| Match Report |
Gresford took to the field in another thrilling match up. Buckley batted first which saw Gresford take the new ball. Weather conditions on side the home team set about there business.
Opening bowler James started proceeding well bowling a tight over, which he echoed in his second spell with the ball. Accuracy found James kept the runs to a minimum and Gresford moral high.
Following up an exceedingly good start was Nathan, two tight overs saved Gresford runs as the ball flew past the bat on more than one occasion. Nathan consistently found good areas where Buckley would struggle to score.
The first of the sisters to bowl was Emily, she set the bar high for little sis to follow. Emily's over was one of Gresfords best not giving a single run away off the bat. With a few chances which didnt quite materialise.
Imogen wasn't going to let Emily take all the credit though as she fought back hard and equalled Emily's performance with some great bowling of her own. Facing some rough batsmen Imogen found ways to confuse the batsmen with her bowling. The girls had set Gresford on the right path.
Jack chipped in with a solid over of his own, encouraged by all his team mates Jack began to find the off stump line again and again. Finishing with impressive figures.
Buckley battled hard keeping the home team on there toes. Joe was next up to silence the visitors, and did a good job at doing so. As he began to find his rythem Buckley struggled to keep the ball away from there stumps. 2 tight overs kept Gresford in the race.
Akinda confidently stepped up to the crease next. Marking out his run up he was ready to go, quick bowling skidding though made it near impossible for the batsmen to score from. Increasing Gresfords hopes of a win.
Sam made sure than Gresford were not going to make this an easy contest for the visitors as he tore through the away sides batting. Some accurate bowling at rhe stumps saw Sam take 2 wickets in his two overs giving him the best bowling stats for the day.
This was continued as Gresford brought forward Dylan, line and length was Dylans weapon. His second over was a crucial one, last of the innings and Dylan struck gold with a superb wicket.
Buckley finished on an impressive 277 off 16 overs. Gresford needed to be at there very best to in with a chance of winning.
And so it began, the chase!!
First into the picture Emily and Imogen. The girls did a fine job of opening the batting together, communication was good and the shots were there to impress. Emily looked to drive the ball Into the gaps running quick singles to keep the score board ticking. Imogen opted for a more aggressive approach attacking the ball with her bat giving the Buckley fielders something to think about. 4 overs down and the sisters had done a perfect job 215 from 4 just the start that was needed.
James and Dylan were the next partners in crime, and needed to keep the ball rolling for Gresford. The pair did a fine job at doing so. Dylan used his hand speed to his advantage cutting the ball into good scoring areas. James played a well timed leg side glance which sailed over the boundary line to further his teams efforts in there bud for glory. This paired with some good front foot work helped Gresford to 228 from 8 overs.
Akinda and Joe paired up for the morning. Both started well, Joe using his favourite cut shot to try and get things moving scrambled the quick ones and two's. Akinda opted for front foot work, driving the ball with the same outcome to keep the scoreboard moving. Gresford moved ever closer 258 from 12 overs.
Finally to the crease Sam, Jack and Nathan. Sam looked at home against the Buckley bowling making sure he protected his wickets he went about his job pulling in the Buckley score ball by ball. Jack assisted well trying to spread the ball amongst the fielders time and time again. Nathan used his strength to his advantage crafting runs from powerful shots, his highlight a well timed leg side 4.
Gresford finished on 264 a sterling effort indeed coming up just short of Buckleys 277.
Player of the match- Sam
Well done to Sam who's bowling was accurate and rewarded with two wickets. Fielding skills were top notch, and his solid batting performance finished off a very strong game indeed.
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