Gresford 2nd XI Vs Carmel II

The first part of the masterplan to topple Carmel was to win the toss. To the delight of his team, captain Griffin was succesful in this and signalled that he had chosen to bowl. The next part of the plan was to get off to a good start with some early wickets. Nicky Clare wasted no time. A wicket with his first and fourth ball left the home side scurrying in the changing room for pads. At the other end, Gareth Bell was naggingly accurate at the other end with his 7 overs costing just 8 runs. The scoreboard was going nowhere fast with Carmel 13 for 3 of 12 overs. Nicky Clare took 3 more wickets for his second five-fer of the season to the leave the hosts in trouble at 50/5 at drinks.

They never really recovered: Simon Perry took two wickets, thanks in part to two great catches from Clare, which just left the tail to be cleaned up. James Williams, wasting no time, took all of three balls to remove 9, 10, 11 to take his first ever 'hatrick'. A brilliant end to another good bowling and fielding display (despite George Morris' attempts to catch with his chest). Carmel bowled out for 93.

The final part of the materplan involved knocking the runs off without much damage to the wickets column. Ian Weaver and Steve Griffin made a steady start, leaving the result in no doubt. An opening partnership of 54 in 23 overs extinguished any lingering hopes Carmel had of a comeback. Gareth Bell joined Ian Weaver (52 not out) to see Gresford home by 8 wickets with a 9-1 points split.

Scorecard