3rd X1  v  Forton 2nds  24th May 2008       Report from Dan Barton

This week Madeley were entertained by Forton’s 2nd XI on the most blustery day of the season so far, causing difficult bowling conditions.

The Home side won the toss and elected to bat. Andy Patrick and youngster Sagar opened the bowling both bowling well in difficult winds. Sagar bowled good lines and length finishing with 0-26. Andy picked up the 1st wicket in his first spell, before closing the innings with figures of 3-40 off 13.

The 1st bowling changes brought Lewis Davis(0-27 off 5) and myself(0-13 off 5) into the attack. Both releasing the ball nicely keeping the batsman thinking although not taking wickets. The run flow slowed and Harry and Lee Jackson followed on in the same way. Young Star Martin Boyle, bowled well from his 4 overs producing 2 wickets including Forton’s top scorer being bowled for 48 and Callum Hodson spun out the opposition getting 2 wickets from 2 over finishing with figures of 2-13 to close the innings. Forton finishing on 208 – 8 which included 33 extras. Wides being the main culprit with 23.

The Batting once again got off to a poor start with the wickets of Lewis and Shaun both falling in the 2nd over, with the score at 1. This saw Andy join Harry at the crease, having a cautious yet progressive innings, creating a 3rd wicket stand of 100 off more than 30 overs before Andy eventually fell for 73 followed by Harry for 27. Dom smith and ‘Jacko’ came to the crease for a quick knocks of 25 and 11, leading to a stubborn tail. Martin Boyle came to the wicket and played a very strong defensive innings, doing everything to keep Madeley in with a chance of a draw. Dan Barton scored 5 in a shallow innings before idly being caught at short midwicket. With Martin and Sagar finishing the innings with Martin on 8 not out and Sagar 0 not out.

Madeley finished on 168 – 7. Showing strength and commitment in the batting and fielding. The display was very impressive and if the side continuously play like they did, it won’t be too long before the 1st win comes along. Well played and keep it up.

Shifnal at Buildwas next week

Forton 15 points Madeley 10