Fleetwood v Blackpool
Blackpool coach Mike Moore has kindly provided a match report of his side's game at Fleetwood on Monday:
In a rain affected game. Fleetwood's innings was reduced to 40 overs and because of a 10 minute break between innings , Blackpool's reply was belatedly reduced to 38 overs.
With paceman Richard Gleeson away on holiday, Luis Reece shared the new ball with Andy Hogarth, who did an admirable job for his captain bowling 15 overs off the reel, taking 1 for 30 including 6 maidens.
Adam Parker has found excellent form since moving up from number 4 to opening bat and his form continued today with a splendid 68 not out.
At the second rainbreak after 31 overs Fleetwood had been restricted to 69 for 2.
When play resumed, tea having been taken, in the remaining 9 overs Fleetwood advanced their total by a further 48 runs, Luis Reece's 12 overs costing 47 runs and pro Saj Weerakoon taking 2 for 35 in 13.
Saj has now reached 50 wickets for the season - well done pro.
The Fleetwood innings finished on 117 for 3 off their 40 overs.
Even with Blackpool having an additional 2 overs lopped off their allowance, 38 overs seemed ample time to pass the meagre total set by the Broadwater crew.
However, serious cracks have begun to appear in Blackpool's batting line up as some of their batsmen begin to resemble frighten rabbits trapped in car headlights.
Much of the confidence built up earlier in the season has disappeared as basic batting skills seem to be a thing of the past. Sound defence and the ability to keep the score board ticking over, are currently a distant memory, as a constant procession of batsmen come and go mostly unsuccessfully.
Pro Weeakoon and skipper Danson looked to have 12 points in the bag for the visitors until Saj was run out taking an unnecessary injudicious single.
Danson followed almost immediately yorked by Tom Blundell, who in a fine spell of bowling, produced match winning figures of 6 for 42 in 14 overs.
As on Saturday, once these two were out the rest of the batting collapsed like a pack of cards.
The last 6 Blackpool batsmen totaled just 9 runs between them as the Seasiders capitulated to 92 all out.
On Saturday the last 6 amassed merely 8.
Adam Parker completed a fine all round performance claiming 2 for 18 in his 10 overs, with 2 run outs making Blackpool rout complete.
15 valuable points to Fleetwood . None for Blackpool.
Fortunately Kendal and Netherfield bagged only 4 points each in a rained off game and Morecambe picked up only 4 in their winning draw v Lancaster. So Danno's boys drop to second place with Morecambe both on 184 points, with Kendal 1 point above them. Netherfield remain in 4th place with 178.
This makes our fixture to Morecambe away next Saturday probably the last chance to stake a realistic claim for the championship title and as all the first 11 will be aware current form will not be enough. Much higher standards all round are required for Blackpool to have even a sniff of a chance . Application, responsibility and a fighting spirit are all required in abundance next week. Good luck fellas, Mick
