Michael Latham's Featured Match of the Day
Blackpool v Darwen
Blackpool CC coach Mike Moore has kindly provided this report of his side's victory over Darwen:
To be sure of taking as many points as possible from the Darwen fixture, this revamped Blackpool X1 needed to be on the ball for the whole of the match, in all aspects of their game. Captain Paul Danson gave his usual inspirational pre-match "we`ll fight them on the beaches" pep talk, but when Blackpool took to the field, there seemed to be something missing.
From the viewing side of the white line, there appeared to be a lack of urgency and the game seemed to merely drifting along for some considerable time. Indeed Darwen`s batsmen, having opted for first knock, were in no hurry to try to dictate terms to the Blackpool bowlers, content to trot along at a very sedate two runs per over for most of the innings.
Blackpool for their part, seemed happy to let them. Neither side showed any signs of wanting to take control of the game. Richard Gleeson (0 for 13 in 6) was tidy, but showed no signs of his usual penetrative hostility. Luis Reece, fresh from a short break from the side, did show some aggressive intent, but as he is still classed as a junior player, he is only allowed to bowl in seven over spells. This is a great pity, because he definitely had the Darwen batsmen "on the back foot", with an impressive spell of 7 overs 1 maiden 1 wkt for 17 runs. He then spent the rest of the innings wondering when he might get recalled into the attack.
It wasn`t until the 31st over that the game actually came to life. Mike Taylor (1 for 21), who bowled with commendable accuracy, had opener Jordan Clarke caught in the outfield by Michael Penney for 35 with the score on 78 and from this point (78 for 2) two things became apparent.
Firstly, Blackpool realised they might just be able to bowl Darwen out cheaply and Darwen in response played into Blackpool`s hands, offering little, if any, resistance.
Talented U.17 Captain Alex Smith collected 2 for 14 from 10 overs in two2 fine short bursts of medium-paced bowling. Pro Saj Weerakoon, who by his own admission bowled below par initially, with 0 for 25 from his 1st 8 overs, suddenly switched on. His next 9.3 overs produced 5 wickets for only 11 runs as he finished with match-winning figures of 17.3 overs 5 maidens 5 for 36 , bringing his tally for the season so far to 44, an average of more than three wickets per match .
Vice Captain and `keeper, James Smith, had another superb day behind the stumps, adding four more victims to his collection, one caught (Gareth Cordingley for 3, justl seven runs shy of career 10,000 Northern League runs) amd three stumped bringing his total to 28 so far this season, making him the leading wicket keeper in the Northern League Division One. Well done, Mr. Cool!
Darwen's Gareth Cordingley becomes one of James Smith's four victims |
So at tea with Darwen dismissed for a meagre 124 in the 50th over, the only obstacle standing between Danno`s boys and an invaluable 12 points, appeared to be the weather. Dark clouds threatened the advent of rain, which had been forecast all afternoon. But the Gods were smiling on the home team and despite a couple of light showers, play was allowed to continue for the match to be completed.
Opener Luis Reece(46) obviously happy to be back with his team mates, set about the task with renewed vigour and despite losing fellow opener Alex Smith for 4 (5 for 1), he gave Blackpool the base they needed for their victory chase. Reece and Darlo took the score to 49 for the second wicket and with Pro Sajie (25), added a further 28 before being bowled by Stuart Hampson (making an impressive return less than four weeks after undergoing an emergency appendix operation) just four runs short of a well deserved half century (73 for 3).
Luis Reece led the Blackpool reply before falling just short of his half century |
It was left to skipper Captain Fantastic (24 not out) to see his boys through and there was an audible sigh of relief from the dressing room, when young Penney clouted Pro Ashraf towards the mid-wicket boundary to take Blackpool to 125 for 5, one run more than Darwen. AND THEN IT RAINED!
Well done Team Blackpool, now 11 points clear at the top of the league after Kendal lost, chasing a small total against Morecambe, who now move up to third place as the final run in really hots-up. Netherfield, who have become serious contenders in recent weeks are in fourth place, 23 points behind the leaders.
Coach feels that you will need to up your game significantly, if you are to get the better of Netherfield at their place next Saturday, a game which will have a major impact on who takes Championship honours this season.
