By Glossop Cricket Club
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September 9, 2024
Greater Manchester Cricket League - Division 4 East Saturday, September 7, 2024 Venue: Saddleworth CC Saddleworth CC 2nd XI Secure Victory Over Glossop CC 2nd XI by 43 Runs On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Glossop CC 2nd XI traveled to face Saddleworth CC 2nd XI in what turned out to be a low-scoring affair. Despite strong individual performances from Stephen Bates and David Allen, Glossop fell short by 43 runs, with Saddleworth emerging victorious after defending a modest total of 127. Saddleworth’s Innings: Steady Partnerships and Glossop’s Strong Bowling Glossop, having won the toss and electing to field on a green ‘un, put in a commendable bowling effort. Stephen Bates led the attack with an outstanding performance, taking 5 wickets for 36 runs in 12.5 overs. He was ably supported by David Allen, who claimed 3 wickets for 35 runs in 12 overs. Glossop’s fielding also played a key role, with two run-outs, including both Ben Corbett and Max Wren, executed by Mark Allen, Dave Allen respectively. Saddleworth’s innings got off to a cautious start, with Ben Corbett managing 10 runs before being run out. Nathan Gallagher top-scored with 28 runs, holding the innings together, while Kamaljeet Singh contributed 27 runs with some aggressive hitting. Despite these efforts, Glossop's disciplined bowling, including tight spells from Boothroyd and Doody restricted Saddleworth to 127 all out in 35.5 overs. Glossop’s Reply: A Struggle to Build Partnerships Glossop’s chase started poorly, losing opener John Stopford for a duck in the second over. Ben Wilson and Stephen Bates tried to rebuild the innings, with Bates top-scoring with 38 runs, including 5 fours and 1 six. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to support him. Ben Wilson batted patiently for 50 balls, contributing 8 runs, while Olly Boothroyd added 11 runs but could not push on. Ryan McGrath from Saddleworth proved to be the match-winner with the ball, taking an impressive 6 wickets for just 5 runs in 5.2 overs, decimating Glossop’s middle and lower order. The wickets fell in clusters, with an odd decision going Saddleworths way, with Glossop being bowled out for 84 in 32.4 overs, falling 43 runs short of the target.