Maghull Cricket Club

2nd Team Match Reports 2007

V St. Helens Recs (a)
1st Sept 2007

After selection I felt we could be a bit thin on the ground, with a few youngsters in the team. After loosing the toss yet again (Why do I bother)we where asked to bat. Jack and Kiwi opened the batting and made a good start. After jack was out, in came Andy Hewitt who dispatched the young
Recs bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Wickets fell but with Andy 57 and Geoff Parsley chipping in we ended 182 all out. St Helens Recs took up the chase with Barry and Gallimore having no luck. Framey and Symesy took over but it was Andy broke up the openers and after that wickets fell at regular intervals. It was left up to the Rock Star to mop up the tail and record a good win. Symesy tells me he now think he’s not a wicket keeper but a bowler.

Can I just say it was a pleasure to have the three youngsters in the side, they mixed well and didn’t think they were better than they are!!!

Cheers Alan Gallimore

v Lytham
27th August 2007

Andy tossed up after Gally had to make a detour to Leigh, and won the toss
inviting Lytham to bat.

Barry and Gallimore took up the home attack.
Barry struck early and from then on Lytham made slow progress against the
accurate bowling. Wickets fell at regular intervals with Gallimore (4 FOR
64) and Hewitt (2 for 26).
With Lytham on 95 for 7 the old man of the team Jones made a great effort to take a catch but put down the batsman who went on to make 57, enough said !!
They ended up 176 all out(DOUGH).

The chase was on, but the lose of Matty G, Pars and Andy Hewitt things did not start to
good.
Ian Plumbly and Mark (smoke on the water) Jones put us back on track
with Plumbs hitting a fine half century.
Jones was next to go, but not before being put on his backside by the rapid Lytham bowler. Jack Snowdon, then John Comer batted well, but with the fast bowler back in the attack the tail soon fell with 2 overs left and 30 runs short.

cheers
The Rock Star

V Leigh
18th August

Another wash out on Saturday but with Matty, Scamp and C Barry camping in
Wales on the bad side, the return of Jeff Parsley, Andy Hewitt and Neil Davies we had the basis of a good side traveling to Leigh.
As usual the rain took its toll and the game was called off at 12:00

Cheers
The Rockstar.

V Hightown
11th August 2007

No Bargains To Be Found At Old Hall Field

Hightown won the toss a asked us to bat.
We lost Matty G and Jack early but Paul Walters(62) and Chris Barry(68) put us back on track, John Miller made his seasonal debut and ran a three, unbelievable!! Andy then went in still drunk from his night at the races, hitting a six of his second ball and john comma chipped in with 28 n.o we declared on 209 after 45overs.

Another great tea from Rita and out to field, Barry, Gallimore, Frame, Walters, Scamp, Matty, and young Joe Walters all tried to wake the opening batsman up, but had no luck. He scored 59 off 39 overs
This gave Hightown no chance if any of winning the match with 20 overs to go
we just threw the ball up to him to no avail they finished on 158 for 6.
The sad thing is there is every chance they will be relegated to the
Southport league so, why not try to win the match.
Given the option of shopping with the wife or playing Hightown?
Shopping every time!!!

The Rockstar

A personal view by John Miller

10 am on a Saturday and am ready, after the statutory gallon on Friday evening,to take the call from a geriatric 2ndX1 captain to play(?) for him as he has cry offs.
Telling him to "bog off" has no effect and my loins are girded for the battle, even though my wife calls me a silly old something or other.
The game starts and our openers, Gillespie M and Snowden J are found wanting against a pace attack not seen since the days of Thomson and Lilley. Walters P and Barry C, however, succeed in making the game look easy, despite the ineptness of the fielding, and make way for a semi sober "Scamp" to blast our way to 209 with the help of a magnificently crafted 6 from your author.
The Hightown reply was, it must be admitted, pitiful and dreary and the game petered out into a draw.
I very much enjoyed my game and apologise to the bowler who's catches I didn't see until they were hitting the flags onthe outfield.
I was not alone and I will name names if pressed by drink.

Maghull vs Sefton Park

5 th August

(Chester Cup Quarter Final)

Maghull's much-delayed game turned out to be a bitter disappointment. The team, which would have been much stronger in the past few weeks, was decimated by holidays, work commitments and even a wedding.

However, Maghull were given the perfect start after Ian Plumbley won the toss and chose to bowl. Chris Barry's first delivery of the match staying straight and removing Sefton's captain for a diamond duck.

Jack Snowdon

Soon after Ian Frame got in on the act, with a lovely outswinger, taking an edge through to Andy Symes behind the stumps. However, after reducing Sefton to 7 for 2, Maghull failed to make another breakthrough until some diabolical running gifted Maghull 2 run-outs, one from Mike Bell and the other from Jack Snowdon.

But by that stage Sefton had made a good recovery, although the run out was not one to be feared, and were in a good position to attack the Jack Snowdon final few overs. Paul Walters took the fifth wicket and the innings drew

to a close on 192 for 5, although a few missed stumpings and a dreadful dropped catch could have made it less.

The total was not to be feared however, and Snowdon showed his intent early, flashing a few runs around, despite the early loss off Mark Jones LBW. Snowdon played a shot too many though and was back in the hutch before long, leaving Maghull on 22 for 2.

A questionable decision saw the end of Bell , stumped, and Paul Johnson, making his first appearance in two years, was bowled.

Plumbley looked to dig the side out of trouble, finding the gaps and playing intelligently, but when he was unluckily bowled, and Symes had been caught out by a short ball, Maghull's hopes were fading.

Paul Walters

A lovely knock from Paul Walters was brought to an end by an outstanding caught and bowled, but Maghull fell well short and were all out for just 98, inside 28 overs.

Team: Snowdon, Jones, Bell , Plumbley (c), Johnson, Symes (wk), Walters, Barry, Barlow, Comer, Frame

Maghull Lost By 94 Runs

V Prestatyn (a)

4 th August 2007

An under strength second team missing the likes of Scamp, Galli, Jeff Parsley, done well to come away from Prestatyn with a draw.

The day didn't get off to a good start with the team arriving at 2 o'clock due to traffic (thanks jack!) and Kiwi Steves car.

Kiwi Steve

We immediately took the field to bowl and got an early breakthrough thanks to Chris Barry. However this was not a sign of things to come as wickets were hard to come by on what was a very flat deck.

Eventually skipper Matt Gillespie brought himself on buy a few wickets, and the plan succeeded as a couple of the Prestatyn players were out caught by good catches from Jack (I won't mention about the drop earlier in the day) and young Adam.

Jay Hornby also did well at the end getting a wicket before Prestatyn declared on 252 for 7 with the skipper taking 3 for 47.

Jay Hornby

Our innings got of to a good start as Jack and Matty took advantage of some wayward bowling and aggressive field settings. Jack however fell shortly after the score reached fifty. Steve also had to go not long after, LBW, despite appearing to get a big nick on the ball.

Matty reached his fifty but wickets kept tumbling at the other end, until Chall came in.

The two then started flaying the bowling round a bit with Matty eventually going for a well made 85 and Chall going for 31.

This left Joey Walters and Jay Hornby to see out the overs at the end, which despite some nervous moments, they did with ease.

At the end we finished on 179 for 7 off 45 overs.

Team: Matt Gillespie (captain), Ally Pierce (wicket keeper), Jack Snowden, Mike Challinor, Ian Frame, Chris Barry, Steve Boyle, Paul Walters, Joey Walters, Jay Hornby, Adam Lloyd.

Match Drawn

16th June 2007

Versus Formby (A)
LDCC

Aiming for a fourth win on the bounce, and third in the league, Maghull had a tough away trip to second placed Formby on a damp track.

The toss was always going to be crucial, and in a shock call, Alan Gallimore won his first toss of the season and wasted no time in asking Formby to bat in overcast conditions and a very bowler friendly wicket.

After a tough selection meeting on Thursday, Declan Divine was given his second team debut, and took the new ball with Chris Barry.

Formby made a steady start, seeing themselves to 20 for 0, before both openers fell caught behind by Symesie, a wicket apiece for Dec and CB.

The skipper introduced himself in place of CB and also promptly took a wicket, bowling the batsman through the gate and taking the top of off stump.

Declan then picked up his second before drinks, leaving Formby struggling on 43 for 4. A quite horrible dropped catch from Jack Snowdon gave Senny of Formby a reprieve, but next over he was clean bowled with an absolute jaffa from Dec, shaping the ball away before it seamed back in and clipping off stump.

From 50 for 5, a 6th wicket stand of 42 threatened to put some good runs on the board for Formby, but good bowling from Framey and Chall in tandem took Formby from 92 for 5 to 112 all out, with CB coming back into the attack to take the final wicket. Framey finished with 4 wickets, including one with a stunning catch from Scamp at short mid-off.

Maghull's reply got off to a shaky start, losing Matty G to a loose drive outside the off stump to leave the side 2 for 1. Mark Waring, the man in form, came to the crease and put some quick runs on, before he also edged to slip. Scamp followed soon after, being unable to get his bat out of the way of a climbing delivery and only succeeding in lifting the ball gently to the gully region.

However, Plumbs and Jack Snowdon knuckled down, with Plumbs getting out bowled after hitting 3 consectutive boundaries all around the park. With 42 needed, Symesie and Jack batted sensibly, before Jack finished the game off with four 4's in an over, although he was dropped twice, Jack finishing on 41 not out and Symesie on 10 not out.

Another 20 points has seen Maghull now climb up to 7th, 49 points off promotion places.
Team: Gillespie, Hewitt, Waring, Plumbley, Snowdon, Symes (wk), Divine, Barry, Challinor, Gallimore (c), Frame.

10 th June

Versus Wavertree (H)

Chester Cup 1stRound

With 4 changes from yesterday's game, Maghull were looking to carry on their good form against a Wavertree side who had humiliated them earlier in the season. There was a certain steely determination about the side to not see the same result as last time. Parsley, Waring, and Gallimore returned, with Plumbs ineligible, and Divvy and Belly working. Jack Snowdon, who was unavailable was replaced by 3rd team skipper Mark Jones, fresh from 115 not out yesterday for his 3rd XI.

But as fate would have it, Galli's return as captain coincided with another lost toss, and Maghull were asked to field - certainly something they were happy to do.

Chris Barry again bowled with pace and accuracy, backed up today with Swiss Tony, the skipper, at the other end. The 2 started well keeping it tight and didnt have to wait long for the breakthrough, as in the 3rd over CB's pace counted as the ball went straight through the gate to see stumps fall over. After 3 overs, Wavertree found themselves at 0 for 1, and must have been wondering if a run would ever come.

Sadly, they did, but not too many, and despite a few boundaries, Wavertree had the shackles well and truly around them. Wickets fell at regular enough intervals to stop any huge partnerships developing, with Ian Frame picking up 3 for 36, despite going for 17 off his final over, after having a plumb LBW decision turned down and losing a little concentration. Much in the same way, after a drop in the 15th over off CB, keeper Symesie was found wanting on a few occasions, for one of the first teams this season.

However, Wavertree were restricted to 200 for 9 off their 45 overs, and Maghull were very happy too be chasing the target given their performances in chasing down 200 plus scores over the last 2 games.

With around 4.5 runs per over needed, Maghull started strongly, with Scamp and Matty putting on 45 for the first wicket before Scamp fell dissapointingly to a very hittable ball. Gillespie scored 34 before playing across the line to a straight ball and seeing his middle stump cartwheel.

But with the fall of the 1st wicket, Mark Waring was brought to the crease and looked in majestic form, hitting the bad balls and playing patiently, but keeping the run rate well under control. Supported by a hungover Jeff Parsley for some time, he put Maghull into prime position.

A slight collapse as Maghull lost first Jeff, then Mark Jones, Steve Boyle and CB for 50 runs left Waring and Symes at the crease with 42 required from 12 overs, with 4 wickets left.

But with Symes rotating strike to let Waring continue what he was doing, the runs were ate up easily enough, with more than 7 overs to spare, and despite Symes hitting the winning runs and finishing the match - seems to be a cup habit continued from last year! - Waring took the starring role for his 110 not out, seeing the side through easily.

Team: Gillespie, Hewitt, Waring, Parsley, Jones, Boyle, Barry, Symes (wk), Challinor, Gallimore (c), Frame.

Ainsdale vs Maghull 15/4/07

After losing the toss and being asked to bowl, Maghull started by keeping it tight in the field, with Knoxy and Wheels opening the bowling.

Despite the ball spraying down the legside a few times as both bowlers looked to find there line and length in their first bowls of the season, Maghull still kept it tight, as Ainsdale looked to hit boundaries rather than take the singles on offer.

Knoxy finally made the breakthrough, thanks to a quite stunning catch by skipper for the day Matty Gillespie, and followed that up next over with another wicket, getting the ball to lift and find an edge through to Symesie behind the stumps.

Thanks to a tight spell from Mike Bell, who took a wicket when coming on to bowl, and a tremendous example of swing bowling from Chall, Ainsdale were left reeling at 90 for 6, with Chall taking 3.

However, under the hot sun the side began to tire, and became sloppy in the field, allowing Ainsdale to make it to 188 for 8 off 50 overs, with Matty and Mark Waring picking up a wicket apiece, despite a wonderful run-out from Chall, which wasn't given.

When Maghull batted, Divvy and Matty opened up, taking every run on offer, and going far better than a run a ball, hitting boundaries, running 3's and making light work of the bowlers. However, a tired shot from Matty on 34 broke the partnership bringing Mark Waring to the crease at 76 for 1.

This acted as a mere slight distraction however, as Divvy and Mark saw the score through in 33 overs for the loss of just one wicket, finishing 79 not out and 71 not out each, giving Maghull a winning start to the season a 24 out of a possible 25 points.

Team: Gillespie (c), Davies, Waring, Boyle, Walters, Barlow, Symes (wk), Bell , Challinor, Whelan, Knox

Maghull vs Orrell Red Triangle 22/4/07

Following last week's emphatic win, Maghull went into this game full of confidence. With no Galli, and Scamp still with the 1st team, Matt Gillespie again skippered the side. Despite a number of changes to the side, the side was not greatly weakened.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat on a batsman friendly pitch, Maghull took to the task quickly again, Matty opening with Wally this week. However Walters was caught behind down the legside, bringing last week's batting hero, Waring, to the crease.

However, after reaching 17, Mark left a straight one, leaving the 2s at 48 for 2, and in came Plummers, the hero last week for the 1st team, but playing 2s this week. He and Gillespie lost no time getting on top of the bowlers, pounding the ball through all areas and putting on a century partnership before Plummers fell for 74.

Chris Barlow lasted just 2 balls, before Symesie came in, and he and Gillespie took to the attack again, and when Symesie got out for a rapid 23, including five 4s, Maghull were looking to get the score up past 240, at 195 for 5.

Despite losing numerous wickets towards the end of the innings in attempts to get quick runs, Gillespie declared on 240 for 9 after 42.4 overs, making 69 himself.

The track was still a batting paradise after tea, with Orrell accelerating to 32 for 0 off just 2 overs, before a change of bowling early brought the first wicket in the 10th over, in Ian Frame's first over of the season, but with the score already on 76. Another quick wicket fell, again to Frame, but despite some tight bowling from him and Belly at the other end, Orrell continued to score freely, a third wicket partnership of over 100 bringing them within touching distance.

An Orrell win seemed a mere formailty, but the re-introduction of Framey, coupled with some awesome control of leg-spin by Chris Barlow brought about a Maghull fight-back, with Frame finishing with 5 wickets and CB with 3, but despite the tension, Orrell hit the winning runs with 8 balls, and 2 wickets to spare.

Despite the defeat, Maghull remain top, picking up 5 batting points and 4 bowling points for their performance.

Team: Gillespie (c), Walters, Waring, Plumbley, Barlow, Symes (wk), Bell , Snowdon , Challinor, Whelan, Frame.

Wavertree vs Maghull 22/4/07

Going into the game top of the league, much was expected from the Maghull team, however, they produced one of the worst performances with the bat in recent memory.

After losing the toss for the third successive game, Wavertree asked the 2s to bat. The innings never gained any real impetus and the side slumped to 36 for 5 in just the 11th over.

When Stuart Guy of Wavertree took a hat-trick, it left Maghull at 65 for 9, with Frame and Symes, who top-scored with a run-a-ball 18, left to add another 11 before Symes hit out in desperation, being caught behind with the score on 76.

Wavertree took 28 overs in knocking the modest total off, with 7 wickets left, Chris Barry bowling a fiery and tight spell, picking up a wicket, which any other day come have been a 5 for. Alan Gallimore bowled well for his 2 wickets, but the tame batting performance cost Maghull any chance of staying top of the league.

Team: Gillespie (c), Boyle, Waring, Walters, Barry, Symes (wk), Snowdon , Bell , Challinor, Gallimore, Frame.

Maghull vs Rainhill 5/5/07

Maghull came into this game with much to prove after a shocking performance up at Wavertree. There were numerous changes to last week's line up with a few players dropping down to the 3rd XI.

After Matty G lost his fourth toss of the season, Maghull were asked to bat on a flat deck and proceeded to score at a good rate, despite some quick accurate bowling from Rainhill's opening and change bowlers.

Scamp, in his first game back in the side, opened with Matty, with both falling within a few overs of each other, for 12 and 24 each.

This brought Divvy and Plummers to the crease, and both kept the run rate ticking over, before Plummers departed on 31. Jeff Parsley's come back brought him 12, Chris Barry added a quick 17, before also getting out, leaving Symesie with Divvy and the score on 175 for 4. Divvy then really hit the accelerator in the face of some dibbly-dobbly bowling and reached his century off 89 balls, before falling a ball later to a quite superb catch.

Symesie and Chall hit a quickfire 21 not out and 14 not out to allow Maghull to declare on 239 for 6 in 42 overs.

Rainhill never looked to attack the total, and frustrated the Maghull bowlers in the main, Knoxy in particular bowling a quite brilliant spell that went unrewarded.

Al Gallimore picked up 2 wickets, including a stunning catch from Scamp, who then declared his all rounder status by taking a wicket, much to the displeasure of Knoxy and Jeffers.

The draw was a frustrating result, leaving Maghull with 8 points from the game, as Rainhill finished on 180 for 6.

Team: Gillespie (c), Hewitt, Davies, Plumbley, Parsley, Barry, Symes (wk), Challinor, Knox, Gallimore, Frame

Southport Trinity vs Maghull 7/5/07

Maghull were forced into making 6 changes from Saturday's team going into the Bank Holiday Monday away fixture.

Al Gallimore ventured out for the toss and followed in true 2nd XI form, lost it. However, Maghull were asked to bowl, a decision greeted with enthusiam.

Chall and Galli opened the bowling, with Galli taking two wickets and Chall picking up one, putting Trinity in a precarious position at 63 for 3. However, a display of clean hitting from Trinity's middle order put the home side on the front foot and when the two sides came off for rain and took an early tea they were on 141 for 5.

However, after reaching 50, Trinity lost their main source of runs, run out going for a risky two as Matty G swooped and Symesie took the bails off.

From then on Jack Snowdon and Mark Waring kept it tight, threatening with ball after ball, bowling Trinity out for 168, with Waring on a hat-trick next match, after picking up 4 wickets.

However, the home side umpire denied Maghull any chance of getting up towards the total they required, giving Scamp out LBW after hitting the ball, Waring out stumped when he hadn't left his crease, and a similar LBW followed for John Comer, on his 2nd team debut. With skipper Matty G falling LBW too, the 2's were left at 45 for 5 when the Kiwi also departed.

Slight hope was given when Symes hit 23 but chased one boundary too many, a poor shot getting himself out when he looked set, and he was soon followed back by Belly. Chall hung around but a 9th wicket partnership between the impressive Snowdon and Walsh of 44 took the 2s to within 43 of victory, only for Walsh to fall to a false shot and Gallimore followed soon after, leaving the side with their 3rd defeat of the season, 6 points from the match.

There was certainly a bitter taste in the mouth due to the dodgy umpiring, but bowling a side out will encourage the bowling attack no end.

Team: Gillespie (c), Hewitt, Waring, Boyle, Comer, Symes (wk), Challinor, Bell , Snowdon , Walsh, Gallimore.

Maghull vs Prestatyn

After finally winning a toss this season, Galli elected to ask Prestatyn to bat, and they started off at a good pace, putting on over 100 for the first wicket.

However, the game was spoilt by frequent stoppages for rain, and despite 3 wickets for Scamp - again to the dismay of Jeff Parsley - Prestatyn mustered 189 for 4 declared in 40 overs.

Maghull's reply was short lived as the opposition wicket keeper tried to use his face to catch the ball, instead of his gloves and the game was finally abandoned, with both sides taking 5 points.

Team: Gillespie, Hewitt, Waring, Boyle, Parsley, Barry, Symes (wk), Snowdon , Barlow, Challinor, Gallimore (c).

Hightown vs Maghull

Another look at the league table showed Maghull that this was another chance at a win, but once again, were found wanting. Asked to bat after losing the toss against the league's bottom side, Maghull got off to a steady start, before Mark Jones was given out LBW.

From 40 for 1, Maghull collapsed to 75 for 6, against a shoddy bowling attack that had yet to bowl a threatening ball.

The wicket was far from helpful to the batsmen, but most gave away their wickets with poor shots that could easily have been avoided.

However, Jack Snowdon with some lower order hitting managed to pull the 2's up to a somewhat respectable score of 141 all out, Jack finishing with 44.

Having reduced Hightown to 20 for 2, and then 40 for 4, Maghull seemed to be going the right way about things with the ball, although some uncertain umpiring and unsporting batting intervened.

Hightown eventually made it to their target with 5 balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand, leaving the side with a long hard road to climb.

Team: Gillespie, Jones, Boyle, Comer, Symes(wk), Whelan, Bell , Snowdon , Challinor, Gallimore (c), Dutton

Maghull vs Leigh

A tough all-round proposition on paper, that was just what Leigh proved to be on the pitch too.

Again losing the toss, Maghull batted first on a very handy batting pitch, moving along at a steady 4.5 an over for much of the innings.

Tight bowling kept the run-rate pretty much around the same mark, but the opening partnership of Gillespie and Snowdon put on 103, before Snowdon fell one ball after reaching 50. Gillespie soon reached 50 himself, finishing with a well made 67.

Mark Waring looked good for his 30, before falling trying to push the score rate up. However, after a slow start Jeff Parsley produced an innings of magical acceleration, including 2 huge sixes, one that almost smashed a few cars and another that is still in orbit, before finshing 50 odd not out.

Another good bowling display brought about just 6 wickets against a good batting team, as Leigh produced a solid batting display. However, they never looked like getting close to Maghull's 225 for 4 declared, and finished on 180 for 6.

Team: Gillespie (c), Snowdon , Waring, Parsley, Boyle, Symes (wk), Barry, Whelan, Challinor, Bell , Frame

Lytham vs Maghull

A much depleted side took to the field on Bank Holiday Monday, but with confidence after Saturday's good performance against Leigh.

Maghull batted first, shockingly losing the toss for the 8th time in 9 games, and were losing wickets at regular intervals, with Matt Gillespie playing, what has since been described as, the worst shot of the season.

However, Jack and Scamp, returning after playing first team, put on a few runs apiece, before Scamp was given out to a hideous umpiring decision.

The side plundered together a target of 160 all out for Lytham to chase, but this was never likely to be enough.

Despite various rain-breaks, Lytham had enough time to chase the target down, with some poor fielding contributing to the total, and Lytham's in form Verdee seeing the home side home easily enough.

Team: Hewitt (c), Gillespie, Snowdon , Boyle, Jones, Challinor, Sepetowski, Dutton, Hornby, Barry, Comer (wk)

Maghull vs St Helens

With the strongest side Maghull could possibly have put out, and confidence still from last Saturday's performance against Leigh, there was a certain fell good factor about the side.

But once again, Maghull lost the toss, but happily were asked to bowl first, something the side were more than happy to do.

The pitch was a belter for batsmen, so when Maghull alllowed Saints to get off to a rapid start, it was to be expected. But a change of bowling early brought about 3 wickets, despite a quite horrific drop from Scamp. Galli's caught and bowled will live long in the memory, a case of catch it or wear it - luckily he caught it.

A large 4th wicket partnership took St Helens from 68 for 3, to 185 for 3, before Maghull managed the next breakthrough. Upon doing so, the lower order wickets tumbled and Saints had to declare on 213 for 8 after 45 overs, in order to keep their batting points.

Maghull went about the total with consumate ease, knocking the total off with a goos batting performance, Gillespie collecting another 20-odd, and then Hewitt and Davies rocketing along, before a comical mix-up leaving Davies run out for 51, leaving his average for the season at a shocking 115.5.

Waring scored a stylish 55 not out to bring the side home and take Maghull's first win since the opening day of the season.

Team: Gillespie, Davies, Hewitt, Parsley, Waring, Snowdon , Symes (wk), Barry, Challinor, Frame, Gallimore (c).

Maghull vs St Helens Recs

After last week's morale boosting win at the hands of St Helens Town , St Helens Recs were next up at Old Hall Field for Maghull.

With Alan Gallimore, Mark Waring and Jeff Parsley absent, Mike Bell and Steve Boyle stepped in, and Ian Plumbley joined the side after playing first team for the past weeks.

In Galli's abscence, Scamp took up the captaincy, and then went and won the toss, asking Recs to bat on a track looking like tough work for bowlers. However, a wonderful display of tight bowling by CB and Senor Ding Dong left no width for the batsmen. After a drop first ball of the match, the openers looked to be building a slow steady start until both got frustrated playing drives straight to the Kiwi on both occasions, giving Chris Barry the breakthrough.

First change bowlers Framey and Chall were good at following the example set by the opening bowlers, and Recs still couldn't score freely despite the ball coming onto the bat very nicely.

After 20 overs, Recs were 60 for 3, the 90 for 4 after 30.

Feeling the need to introduce some bowling that may entice the batsmen to hit out a touch, Plummers and Scamp bowled. Plumbs took 2 wickets, and Scamp none, but the plan worked as Recs looked to attack.

After Plumbs breakthrough, only one recognised Recs batsman was left, Stocks, carrying the team almost single handedly with a well crafted 76 not out.

However, Chris Barry returned to the attack to pick up 2 more wickets, eventually finishing with 4 for 52, and two comical run outs ensued with Stocks trying to keep himself on strike, Recs eventually falling to 210 all out after 53 overs.

Maghull were left with just 37 overs to knock the score off, but were in rampant mood. Divvy and Matty G opened, but Matty was run out by a quite awful call from Divvy, but also a good piece of fielding in the process.

This was merely a blip on the radar as Scamp and Divvy put on 122 for the 2nd wicket. Scamp, who it had been suggested was weak off the front foot, played one paricularly huge extra cover drive for 6, before Divvy fell just after making his fourth 50 in four innings, 58 to be exact.

But this brought Plumbs to the crease, a man in no mood to mess around, hitting 64 not out off 40 balls, to see the side through to back-to-back wins, along with the skipper who finished unbeaten on 78.

Team: Gillespie, Davies, Hewitt (c), Plumbley, Boyle, Snowdon , Barry, Symes (wk), Bell , Challinor, Frame.

Maghull vs Wavertree ( Chester Cup)

But as fate would have it, Galli's return as captain coincided with another lost toss, and Maghull were asked to field - certainly something they were happy to do.

A slight collapse as Maghull lost first Jeff, then Mark Jones, Steve Boyle and CB for 50 runs left Waring and Symes at the crease with 42 required from 12 overs, with 4 wickets left.

Team: Gillespie, Hewitt, Waring, Parsley, Jones, Boyle, Barry, Symes (wk), Challinor, Gallimore (c), Frame.

Formby vs Maghull

Aiming for a fourth win on the bounce, and third in the league, Maghull had a tough away trip to second placed Formby on a damp track.

The toss was always going to be crucial, and in a shock call, Alan Gallimore won his first toss of the season and wasted no time in asking Formby to bat in overcast conditions and a very bowler friendly wicket.

After a tough selection meeting on Thursday, Declan Divine was given his second team debut, and took the new ball with Chris Barry.

Formby made a steady start, seeing themselves to 20 for 0, before both openers fell caught behind by Symesie, a wicket apiece for Dec and CB.

The skipper introduced himself in place of CB and also promptly took a wicket, bowling the batsman through the gate and taking the top of off stump.

Declan then picked up his second before drinks, leaving Formby struggling on 43 for 4. A quite horrible dropped catch from Jack Snowdon gave Senny of Formby a reprieve, but next over he was clean bowled with an absolute jaffa from Dec, shaping the ball away before it seamed back in and clipping off stump.

From 50 for 5, a 6th wicket stand of 42 threatened to put some good runs on the board for Formby, but good bowling from Framey and Chall in tandem took Formby from 92 for 5 to 112 all out, with CB coming back into the attack to take the final wicket. Framey finished with 4 wickets, including one with a stunning catch from Scamp at short mid-off.

Maghull's reply got off to a shaky start, losing Matty G to a loose drive outside the off stump to leave the side 2 for 1. Mark Waring, the man in form, came to the crease and put some quick runs on, before he also edged to slip. Scamp followed soon after, being unable to get his bat out of the way of a climbing delivery and only succeeding in lifting the ball gently to the gully region.

However, Plumbs and Jack Snowdon knuckled down, with Plumbs getting out bowled after hitting 3 consectutive boundaries all around the park. With 42 needed, Symesie and Jack batted sensibly, before Jack finished the game off with four 4's in an over, although he was dropped twice, Jack finishing on 41 not out and Symesie on 10 not out.

Another 20 points has seen Maghull now climb up to 7th, 49 points off promotion places.

Team: Gillespie, Hewitt, Waring, Plumbley, Snowdon , Symes (wk), Divine, Barry, Challinor, Gallimore (c), Frame.