A look back on the action from this past weekend for Maghull’s senior sides.
1st XI Chase Down 217 to Beat Highfield
The 1st XI pulled off a dramatic win over high-flying Highfield at Hall Lane on Saturday. Staring down a total of over 200, the team successfully chased it down with two wickets remaining.
Highfield Make 217
Maghull captain Cam Lawrenson won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first. Highfield struggled to impose themselves against tight Maghull bowling. Anthony Molloy’s initial opening burst brought him three wickets for just 25 runs. While Zack Benton failed to take a wicket, his first eight overs went for only 14 runs. Highfield fell to 66-3, with opening batter Geary responsible for 51 of the runs before he was out. The middle order was able to rally somewhat. The fourth wicket added 88 runs before two wickets fell for 25, leaving the visitors 179-5. Some lofty blows from Molyneux took the side to 217. But when he fell for 90 – stumped by Paul McKenna off the bowling of Lawrenson – Highfield declared their innings closed after 55 overs. Molloy finished with 3-45. Lawrenson took 2-40, and there was a wicket each for Josh Byrne and Greg Coogan.
The Run Chase
The reply did not get off to the greatest of starts. Maghull found themselves 7-2 with openers Jon Ring and Josh Brady removed by Hlatuka. A third wicket stand of 100 between Byrne and Harry Beddard steadied the ship before Beddard fell for 57. Maghull reached 130-3 but were soon 132-6, with Craig Black (18) and Matt Bean (0) preceding Byrne, who fell for 46. Lawrenson was next out for 10 with the scoreboard reading 165-7. When Molloy became Hlatuka’s third victim for 49, Maghull still needed 22 runs with just two wickets remaining. But Coogan played a winning hand, smiting 24 from 19 deliveries with three fours and a six, to take Maghull to a second league win of the season. McKenna was the other not-out batter with five from 26 deliveries.
The 20 points from the win keeps Maghull in 10th place in the first division. They are 27 points clear of Ainsdale in 11th. A day at the seaside awaits them next week, with a trip to 5th-placed Colwyn Bay. The Bay drew at Sefton Park on Saturday, ending a run of four league wins in a row.
Bad Day for the 2nd XI
The 2nd XI suffered a second straight heavy loss to Southport-based opposition, going down by 150 runs to Southport Trinity. The home side batted first and compiled 215-4 before declaring after 45 overs. James Stanley took 2-38. Rowan Badger and Declan Devine each picked up a wicket. In reply, Maghull were blown away for just 65. Only Badger (13) made double figures. Maghull captain Joe Cunningham also suffered what looks like a season-ending hand injury whilst fielding.
Maghull remain in 10th place in the first division, 13 points ahead of New Brighton in 11th. They will look to snap their losing streak next week with a home game against Ainsdale. Ainsdale are currently bottom of the table and lost by five wickets to Rainhill on Saturday. This was their fourth league reverse in a row.
Another Victory for the 3rd XI
The 3rd XI won their second game in the last three outings on Saturday. They beat Sefton Park by 41 runs at Moss Side to climb to 5th in the first division. A gritty 51 from Owen Bromilow was the bedrock on which their 148 all out was forged. The visitors were then dismissed for 107. Gareth Barry led the way with 3-17. Harry and Chris Mawdesley each took a pair of wickets, as did James Forrest. Lewis McDonald also got on the board. The 3rd XI are next in action a week on Saturday as they travel to Birkenhead Park 4th XI.
Still no Wins for the 4th XI
On Sunday, the 4th XI were beaten at Southport Trinity by nine wickets. Batting first, the visitors were shot out for 99. Colin Campbell top-scored with 26. Nad Wahid made 24, while captain Neil Dutton also chipped in with 20. The home side reached their target for the loss of a single wicket, picked up by Harrison Willis. The 4th XI’s hunt for a first win of the season will continue next week with a home game against Rainhill.
