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Poynton's hopes high

18/ 6/2008

Oxton 153-9, Poynton 154-6 (Poynton won by four wickets) - POYNTON will be hoping that the weekend’s win is the catalyst to kickstart a genuine promotion bid.

For the first time this season they have won two games in succession, and in doing so inflicted the first defeat on Oxton.

Crucially Poynton remained positive after Oxton’s last pair added 58, a knock that undoubtedly lifted the Wirral side, but Poynton’s sensible batting prevailed.

Paul Gould and Nafees Din added 45 after coming together at 38-3. However, after Nafees’ departure, five runs per over were still required.

Rick Clark played an important role. His 30 from 19 deliveries, with five fours and a six, greatly eased the pressure.

After 33 had been scored in only three overs, the Oxton heads visibly went down in the field.

After patiently anchoring the chase, Paul Gould hit three successive superbly timed fours, looking to finish with a flourish. Unfortunately he fell for 40, leaving Simon Turner (20 not out) to finish the job.

Earlier Turner had produced his best bowling yet this year, having already enjoyed a spectacular start to the season. Compared to Turner at his best, there can be few in club cricket more consistent than the Poynton opening bowler, who took seven for 36 to reduce Oxton to 95-9. The massive inswinging delivery to nail his third wicket would have accounted for many a player.

Aided by two dropped catches, last pair Nim Subadhar (34 not out) and Andy Birley (25 not out) made hay.

Poynton were hoping to chase less than 100 in the best part of 60 overs, only to ultimately require more 150 in 45. But their spirit saw them home.