinker' could not find his clothes! There was a number of mischievous looking faces but no-one was willing to own up. 'Tinks' smile turned into more of a frown when he realised his jeans possessed his car keys! It wasn't long before they turned up, curiously in someone else's dressing room?
After the showers, we did have a temporary upturn in performance, and picked up a few wickets, including 3 in one over from Sultan Raja, as 'Ming' continued to keep things tight from his end (which hasn't always been the case, a la Upton in 2005!). Ziggy persisted on testing Woody's (C) patience with a series of shies at the stumps that deflected off them for overthrows. Despite at times not helping ourselves, that was the way it was going for us. The only surprise after that incident was that 'Zigs' didn't receive a rather heavy handed thump on the nose!
So a day to forget in the field, but the game was still well and truly alive after Timperley declared on 255-6 off 38 overs. With the deduction in overs due to rain, this left us with 52 overs to chase it down. A run rate of 4.92 required, which was something we felt capable of achieving.
Both 'Gyppo' and 'Leesy' fell relatively early, as 'Leggo' and 'Zigs' attempted to rebuild. The fielding side now getting into 'Zigs' ear after he was earlier adjudged not out, to which they clearly did not agree. To say they took the point to excess, is an understatement. To be brutally honest it just became terribly boring. But it certainly helped our side, and 'Zigs' in particular to remain fully focused.
'Leggo' then went caught behind down the leg side for 27, before 'Woody'(37) and 'Zigs' combined for a partnership that made sure we were not to lose the game, despite them both being dismissed in the latter stages of the contest. It was tough going for BSMCC, as Timperley stuck to bowling good areas and only spasmodically allowing some of the strokemakers to get into full swing, Woody pulling two fours and beautifully executing an off drive in one over to keep the home side honest.
'Zigs' was circumspect, but maintained his concentration throughout his innings and followed on from last weeks century by making a determined and crucial 70.
'Sanos' shouldered arms to one that cut back on him and the task fell to 'Tinks' and 'Ming' to see us home for the draw and happily deny Timperley a larger share of the points.
So BSM picked up another 9 points which should keep our early season position in mid-table. Next weekend is a double header, with Macclesfield the visitors on both Saturday and Sunday, the latter being in the Cheshire Cup.
The Bredbury crowd were treated to a feast of exciting cricket on Saturday, as it became a tale of two collapses, BSM just edging out Poynton with a thrilling winning draw.
The pendulum continued to swing throughout the afternoon, firstly Peter 'Ziggy' Zybrands set BSM on their way to an imposing total as he elegantly stroked his way to his first century of the season, before collapse number one got underway, as BSM lost 5 wickets for a paltry 18 runs, leaving the score on 213-8 off 50 overs. Initial thoughts were, that may be some 30-40 runs short of what should have been achieved, on an easy paced track and our moderate sized ground.
However, Poynton outdid BSM on the 'How to throw away a decent start' competition. Crusing at 174-3, with two batsmen well set, they capitulated to 191-9, at one stage losing 6 wickets for 11 runs in the process, with Paul Wood, exceptionally surprisingly, picking up 4 wickets in his second spell to rip out the heart of Poynton's middle order, with pace, bounce, aggression, well more gentle dibbly dobblers really.
It was the visitors that won the toss and decided to insert BSM, presumably happy to restrict the hosts to anything under 250, and back their batsmen to finish the job. This conclusion is being drawn on the basis a sweeper was in position as early as the 8th over, and yes, even with 'Gyppo' batting!!
Sadly not with 'Tinker' batting though, 8 balls unfortunately would have been too late for our Bacup pin-up (see Stockport Express which emphasises his love of the camera!) to be out in the middle, as he drove a touch ambitiously early on. A lovely looking shot.. if you forget about where the ball went. Bereft of opportunities in Bredbury's top order, 'Tinks' will be disappointed he didn't have chance to bed in and set about Poynton' attack.
Perhaps he was one step ahead of all of us, as his dismissal brought in 'Zigs' who batted like a dream. Circumspect early, 'Zigs' didn't let any recent doubts over his concentration hinder what turned out to be the integral innings of the day, as he unleashed a number of well timed strokes all round the wicket. In fact his concentration never let up all day, later claiming some excellent wicket-keeping scalps, and more impressively concentrating hard enough to maintain his balance late into the night at Bredbury Hall despite numerous coolies. His equilibrium was brought into question on the dance floor, but having seen him dance before, that really is how he does it!!!
'Gyppo' and 'Leggo' were both dismissed after getting themselves in, and it was 'Woody' who saw the innings through despite the late disintegration from the opposite end.
'Zigs' finally departed for an excellently constructed 101, before 'Sanos', 'Ming', 'Sully' and Stu Ryan fell cheaply to raise Poynton's hopes.
The skipper then gave Bredbury a total to defend as he took us over the 200 mark with some hard hitting late on, making 37 crucial runs not out.
'Sully' and Stu Ryan both made early inroads into Poynton's line up, Stu was particularly dangerous in his first spell, bowling with good pace and hitting his areas.
When Poynton's West Indian entered the fray, it looked ominous, as he thundered two typical Caribbean pull shots for four, before he fell to Chris Wood's, yes, again, slower ball! His eyes lit up as he considered his options, over the houses straight or over the score box. His third option I'm sure he didn't consider was an inside edge onto leg stump. Game on.
The wind then was slightly taken out of BSM's sails, as what we could not afford to happen, did. That was a decent partnership that threatened to take the game well away from 'Woodys' side.
Needing only 40 for victory, 7 wickets in the shed and an abundance of overs, Poynton were clear favourites. But BSM do not believe in giving a game up, and as the wickets continued to fall, panic was clearly setting in for the visitors. Credit indeed to two young lads who held out for a draw when Bredbury were scenting victory from an unlikely position.
An overall view of the game is that a draw was probably a fair reflection of the day's cricket. Bredbury earned 17 points, while Poynton went home with 11. BSM visit third-placed Timperley next week.
The confidence at Hillside Road continued to grow, as Bredbury registered the better side of the draw this week, acquiring 16 well deserved points against Upton.
The returning skipper Chris Wood won the toss and decided, on another lovely sunny afternoon, to have the first chance to get some runs on the board.
Rick Lees, fresh from his recent bout of sickness, returned to the side and opened the innings in place of veteran Ian Wood, whose body has failed to recover from the opening game of the season, see you in September 'Barb'!
'Leesy' and 'Gyppo' got BSM off to a flyer, as 'Leesy' pounced on anything wide flaying the ball to his favourite areas of the ground, extra cover and third man. 'Gyppo's philosophy has not changed over the years, believing in slow but steady as his modus operandi.
No sooner had 'Leesy' put his bat up to celebrate reaching a half century, when he got a fine tickle on one to the keeper. 'Ziggy' was next in, and unfortunately, very quickly next out, turning a slow ball to mid wicket. This certainly was not Gold!
'Leggo' joined 'Gyppo' at the crease and the latter was soon to be the next one to hold up his bat in recognition of a solid fifty. The two then combined for a partnership of just under 100, alternating between careful and controlled ones and twos, and some thrashing drives for four.
'Gyppo' finally ran out of steam on a well played 71, bringing the skipper in for his first knock of the season. The two Wood brothers hurried the score along as they ensured the 10 maximum batting points were secured before tea.
'Woody (C)' then fell leg before, and 'Sanos' also brought the umpire into the game fairly soon after as he was adjudged stumped.
'Tinker' and 'Leggo' saw the innings through to the close, 'Leggo' finishing 96 not out, as BSM reached a decent score of 268-5 off the allotted 50.
Bredbury debutant Stuart Ryan was then handed the new ball and first opportunity to make inroads into the Upton line up. Although he went unrewarded, and finished with figures that were not particularly flattering, there were certainly signs he may be a handful on quicker tracks.
Sultan Raja once again bowled with typical unerring accuracy, as BSM were made to work hard for their wickets. The 'Golden Arm' of 'Tinker' Taylor, who picked up a couple of wickets with best described as a mixture of deliveries, made sure the visitors were unable to register any match winning partnerships.
As the game appeared to petering out into a fairly regulation draw, the skipper returned for his second spell, this time up the hill, and finished the last 9 overs from one end. Things you can do when your captain. Judging by his exceptionally red sweaty head, and legendary hobble, that was not in his pre match plan.
He managed to bamboozle three batsmen with a slower ball that has struggled to be picked for a huge number of years now, he finished with outstanding figures of 3-26.
That spell took one result out of the equation, which was an Upton win, as they understandably dead batted the last 10 overs or so, finishing 8 wickets down.
The game was not to pass without BSM picking up another injury, as 'Barly', whose recent shoulder problems reappeared during his first over, and he will unfortunately miss the game this week. However, of some comfort will be the fact he will now get to see the Manchester Derby!
A satisfactory result for BSM, making up for the point deduction in last weeks game at Oxton for a slow over rate. The First team will be at home again this Saturday for the visit of Poynton.
Bredbury started the new campaign in the First Division of the Cheshire County Cricket League with a losing draw away at Oxton, despite giving the home side a fright with a run chase that fell just short.
BSM fell 31 runs shy of the victory target of 245, finishing 7 wickets down.
Chris Nuttall stood out with the ball returning with the admirable figures of 3-23, and Paul ' Leggo' Wood lead the run chase with 118.
It was a testing opening for BSM, with a long trip to a side that were relegated from last year's Premiership, hampered by a number of unavailable squad members (including Captain Chris Wood, who was drinking Ireland out of Guinness) and somewhat of a transport issue.
The early meet time ensured there were not too many late Friday nights, however the chat throughout the week was more concerned with the lack of available motors to make the journey. That was until 'Leggo' suggested it was an ideal chance for him to try out his newly acquired driving skills, and in a flash half a dozen cars became readily available.
When we arrived at Oxton we were met with one of the nicest days ever in the history of opening games, and a track that was bone dry and rock hard. Was this really April 21 ?
Stand-in skipper Darren 'Gyppo' Carr inevitably lost the toss and BSM were forced to endure the heat in the field.
Oxton took their time to find their stride, adopting an England style approach to the first 10 overs of a 50-over game, and were not in any hurry. Thanks in the main to some surprisingly accurate work from Sully Raja, who has adopted a new shorter run-up, surely to enhance his rhythm and precision as averse to a lack of fitness !!!???
As the overs ticked by the batsmen gained in confidence and began to look in ominously good nick, that was until they had reached 95 and 'Nutts' was brought into the attack to break the stand.
Impressive throughout his spell, he maintained a full length with appreciable inswing making life difficult for the incoming batsmen.
BSM appeared to suffer at times for not being use to playing on such a big ground, allowing the home side too many extra runs with, at best, average fielding.
A few chances were put down, but Bredbury stuck to the task, with 'Gyppo' sensibly rotating the bowlers ensuring the batsmen did not get too familiar with any particular bowler. In general the bowling was reasonably accurate and credit must be given to Oxton in reaching an imposing total. They reached 244-5 when their captain decided after 49 overs they had enough and made a declaration of intent.
On a rather sour note in the field, the returning legend that is Nigel Charlwood spilled a catch diving away to his right, then revealed his finger was rather unpleasantly pointing in the wrong direction! Peter 'Ziggy' Zybrands offered 'Chaz' the kind of comforting support you would expect from a highly qualified doctor, "Errhhh, that's awful, look at the state of that!" etc.
More disappointingly for 'Chaz' was missing out what was a delectable tea, as he sat in A&E picking his nose from unusual angles.
So with 51 overs to get 245, what was not required was an LBW decision, which had 'Gyppo', rather uncharacteristically, griping about what had occurred.
Ian 'The Barb' Wood appeared to be slipping silkily through the gears, before a shooter wrapped his pads plum in front of all three stumps.
'Ziggy' and 'Leggo' then began the re-building process, 'Zigs' looking like he had made a smooth transition from Aussie conditions with a series of sumptuous drives, before a rush of blood saw him mis-time a pull to his Antipodean chum at mid-on.
James 'Giz' Garner then provided solid support for 'Leggo' as they combined in a 96 run partnership, with the latter reaching three figures, as Oxton certainly quietened in the field and thoughts of a premature declaration at the forefront of their skipper's mind.
However, a flurry of wickets ensured it was not to be for BSM, 'Giz' had one sneak through his defence and 'Leggo' untimely skied one to long-on.
New signing Kuran Raja got BSM closer with some nifty deflections but when he went, Matt Beckett and 'Nutts' defended defiantly to see out the draw.
All in all it was a good spectacle for those that had made the journey, Bredbury returning with 10 pts for their efforts, as Oxton gained 16.
Next week sees a return of first team action to the BCG, with the side that were promoted with us, Upton, the visitors.
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