Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports 2015
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Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
Saturday 12th September:
1st XI: versus Frodsham away. FCC 211-10. BVCC 67-10. Lost by 144 runs.
Vale’s final match of the season was played on a green wicket at Frodsham. With a
downpour cancelling the second team game the Firsts were luckier with only short
showers .Captain Iain Johnson lost the toss yet again (tossing practice required over the
winter) and being asked to field, Dave Molloy and Fuzz Mohamed opened the bowling. As the
opposition were choosing their batting order out of a hat there was no grinding opening
partnership. Deakin and Pidgeon slashed away putting on 45 in 6 overs. James Bottomley
came on and immediately removed Deakin LBW for 21 and bowled Pidgeon (Shame! I really
wanted someone to catch the pidgeon!) for 20 leaving the score 57-2. Wilkinson (34) and S.
Johnson (37) carried on attacking until Nomaan removed both with the former caught
sharply by Gareth ‘wooden-legs’ Roberts. The G then had his first bowl on the Firsts this
season and removed Madagon for 0. Captain Warburton was then dropped and he made Vale
pay as he smashed the bowling around. Harry Mills was brought into the attack and quickly
made his mark by removing Graham for 16, his first wicket for the first team. Young Dave
Molloy reminded him that he has about 30,000 more to take to catch him up. Mind he's got
about 80 years to do it. Young Mills started the catching up by bowling London for 0 and
trapping Criscoli LBW for 8. Joel Wesly dismissed Warburton for 40 with the help of a
wonder stumping from the captain and then finished the innings at 211 by getting Dumbell
to give little Bottomley a good catch. Harry Mills 3-23, Nummy 2-16, Bottomley 2-23,
Wesly 2-21. Vale’s reply started disastrously as Molly was adjudged LBW first ball and Dr
Dwai was to prove he is a quack by also picking up a duck (copyright Dave Molloy). Blocker
Roberts hit a six and a couple of fours in his 16 before Pidgeon got one through his
'defences'. Little Bottomley was bowled for 1 as was '40?' Year old Mike Drape. There
were no heroics from Nummy as Warburton removed him for 7 and Wesly spooned a catch
to S. Johnson for 2. The captain and borrower Damo Paul tried to add some respectability
but it wasn't to be as Johnson (15) hit a full toss to his namesake. The other stitch brother
came in but as there were still 32 overs to go he went on the attack instead coming within
inches of hitting a six. When he was given LBW for 12 there was just enough time for little
Harry to pick up his first runs before Tom Thumb was out for 6 and the innings over for 67.
Despite the last couple of games Vale finished the season in mid-table having had their best
season in some time. Thank you to Harry Wood and his helpers for their excellent work
over the season and to Lisa and the Caterers whose fantastic work has been commented on
by many players and umpires. Also thank you for all the players who have played hard but
fair and made the season enjoyable. Let's look forward to continued improvement. Next
stop South Africa!
2nd XI: versus Frodsham at home. No play. Rain.
Sunday 6th September:
3rd XI: versus Heaton Mersey away. BVCC 97-10. HMCC 101-0. Lost by 10 wickets.
Vale’s season ended in disappointment as they emulated the Norwegians in Eurovision by
returning nil points, something that at the start of the day had appeared to be highly
improbable. Unsure whether to bat or bowl, the decision was taken out of their hands as
the Vale were invited to take first use of the facilities. The home side’s bowling attack
belied their position in the league as they cut their way through the Vale innings like Ryan
Giggs through the Arsenal defence. 120 runs would have given the Vale 4 batting points
which would have secured the league title but they had to revise their target to 100 to at
least tie. Even this target proved too much despite assistance from the home side bowling
Page 1Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
wides & no balls & they fell all out for 97. Nevertheless, Vale were confident that their
bowling attack, which had stood them in good stead all season, would wrap up the points.
Man-of-the-match H. Wasim (44*) was dropped off the first ball of the innings & then with
his partner Lewis (47*) proceeded to give a batting masterclass. None of the Vale bowlers
were able to dislodge the pair as they overtook the Vale total with ease. Despite the
disappointment in missing out on promotion, the Vale performed well as a team all season,
everyone chipping in with outstanding performances when needed. Thanks must go to Harry
Wood for preparing the wickets & to all the tea ladies for the excellent fare. We will be
back in 2016.
Saturday 5th September:
1st XI: no match
2nd XI: versus Mossley away. Match conceded by Mossley.
Sunday 30th August:
3rd XI: versus Ashley away. ACC 95-10. BVCC 99-5. Won by 5 wickets.
Vale held on to their top of the table place by beating Ashley & so need 3 points from their
last match to win the league. Ashley won the toss & elected to bat. Pat Fox (5-32) was soon
amongst the wickets dismissing both openers & then prising out the middle order. Arslan
Javed chipped in with 2-9 off 5 overs & Jake Drape maintained his good form with 2-12 off
his 5 overs. Gareth Roberts (1-10) finished off the job removing Reeves (20). Skipper
Foster (29) was the main contributor as Ashley were all out in the 31st over for 95. In reply
the Vale lost 3 early wickets to Broaders (3-24) but Dom Turner (16) & Richard Vogt (36)
steadied the ship leaving it to Harry Vogt (23*) & Gareth Roberts (6*) to finish the job in
the 30th over.
Saturday 29th August:
1st XI: versus Rylands away. RCC 187-9. BVCC 89-10. Lost by 98 runs.
A sunny day in Warrington saw captain Iain Johnson lose the toss and asked to field. Dave
Molloy and Pat Mullen opened the bowling and we're able to exact plenty of movement. As
Molly kept things tight it was Mully that made the breakthrough dismissing Buck with the
help of a fine catch from ace fielder Jonny Blomeley. Pat then bowled Brady for 1 leaving
Rylands 14-2 in the 6th over. That brought together Platt and Peters who were to put on
100 before Tom Robinson caught Platt off Nomaan Hasan for 54. That was off the last ball
of his fifth over; the first of his sixth saw Peters LBW leaving Nummy on a hat trick. This
was seen off and another partnership grew between Jenkins and Osmont. Harry mills
bowled a good 5 over spell and was unlucky that an edge went past slip at catchable height.
Mullen and Johnson combined to run out Jenkins for 32 with the score on 137. Moors (11)
helped Osmont push the score past 175 before Nomaan again took two wickets in two balls.
Mullen came back and bowled Brady and the Johnson-Mullen combination struck again off
the last ball of the innings to dismiss Osmont for 37 leaving the final total 188-9. Nummy
4-39 Pat 3-39. Vales hopes took a blow first ball as the barnacle John Ryan was bowled.
Mike Drape having been given a break from opening found himself in second ball of the
innings. Dr Dwai and The Drape pushed the score to 47 without any alarms until the latter
was bowled for 9. The sight of Nomaan seems to have an adverse effect on The Doc (not
the only one) and he was out immediately for 35. Molloy help Nummy push the score to 76-3
after 21 overs and Vale looked set to push the second in the table team all the way.
However it was not to be as the old Vale raised its head with a collapse of bubonic
Page 2Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
proportions. Molloy (3) left a straight one, Blomeley hit a long hop to point. Tom managed to
back heel the ball onto his stumps. Nummy hit a couple more fours then holed out for 36.
The captain was bowled by a ball that moved three different ways, Harry Mills tried to hit
his first ball for 6. Pat Mullen hit what was the only run scored after batter number 5.
Without his stitching soul mate Fuzz couldn't hold out and was the last of 6 ducks as Vale
finished 89 all out. Not good! 6 points
2nd XI: versus Hartford at home. Match conceded by Hartford.
Sunday 23rd August:
3rd XI: versus Bredbury St Marks at home. BSMCC 118-9. BVCC 119-5. Won by 5
wickets.
Vale had to beat both the weather the opposition to stay at the top of the table but
managed to succeed at both. Only wicket keeper Coulson (57*) kept the visitors innings
together as the Vale bowlers benefitted from the damp conditions. Jake Drape was the
pick of the attack returning 4-30 and was well supported by Arslan Javed (2-36), skipper
Graeme Stacey (2-28) & Harry Vogt (1-16). Needing only 119 to win, the match became a
race against the bad weather which arrived early in the tea break. A break in the rain
allowed the game to commence & the Vale lost 4 early wickets in the pursuit of quick runs.
Matt Fox (12) pushed the score along but it was left to Pete Williamson (69*) & Ed Stacey
(14*) to finish the job & bag 25 points.
Saturday 22nd August:
1st XI: versus Maritime away. MCC 220-7. BVCC 132-8. Match drawn.
Vale visited top of the table Maritime with 6 changes from the Mellor match. Captain Iain
Johnson won the toss and seeing a wet wicket put the home side in. Ian Willson and Fuzz
Mohamed opened the bowling and soon had Maritime in trouble as Willson was getting
bounce while Fuzz hypnotised the batters. The first wicket fell at 9 as Jarry edged Fuzzy
to John Ryan who caught it like he was only 59. The Fuzz then induced a drive from Palani
straight to the non-ginger Power (Louis) who took it comfortably leaving the score 12-2.
Maritime struggled their way to 39 & the Mohamed-Ryan combination struck again and
Nomaan Hasan removed Sotha to make 42-4. That brought Khan and Jayawardene together.
Vale huffed and puffed but the harder they tried the further the ball went. Three foot
Damo Paul bowled well but with no luck. There was an over from debutant Harry Mills but
the batsmen were showing no mercy. Eventually after 169 partnership Fuzz came back to
pick up Jayawardene for 79 with the help of a good catch from Boy-Willson. Khan went in
the next over for 84 giving Louis Power his second catch this time off Nummy who snaffled
his third wicket before Maritime declared on 220-7 off 42 overs. Fuzz (4-66), Nummy (3-
58). With Maritime missing their star bowler Vale held out some hope but that was
diminished quickly as first Mike Drape was bowled and then Captain Johnson was brilliantly
caught, both for ducks leaving the score 12-2. For the third week running Nomaan was
dropped on 0 but this time he couldn't make it count as he was dismissed for 8 followed by
Tom Robinson for 1 and Louis Power 3. At this stage Vale were 52-5 with only Dr Dwai
offering any resistance. Young Mr Ryan kept Dwai company as The Doc battled his way to a
half-century which was nearly missed by the Vale players as they were listening to live
commentary from Jordan Paul on hundred being scored on the seconds by a Vale debutant!
Dwai’s efforts ended at 55 when he played on. Ryan and Willson battled to 106 before the
latter was caught followed by John Ryan (15) a run later. With 10 overs remaining the
stitch twins Damo and Fuzz set about their business. Despite having to duck the yorkers
Page 3Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
little Damo batted nicely offering no chances and putting away the bad balls. All eyes
however were at the other end as Fuzz ‘The Duck’ Mohamed remained without a season run.
Then suddenly out of nowhere the bowler pitched one up and Fuzzy creamed it to the
boundary bringing a noise from the Vale players only matched by a Chinese chemical site.
After he had opened his eyes he wasn't sure what to do next and found himself at the
wrong end for the next ball! The two pushed the score passed 125 and easily saw out the
remaining overs to finish 132-8 bringing a rather disgustingly long hug at the end. Damo 13,
Fuzz an imperious 8. A great effort
2nd XI: versus Holmes Chapel at home. HCCC 178-7. BVCC 182-8. Won by 2 wickets.
At Bowdon Vale, the home 2nd XI beat visitors Holmes Chapel 2nd XI by 2 wickets. Holmes
Chapel II batted first and made 178 – 7 with H Jeanes 61 and M Radford 31. For Bowdon
Vale II, L Sumner took 4-37. In reply, Bowdon Vale II won the game scoring 182 – 8 with
young 15 year old Finlay Grosfils scoring a great century, 133. For Holmes Chapel II, C Hind
took 5-29.
Sunday 16th August:
3rd XI: versus Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge. Match conceded by CHL.
Saturday 15th August:
1st XI: versus Mellor at home. MCC 162-4. BVCC 163-7. Won by 3 wickets.
Having lost to the 9 men of Mellor away and noting their win against top team Maritime last
week, Vale knew this was going to be a tough game. For the first time this season they
unfairly fielded 11 players. Captain Iain Johnson lost the toss yet again and was asked to
field on a very green wicket. Dave Molloy and Fuzz Mohamed opened the bowling and made
life difficult. After a couple of close LBW shouts Fuzz bowled opener Baythorpe for 0. He
then won a leg before decision to leave Mellor on 25-2. The score inched along at less than
2 runs an over and James Bottomley, 0-9 off 6 overs, and Nomaan Hasan continued to keep
it tight. Nomaan made the breakthrough at 56 removing opener McAllister for 32. Joel
Wesly removed Smith leaving the score 80-4. It was becoming dangerous in the field as
first the heroic captain had to go off for the magic spray after injuring his fingers then Dr
Dwai wimpily made his way off after scratching his thumb. Finally Harrison (56) and Captain
Marsland (31) went on the attack putting on 82 for the unbeaten fifth wicket and the
innings closed at 162-4. Despite his last over going for 22, Fuzz finished with 2-42. Dr Dwai
and Mike Drape opened for Vale. However it was a struggle with Drape giving a return catch
to Harrison for 7. Jon Ollier suffered a rare failure as he was adjudged LBW for 2 and
Dwai looped a catch to slip off his injured thumb for 9 leaving Vale 37-3 in the 13th over.
Then a massive stroke of luck as Nummy, having not yet scored, attempted to hit Marsland
out the ground top edged but dispute getting under it the chance was grassed. Nomaan
then hit the next ball for 4 and thereon played fantastically with the only worry that Steve
Bottomley might run him out. He yet again passed 50 and looked set for a big score until a
brilliant catch by Smith removed him on 68 having put on 59 with Steve’s contribution being
4. That brought James in to join his Daddy. The next for over realised 1 run and with 13
overs remaining Vale still required 62 to win. However a straight hit over the top by number
1 son sparked the partnership into life and we were treated to some beautiful batting from
James and some great running from his Dad. Having thought we had seen it all when we saw
Mike-the-Whippet Drape run a three early, we then saw the Bottomleys run a four and then
run a two to point! With nine runs needed the people who have never seen Vale play might
have thought this was a stroll. However Bottomley junior was then bowled for a superb 30.
Page 4Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
A couple of twos from Bottomley senior left 5 to get before Alex-haircut-Power bagged a
duck then after Dave Molloy pushed a single, Steve (33) from about 700 balls was bowled
trying to finish it in one go. As nerves started to show the Club needed a hero so the
Captain stepped up and hit his first ball over the top to win a great game aptly sponsored by
the Bottomley Business. Mum must be happy. 25 points
2nd XI: versus Appleton away. ACC 201-6. BVCC 110-9. Match drawn.
At Appleton, the match between the home 3rd XI and visitors Bowdon Vale 2nd XI was
drawn. Appleton III batted first and made 201 – 6 with M Pepper 31, P Ryan 31 and S
Tomlinson unbeaten on 39*. In reply, Bowdon Vale reached 110 – 9 with M Pepper taking 3-
14 and J Orton taking 3-13
Sunday 9th August:
3rd XI: versus Urmston at home. UCC 209-5. BVCC 160-5. Match drawn.
Vale’s skipper for the day, Harry Vogt, won the toss & inserted Urmston who scored 209-5
off their 40 overs. Opener M.Brown was the mainstay of their innings scoring 71. For the
Vale, Harry Vogt took 2-29 & Aiden Bottomley 2-36. In reply, the Vale made 160-5 off
their 40 overs to secure a draw, with Jon Jessop scoring an unbeaten 85. P.Bryant was the
pick of the opposition bowlers returning 3-23. Vale 7 points. Urmston 13 points.
Saturday 8th August:
1st XI: versus Styal away. SCC 203-8. BVCC 173-7. Draw.
Vale captain Iain Johnson started the day badly by losing the toss and it only got worse as
he dropped Mountford twice early on. Taylor Pentecost bagged an early wicket with help
from James Bottomley. Mountford and Morton batted well although Vale continued to drop
catches in the slips including two on the trot off the impressive Bottomley before Dave
Molloy, bowling like he used to in the sixties, hit Mountfords stumps for 45. Nomaan
started weaving his way through the batting dismissing Morton (31), then Pickles and Afzal
with consecutive balls. Cameron (67) came in and crunched the ball everywhere with Baig
(12) giving good support. Hasan got rid of both, first a great caught and bowled then
another smart catch from young Bottomley, his third. Bailey was bowled by Nomaan for 11
leaving him figures of 6-48. There was a strange end to the innings as Ian Willson bowled a
maiden to Afzal. Styal finished on 203-8 with Vale dropping nine catches behind the stumps.
Mike Drape and Dr Dwai put on 30 for the first wicket before the former fell for 8.
Pentecost came in and looked comfortable until chipping a catch to square leg for 13 at 68.
Nomaan helped Dwai keep the scoreboard ticking but The Doc was the one who needed a
medic as he started to cramp. All hell broke loose as Nomaan signalled for a runner for
Dwai. The options were Mike 'the whippet' Drape or Taylor Pentecost. Having made sure he
had hidden Mike’s equipment, the captain ordered Taylor on. After necking his full pint of
cider he wandered out to be told that The Doc had made a miraculous recovery. There were
some choice Kiwi words on the way back. Dr Dwai soon brought up his fifty and was looking
spritely until falling LBW for 56 with the score on 118. Things then took a downward turn
for Vale as 4 wickets fell in quick succession including Nummy for 32. With the score on
134-7 and 9 overs to go, James Bottomley joined Dave Molloy (80 years his senior) &
showed no nerves as he first took the sting out of the attack and then went on the
offensive looking for batting points. Both hit 3 boundaries each as James (18*) and Dave
(17) saw the Vale to 173-7 and 12 points. Fielding practice required!
2nd XI: versus Rostherne at home. BVCC 141-9. RCC 145-3. Lost by 7 wickets.
Page 5Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
At Bowdon Vale, visitors Rostherne beat the home 2nd XI by 7 wickets. Bowdon Vale II won
the toss, batted and made 141 – 9 with J Jessop 65. For Rostherne, P Britten took 4-35. In
reply, Rostherne won the game scoring 145 – 3 with P Starr unbeaten on 50*
Wednesday 5th August:
Vikings: versus Bowdon away. BCC 103-7. BVCC 104-3. Won by 7 wickets.
Vikings celebrate 10th year with successful raid on rivals Bowdon. Vale Vikings had by far
their most comfortable win of the season winning with nearly 3 overs to spare. Bowdon
batted first on a wet wicket in gloomy conditions. The Vale players were determined not to
allow a repeat of the match at the Vale which they lost somewhat dismally. Bowdon started
very slowly but a more attacking approach was shown by Walker (31*) and Simpson (30*).
Jordan (2-14) came within a whisker of taking a rare hat trick as the Bowdon innings
petered out ending on 103-7. Jessop again impressed with some of his keeping but might
get a few more decisions if he appeals with “Howzat” rather than “that’s out!!” It began
raining heavily at the start of the Vale innings but Sinclair (19) made sure that they were
up with the rate early. A substantial partnership of 50 between Bottomley (31*) and Webb
(22*) took them within sight and the game, and season, was finished off satisfyingly by
Dawar dispatching Burgess into the bungalow garden for 6. So that’s it, the end of an
enjoyable season that was ultimately frustrating in terms of results but the Vikings can
take great heart from their performances.
A big Thank You as ever to Harry for preparing some excellent wickets, to Steve for
organising the teams every week, and to Lorna and her helpers for the meals. It also
concludes the 10th year of Over 40s cricket at the Vale and for interested parties an
analysis of the averages and cumulative totals for the entire period will appear soon on the
website along of course with this years’ averages.
Sunday 2nd August:
3rd XI: v Macclesfield away. MCC 162-9. BVCC 163-8. Won by 2 wickets.
The Vale returned to winning ways under the leadership of Pat Fox who called the toss
correctly & gave the home side first use of the facilities. That decision was vindicated
after 12 overs with the score on 49-5 & both opening bowlers using the humid conditions to
swing the ball prodigiously. Arsalan Javed (2-25) & Jake Drape (2-30) gave way to Harry
Vogt (2-34) & Pat Fox (2-38) who continued the good work. In the background, opener Jain
(70) kept the home side in the game assisted by a series of dropped catches from the Vale
fielders. Mike Drape chipped in with 1-30 off 8 overs as Macclesfield move to 123-6 off 30
overs & finally 162-9 off the full 40. The last wicket put on 33 valuable runs. In reply, the
Vale struggled to take advantage as openers Pete Williamson (13) & James Jessop (10) fell
cheaply. Mike Drape (16) steadied the ship but with the score at 55-6 off 24 overs, things
were looking grim. Harry Vogt (56) & Frazer Meadowcroft (32*), returning after a 3 year
absence, took the match by the scruff of the neck hammering 71 in 9 overs to give the Vale
a chance. Jake Drape (14*) & Frazer then batted confidently to get to the position of 12
runs needed of 12 balls & ultimately saw the Vale to victory with 3 balls to spare & 20
points in the bag.
Saturday 1st August:
1st XI: versus Norbury at home. Match conceded by Norbury.
2nd XI: versus Styal away. SCC 106-10. BVCC 112-3. Won by 7 wickets.
Page 6Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
With the 1st XI cancelled on Friday the 2nd XI brought the Barmy Army to Styal on a damp
day. Captain Tom Robinson won the toss and chose to field. Vale unleashed their new
wicketkeeper young Mr Ryan (92). Aiden Bottomley and Joel Wesly opened the bowling and
reduced the home side to 5-2 after 6.5 overs with Aiden taking both wickets. The heavens
opened and eventually tea was taken. When the game restarted Styal had another 24 overs
and Vale would have 24 overs to chase. Fernando and McEllroy went on the attack
immediately and took the score to 48 before James Bottomley dismissed Fernando with the
help of a great catch from Daddy. James (4-32) then started to run through the batting.
Diddy Damo Paul (2-20) and Harold Mills (2-11) mopped up with the skipper Tom Robinson
taking a great catch. With a quick turnaround keeper Ryan and Papa Drape opened the
batting. With puddles over the outfield Papa Drape aptly bagged a duck. Ryan was run out
for 12 leaving vale 35-2. Skipper Robinson (36) and Daddy Bottomley (36*) tried to run
each other out but then settled down until Tom tried one sweep too much with 37 required.
James (15*) joined his Daddy and the two batted sensibly mixing good running with good
shots. A bye saw Vale home with a 7 wicket win and 20 points. The barmy sang long into the
night!
Wednesday 29th July:
Vikings: versus Sale at home. SCC 126-8. BVCC 120-4. Lost by 4 runs.
Valiant Vale Vikings effort falls just short. For the fifth time this year Vale lost in the last
over the match. Buoyed by last week’s epic victory over Bramhall Vale were in confident
mood taking on league leaders Sale. In the first half Vale had fallen just 3 runs short and
this time it was to be just 6. On a wet wicket the Sale openers found the going difficult,
Kashif (1-4) taking a wicket first ball. After 5 overs they were just 17 and for a change
Vale had enough bowling to keep the visitors to a restricted score but Sale are not top for
no reason and they picked off boundaries for every bowling mistake. Harrop 24, and Almond
29, accelerated the score in the middle overs despite some quick bowling from Irfan Rana
(0-25) making his debut and some steady stuff from Higson (3-20) and three good catches
by Kash. However Davenport 33* including 2 sixes ensured that a “par score” of 126 was set.
Sinclair (17) and Jessop (32*), playing his best innings of the year so far, yet again gave
Vale the foundations for chasing the target and for much of the innings they were nearly up
with the rate. Rana (22) also impressed and a brave effort from Dawar (26*) took them
within sight but facing probably the fastest bowler in the league Hanrahan (2-14) in the
dark proved just too much. Once again the Vikings were left to rue what might have been
and what sort of season they could have had with a bit more luck. There will be no room for
such sentiment next week as they take on rivals Bowdon in their end of season match
Sunday 26th July:
3rd XI: v Heaton Mersey at home. No play. Rain.
Saturday 25th July:
1st XI: versus Audlem away. ACC 199-6. BVCC 140-10. Lost by 59 runs.
With the captain enjoying a picnic on the M6 Steve Bottomley was called on to toss and duly
lost it. Ian Willson and Fuzz Mohamed opened the bowling in the sunshine. The Audlem
openers had a few scares with both Nomaan Hasan and Iain Johnson being blinded by the
sun in successive balls leaving two chances to drop. The first wicket fell in the 15th over
when Willson bowled Rothwell for 21 at 41. Stanway and Wilson then continued to thwart
Vale until Hasan caught Wilson off Joel Wesly for 18 at 121. The two combined again to
Page 7Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
dismiss Stanway for 69. Farnell went on the attack and pushed the score on. James
Bottomley (0-11) bowled well and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket in his 6 overs.
Eventually Willson came back on and picked up a couple of wickets including Farnell for 51.
Fuzz got a wicket off his final ball with the help of a good catch from Daddy Bottomley.
Audlem finished at 199-6. Willson 3-35; Wesly 2-16. Dwai Sen and Mike Drape opened the
batting and battled bravely as both survived early chances before going on to put on 41
until Drape (27) dragged on. Dr Dwai then hit a couple of boundaries off Humphreys but
then nicked him to slip leaving vale 53-2. Nomaan was dropped at gully off the unlucky
McIlveen but there was no luck for Freddie Fenton as he was adjudged LBW for 4. Daddy
Bottomley soon followed leaving vale 70-4. Nomaan went on the attack wickets fell regularly
at the other end. James Bottomley (1) kept Nummy company until 93. Captain Iain Johnson
hit his first six for about 30 years but was out soon after at 118. Wesly was unable to
repeat his previous heroics being given out stumped for 0. Nomaan brought up his 50 but
Fuzz disappointed the crowd waiting to see his first run of the season. Short, round Damo
Paul continued the duck procession and when Nummy (70) tried to hit his eighth six, the
innings closed at 140 leaving Vale 59 short. A tough day all round but 9 points taken.
2nd XI: versus Audlem at home. ACC 196-8. BVCC 90-10. Lost by 106 runs.
At Bowdon Vale, visitors Audlem 2nd XI beat the home 2nd XI by 106 runs. Audlem II
batted first and made 196 – 8 with S Ali Jnr 41. For Bowdon Vale II, Harry Mills took 6-61.
In reply, Bowdon Vale II were bowled out for 90 with R Mottershead taking 5-30 and S Ali
Jnr taking 3-51.
Wednesday 22nd July:
Vikings: versus Bramhall away. BCC 160-4. BVCC 161-3. Won by 7 wickets.
A breath-taking win against Bramhall breaks last over jinx. In a match that will live long in
the memory of those that played in it, the Vikings managed to secure their highest run
scoring victory in their history. Made all the more poignant by the fact that they had lost
the last four matches in the last over Vale reached the improbable target with a ball to
spare. BV had beaten Bramhall at home and on a flat wicket in pleasant conditions and
surroundings Bramhall’s inning began steadily. Opener Bailey 22 was run out with a direct
hit by Jordan and it wasn’t until the final few overs that they really opened their shoulders.
Thorpe taking the brunt being hit for two 6’s in the last over. Eady 31*, Milligan 32*, and
Stoneman 31* had surely posted an impossible target of 161 to win. Vale started well with
Sinclair 30* and Jessop 30* making sure that that they were ahead of the rate after the
first 6 overs. Webb 33* kept them in the game and just 37 was required off the last 5 but
Bramhall had other ideas and brought on Stoneman freshly back from having played for the
MCC that afternoon. Bottomley and Thorpe fell and it was left to debutant Dawar and old
stager Jordan to try to get 23 off the last 3 overs. Determined running and a four from
Dawar meant just 9 needed off Stoneman’s last over. Second ball of the over Dawar sent a
towering six over the long on boundary and victory was in sight. More drama as Dawar was
run out next ball but cool thinking from Jordan meant that with a couple of leg byes Vale
triumphed comfortably with a ball to spare. As a further note, Bramhall fielded Vale’s first
female opponent in the O40s, come on you ladies of the Vale
Sunday 19th July:
3rd XI: v Stockport Trinity away. STCC 140-9. BVCC 126-9. Draw.
Vale won the toss and invited Trinity to bat on a damp green pitch. Harry Vogt (2-17) and
Pat Fox (2-36) both started accurately and wickets fell with regularity until a 6th wicket
Page 8Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
partnership between Friel (58) and keeper Quinn (24) added respectability to the total.
Roberts (2-19) and Graeme Stacey (2-31) chipped in to restrict Trinity to 140-9 from their
40 overs. Once again the Vale batting found Trinity bowling much more of a challenge than
recent form suggested it should be, collapsing to 40-7 in the 20th over. With 100 needed
from the last 20 overs, Gareth Roberts joined Ed Stacey who showed that the pitch held
no demons so long as the batsman played late. With Roberts hitting freely and Stacey
defending securely, they added 35 runs for the 8th wicket until a poor call by Roberts ran
Stacey out with 66 runs still needed and 13 overs to go. Pat Fox joined Roberts and added
49 for the 9th wicket before Roberts fell caught behind for 55 with 17 runs still needed
from 20 balls. With Arslan Javed joining Fox (18 not out) the focus shifted from chasing
the win to ensuring that Trinity did not secure 25 points and overtake Vale in the league.
Javed defended the final over to leave Vale on 126-9 after their 40 overs and the result a
fantastic draw. Stockport Trinity 140-9 (10 points) drew with BVCC 126-9 (7 points).
Saturday 18th July:
1st XI: versus Eastham at home. Match conceded by Eastham.
Eastham failed to raise a team & so conceded the match & 25 points to the Vale.
2nd XI: versus Stretton away. SCC 156-10. BVCC 157-5. Won by 5 wickets.
With the 1st XI called off there was a good away crowd cheering on the Vale. Confusion
reigned from the start on a sunny day in Stretton as captain Tom Robinson won the toss and
the Stretton captain chose to bat. Tom politely advised that he had won the toss and then
decided to put them in anyway. Aiden Bottomley and Joel Wesly opened the bowling and
kept things tight. Joel made the breakthrough with help from a great catch from the
skipper. Sothworth and Naseer pushed the score to 48 until Joel (2-40) removed the
former for 27. James and Daddy Bottomley combined with a juggling catch then James (4-
29) picked up the next three including Naseer and was on a hat trick after dismissing Tidd
first ball. Little Harold Mills (3-43) then ran through the tail with help from tiny Damo Paul
(1-19) dismissing the top of the table team for 156. With a combined age of 230, the
openers Keith Fenton and John Ryan turned back time putting on 28 until Freddie was
amazingly caught for 12. Mike Drape claimed the tfc tag as he bagged a duck and captain
Robinson quickly followed leaving Vale 51-3. Daddy Bottomley (11) helped Ryan push the
score to 89 before being caught behind. Sam Davies (20) then kept the old man company
until 145. With oxygen waiting on the boundary edge Ryan (81*) now watched as James
Bottomley crashed a couple of boundaries to complete a magnificent team performance
sending the fans wild. A fantastic 20 points
Wednesday 15th July:
Vikings: versus Cheadle away. BVCC 123-4. CCC 124-7. Lost by 3 wickets.
The Final Over Curse Strikes Again!" Having won the toss on a sunny evening at the Vale,
BVCC elected to bat first. The first ball of the game was despatched to the mid-off
boundary by Paul Sinclair (31*) which started a McCullum/Guptill style opening partnership
with Pete Thorpe (17) who shed his donkey nickname with two massive sixes! Runs continued
to flow, Platt (25) on debut who'd been woken from his bed to play and, Jessop (14) before
Marcus Dean opened his shoulders reminiscent of Beefy Botham in '81 to smash a quick fire
28* in partnership with Gary Webb that took BVCC to a healthy 123-4 off their 20 overs.
Cheadle in reply started well but were pinned back by the craft of BVCC's slower bowlers
with Gareth Roberts taking 2-12 off his 4 overs, Sinclair 2-28 off 4 overs and Bob Hutton
1-13 off 4 overs. A magnificent effort from these 3 whose combined ages is approaching
Page 9Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
200, a score BVCC can only dream about! Unfortunately a few dropped catches by various
members of BVCC and a missed stumping (Specsavers appointment for Jessop this week)
proved costly as Cheadle lost wickets consistently but scored the winning runs off the first
ball of the last over to win the game: Cheadle 124-7 off 19.1 overs. Apparently the BVCC
Over 40s will be going on tour next season as Gareth has arranged for us to visit Ross-on-
Severn! Why?
Sunday 12th July:
3rd XI: v Cheadle Hulme at home. CHCC 89-10. BVCC 91-0. Won by 10 wickets.
Stand in Skipper Richard Vogt won the toss and put Cheadle Hulme into bat on a damp
green wicket, Cheadle started well scoring 38 without loss, only tight fielding and a slow
damp out field prevented more. The first wicket falling in the 10th over, Cheadle made the
Vale work hard for their wickets even if they didn't manage to continue the score rate.
Four catches in the field, two for the youngest Vogt, and one for the Captain, The younger
Power taking a catch off the older Powers bowling. Four Vale Bowlers got a wicket apiece,
while Roberts picked up 4 for 16 in his 10 overs. Bowling a 10 man team out for 89 in 31.5
overs. With the Vale now drenched in sunshine, Captain Vogt promoted himself from No. 3
to No. 2 to partner Louis Power as the Vale scored 16 runs in the first 8 overs with the
Cheadle Hulme bowlers, bowling a good line and length and making them pick their shots.
Cheadle needed wickets, but Vogt & Power had other plans and picked up the run rate and
knocked off the required runs in 19.3 overs, Power 23 N/O and Vogt 58 N/O - 25 points
won and no bonus points conceded.
Saturday 11th July:
1st XI: versus Knutsford away. KCC 139-10. BVCC 140-6. Won by 4 wickets
For the first time in five weeks Vale were away from home. Captain Iain Johnson won the
toss and chose to bowl on a green wicket. Ian Willson and Taylor Pentecost opened the
bowling. The boy removed Sheridan for 0 and Taylor picked up two to reduce the home side
to 32-3. Pat Mullen and Fuzz Mohamed kept the pressure on. Fuzz picked up the dangerous
Ghazacter with the help of an outrageous one handed catch at short cover by Joel Wesly
which had half the team in shock. Mullen chipped in with another good catch from Taylor.
Dave Molloy got Benji to edge to John Ollier then Willson and Pentecost plus the usual run
out by Jonny Blomley aka Joey Barton cleaned up to finish the innings at 139 in the 45th
over. Willson 3-41, Pentecost 3-19. Dave Molloy and Mike Drape opened the batting but
both picked up ducks as Vale slumped to 4-2. John Ollier and Ian Platt settled down to
bring up the 50 before the former was bowled for 29. Platt fell for 11 at 66 when Jonny
Blomley joined his captain .After an early scare Jonny settled down while Johnson blazed
away like a young Graham Gooch. When the skipper (32) got an unplayable (guess who wrote
this) delivery at 97, Blomley and Wesly pushed the score to 117 before Jonny missed a
straight one leaving Vale needing 24. Taylor (20) joined Joel (17) and calmly saw the team
home to pick up the Vale’s 5th win of the season. 20 more points bagged. By general
consensus Captain Johnson was man of the match!
2nd XI: versus Stalybridge SP at home. BVCC 216-8. SSPCC 219-7. Lost by 3 wickets.
At Bowdon Vale, visitors Stalybridge St Pauls 2nd XI beat the home 2nd XI by 3 wickets.
Bowdon Vale II won the toss, batted and made 216 – 8 with J Jessop 68 and A Power
unbeaten on 53*. For Stalybridge St Pauls II, M Bashir took 3-66. In reply, Stalybridge St
Pauls won the game scoring 219 – 7 with J Beswick unbeaten on 47* and M Bashir unbeaten
on 54* sharing an unbroken 8th wicket partnership of 84.
Page 10Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
Wednesday 8th July:
Vikings: versus Brooklands at home. BVCC 109-4. BCC 111-5. Lost by 5 wickets.
Vale defeated in last over again!!! On a damp wicket Vale posted a total of just 109 from
their 20 overs. Sinclair 30* and Jessop 31* were only supported by Webb 20 and Dean 11.
Brooklands best bowler Brooke (2-14) caused the middle order problems and the total never
really looked enough. Brooklands made a stuttering start and the Vikings appeared to be on
top from much of the visitors’ innings. However Horsford 30* struck the ball firmly to the
boundary on 5 occasions putting Brooklands within reach and McCoy 21* took advantage of
the Vale being a bowler light and some surprisingly fielding errors. Brooklands reached the
target with just 5 ball to spare. Higgins took two good catches and Roberts (3-20) again
impressed with the ball, keeper Jessop aiding his figures with a catch and a smart stumping.
Saturday 4th July:
1st XI: versus Old Parkonians at home. OPCC 233-6. BVCC 234-6. Won by 6 wickets.
Another glorious day at the Vale saw skippper Iain Johnson lose the toss and had to field
first on a good wicket. Taylor Pentecost and Fuzz Mohamed opened the bowling and did a
mighty job. With runs hard to get Smith mistimed a cut to Tom Robinson with the score on
10. Taylor was unlucky as he induced a nick only for the catch behind to go down. However
he soon got his first wicket trapping Allen LBW and when the Fuzz-Robinson combination
struck again Old Parkonians were struggling on 30-3. However Nedugoden took no time in
counter attacking and with Rees solid at the other end the finally showed how flat the
wicket was. Eventually Nomaan Hasan made the breakthrough bowling Nedugoden for 46 at
110. Hitchell joined Rees and played some great shots putting on 83 for sixth wicket until a
bit of ginger magic broke it as Alex Power picked up Rees 76 with the help of a great catch
from Sam Davies. Fuzz picked up another wicket with another spectacular boundary catch
from Ian Platt and the innings finished at 233-6 with Hitchell unbeaten on 62. Alex Power
and Mike Drape opened the batting and Drape immediately went on the attack hitting a
couple of mighty sixes in his 44 before being first out at 53. The patient Power was out
soon after bringing Jon Ollier and Nomaan together. This week it was Nomaan who was the
more aggressive as he smashed the ball to all parts hitting 9 sixes in a total of 71 before
being caught on the boundary. That left vale on 155-3 with the run rate no longer an issue.
Dave Molloy joined Ollier and despite giving catching practice to the field kept the run rate
flying as 48 was added until Dave’s luck ran out at 203. Vale never make it easy and soon
after passing fifty Ollier hit a slower ball from Winstanley to cover for 58 and Tom
Robinson was bowled first ball leaving vale 205-6. However there was no need to worry as
Ian Platt 21 not out rolled back the years with some graceful cover drives and Pentecost
added a couple of boundaries as Vale got home in 36 overs. Winstanley finished with 3-39.
A fantastic team performance and great birthday present for the otherwise tfc captain. 25
points. Get in!
2nd XI: versus Sandbach away. SCC 188-10. BVCC 188-10. Match tied.
At Sandbach, the match between the home 3rd XI and visitors Bowdon Vale 2nd XI ended
in a tie. Sandbach III won the toss, batted and were bowled out for 188 with B Guildford
retired out on 50 and J Beresford 51. For Bowdon Vale II, James Bottomley took 4-19 and
Arsalan Javed took 4-32. In reply, Bowdon Vale II were also bowled out for 188 with Keith
Fenton 45. For Sandbach III, C Waters took 4-37.
Page 11Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
Wednesday 1st July:
Vikings: versus Cheadle Hulme away. CHCC 134-8. BVCC 120-10. Lost by 14 runs.
The Vikings had a depleted side as many of the regulars were unavailable but they put up a
very creditable performance against a strong Cheadle Hulme side. On the hottest day in a
decade Vale produced one of their best fielding and bowling performances of the season so
far. The highlights were a brace of catches for Crouch and two spectacular catches off
consecutive balls for debutant Zubair Aziz, the second a diving backwards one handed. The
Cheadle Hulme middle order made sure that they set a competitive total of 134 with
Unsworth 28, Dasgupta 32*, and Battye 21. Roberts benefitted from Zubair’s superb
catches to finish with 3-21. Sinclair 22 took the attack to Cheadle Hulme, Dean 14 was just
getting going when he was unluckily run out. Jessop 30* made inroads into the total but the
Vale middle order couldn’t match the opponents and under pressure from good slow bowling
they succumbed to 120 all out.
Sunday 28th June:
3rd XI: v Ashley at home. BVCC 226-8. ACC 108-10. Won by 118 runs.
Ashley won the toss and asked Vale to bat first, no doubt having noted two recent
successful run chases. On a warm and humid afternoon Pete Williamson and Louis Power
started in the same fashion as last week, punishing anything short. 39-0 in the 11th over
became 53-3 in the 13th as Shelmadine produced a series of unplayable in-swingers to stall
Vale's progress. The depth of Vale's batting showed as first Alex Power (31) then Gareth
Roberts (30) both pushed the scoring along with Williamson anchoring the other end,
eventually falling at 167-7 for his season's best 75. Harry Vogt (48 not out) led the
wagging tail adding 50 in the last 5 overs with Ed Stacey and Matt Fox to take the Vale
score to 226-8 after 40 overs. Ashley started positively but Harry Vogt secured the
breakthrough taking the first three Ashely wickets and bowling his 10-1-33-3 in a single
spell. Gareth Roberts stopped the middle order from settling with two wickets in quick
succession, Ashley never quite managing to get on top. Graeme Stacey took the last 5
Ashley wickets for 16 runs and Vale cantered home to a 118 run victory.
BVCC 226-8 (40 overs) beat Ashley 108 all out (30.5 overs) by 118 runs. BVCC 25 points;
Ashley 4 points.
Saturday 27th June:
1st XI: versus Frodsham at home. FCC 211-6. BVCC 190-10. Lost by 21 runs.
With the sun shining and a batting wicket awaiting, Nomaan Hasan tossed after an injury to
captain Iain Johnson in practice and lost it again (no comment) and Vale found themselves
bowling first. Ian Willson and new boy Kiwi Taylor Pentecost opened the bowling. There was
a lot of playing and missing but no wickets until Willson bowled Williamson with the score on
44. Dave Molloy came on and picked up the prize wickets of Christoli and Wilkinson then
Nomaan struck to leave Frodsham 74-4. That brought captain Warburton to the crease to
partner Johnston. They put on 106 with some large sixes from the captain. Eventually
Willson came back and picked up Johnston for 56 and Fuzz Mohamed came on and with the
help of a brilliant catch on the boundary from the impressive Pentecost got rid of
Warburton for 60. The last few overs kept things tight with the innings closing at 211-6
Willson 2-49, Molloy 2-27. Dr Dwai Sen and Mike Drape opened the batting for Vale against
some tight bowling. After a couple of boundaries each, both were dismissed leaving the
score at 27-2. John Ollier and Nomaan soon got into their stride and things were looking
good at 83-2 until Ollier played on for 34. Nomaan followed straight after and the middle
order collapsed with another new old boy Ian Platt 1, Pentecost 0 and Johnson 1 leaving Vale
Page 12Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
all but done at 88-7. However Joel Wesly and Dave Molloy started fighting back batting
like Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd in their pomp. Wesly crashed 3 sixes and Molloy 2 more as
well as cleverly manoeuvring the field as they claimed maximum batting points. Eventually
Warburton came back and picked up Wesly for 39 after a 92 partnership with Vale 180.
Molloy was to follow soon after completing his 50. Willson smashed a four then had his balls
smashed and did a little dance took and roll on the outfield sending the large crowd into
hysterics. Unfortunately there was no happy ending as Willson was bowled and Vale fell 21
short. An entertaining game with a lot of positives & 13 points.
2nd XI: versus Frodsham away. FCC 185-8. BVCC 99-10. Lost by 86 runs.
At Frodsham, the home 2nd XI beat visitors Bowdon Vale 2nd XI by 86 runs. Frodsham II
won the toss, batted and made 185- 8 with R London unbeaten on 48*. For Bowdon Vale II,
Harry Vogt took 4-31. In reply, Bowdon Vale II were bowled out for 99 with I Hart taking
6-40.
Wednesday 24th June:
Vikings: versus Urmston at home. Match conceded by Urmston.
Sunday 21st June:
3rd XI: v Bredbury St Marks away. BSMCC 189-10. BVCC 193-4. Won by 6 wickets.
Vale won the toss and asked Bredbury to bad on a green and well-used but dry pitch. This
seemed like a good call after 9 overs with Bredbury at 18-2, Harry Vogt having clean
bowled both openers, but Coulson Sr and Horsey showed that the slow pitch had no real
demons in it and built a partnership of 135 for the 3rd wicket before Horsey skied to
Arslan Javed at cover the first over of Vogt's second spell. At the other end, brother
Richard Vogt in his first spell for the Vale bowled with sufficient variety to have Coulson
promptly stumped by Ed Stacey and then took a sharp return catch to bag two wickets in
one over and expose the Bredbury tail. From 152-2 after 30 overs Bredbury ended 189 all
out after 37, with Harry Vogt finishing with figures of 10-3-32-6, his second 6-wicket haul
of the season. Vale openers Pete Williamson and Louis Power began playing shots from the
outset, Williamson's first three scoring shots all 4s and Power's first a 6. They posted a
50 partnership in the 11th over and 100 in the 17th. Against cafeteria bowling, Williamson
was particularly ruthless against anything short before lifting a long hop straight to deep
square leg in search of his 13th 4, scoring 65 out of 113 in the 19th over, a record 3rd XI
opening stand. At the other end Louis Power gave few chances and paced his innings
perfectly. Although another three wickets fell, Power was always in control and scored the
winning runs hitting 3 boundaries in the 39th over, carrying his bat for a career best 88 not
out with fourteen 4s and two 6s. Bredbury St Mark's 189 all out (37 overs) lost to BVCC
193-4 (38.5 overs) by 6 wickets. Bredbury 9 points; BVCC 25 points.
Saturday 20th June:
1st XI: No match.
2nd XI: versus Mossley at home. MCC 58-10. BVCC 59-2. Won by 8 wickets.
At Bowdon Vale, the home 2nd XI beat visitors Mossley 2nd XI by 8 wickets. Mossley II
batted first and were bowled out for 58 with G Roberts taking 4-8. In reply, Bowdon Vale
II won the game scoring 59 – 2.
Page 13Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
Wednesday 17th June:
Vikings: versus Bowdon at home. BVCC 129-4. BCC 131-7. Lost by 3 wickets.
For the third week running the match was decided in the last over of the game. Vale posted
a total of 129 - 4 with contributions from Jessop (30*), Sinclair (31*) and Hunter (25). The
total should really have defendable but despite good fielding, too many bowlers were not at
their best. Bowdon got off to a fast start, Simpson (34*), Marshall (20), and were only
pegged back by Roberts (3-17) and some tidier overs from Higson and Hutton in his second
spell. With more than 20 required off the last three overs Vale were still in a winning
position but Pickup's boundaries made the difference. When he was run out for 26 the
balance shifted again but a sliced edge off the last ball went for 4 and took Bowdon to
victory by 3 wickets.
Sunday 14th June:
3rd XI: versus CH Ladybridge at home. No play. Rain.
Saturday 13th June:
1st XI: versus Rylands at home. RCC 169-10. BVCC 171-5. Won by 5 wickets.
With all weather reports during the week suggesting that we would need an ark,
groundsman Harry Woods refused to believe it and after some hard work saw the ground in
good condition to start on time. Captain Iain Johnson wasn't unhappy to lose the toss and
second in the table Rylands chose to bat on a greenish wicket. Ian Willson and Fuzz
Mohamed opened the bowling and found some zip in the pitch. However Rylands made their
way to 74 before Jenkins (50) thought he could take a quick single to James Bottomley who
nonchalantly threw down the stumps. This was the opening Vale needed as Nomaan then
bowled Platt for 21 and took a stunning one handed return catch to dismiss Lowe. Molloy
picked up a wicket to reduce Rylands to 85-4. Rowlands came out and crunched some mighty
blows and seemed to be taking the game away from Vale until Willson returned to bowl him
for 48 at 155. Nomaan picked up Peters for 29 at 169 and then The Boy and Nomaan
weaved their way through the rest without another run being added, Tom Robinson finishing
the innings with a steepling catch at long on in a fine fielding display by the team leaving
Vale 170 to win in 50 overs. Nomaan 4-47, Ian Willson 3-35. For the first time this season
Vale started with the same openers; Dave Molloy and Dr Dwai Sen who batted sensibly in a
partnership of 44. The Doc played some lovely shots in his 26. At 44-2 John Ollier and
Nomaan Hasan joined forces and the carnage began as John-Boy let loose his mighty sweep
shot four times clearing the rope. With Nomaan the quieter partner for once, the two put
on 90 in 10 overs before Ollier was bowled by Thomas for a fantastic 53 with score at 134-
3. A couple of wickets fell before Nomaan brought up his 50 with a match winning 6. A
great performance and welcome 25 points.
2nd XI: versus Hartford away. HCC 181-6. BVCC 124-10.
At Hartford, the home 2nd XI beat visitors Bowdon Vale 2nd XI by 57 runs. Hartford II
batted first and made 181 – 6 with H Bohra 67 and A Khan 37. For Bowdon Vale II, Aiden
Bottomley took 4-45. In reply, Bowdon Vale II were bowled out for 124 with Keith Fenton
76. For Hartford II, H Bohra took 6-28.
Wednesday 3rd June:
Vikings: verus Sale away. SCC 111-10. BVCC 108-3. Lost by 3 runs.
Page 14Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
Another thrilling finale sees the Vale on the losing side this time. For a period of the game
it looked as though Vale over 40’s were going to pull off another victory in a tight match,
this time against champions contenders Sale. Sale batting first started at lightning pace
with 10 an over off the first 4 overs however with a combination of a change of bowling and
the two openers retiring, Almond 32* and Battersby 30* the run rate was stemmed.
Roberts 2-20, Higson 1-19 and Ahmed 1-10 off each of their 4 overs. Only Davenport 30*
made any further impression on the scoring, the remaining eight Sale batsmen scoring only
8 runs between them. For the second week running BV bowled the opposition out inside the
20 overs and a bowler finished the game on a hat-trick, Hunter 2-19. Sale finished on 111 all
out. It would be fair to say that the Sale bowling attack is probably the best in the division
and their approach almost professional, but despite this the modest total and a good wicket
with a large outfield meant that Vale fancied their chances. The Vale batsmen never
managed to get ahead of the run rate but were always in with a chance. Jessop 16 and
Sinclair 21 made good early contributions and Webb 33* put victory in sight. Some
excellent running put pressure on the Sale fielders but with the opening bowlers returning
it was always going to be difficult for Bottomley 13* and Hunter 19 to finish the job and so
it proved with the Vale coming a heart-breaking 3 runs short in the end. The Vikings should
take heart from pushing one of the leading teams so close but will rue an opportunity
missed.
Sunday 7th June:
3rd XI: versus Urmston away. UCC 150-10. BVCC 153-5. Won by 5 wickets.
Urmston won the toss on a beautiful day on what looked like a good very good batting pitch.
The openers declared their intent from the start, punishing anything short for four runs.
But setting the tone for the innings, Williams was the first to go pulling too early at a long
hop to be caught and bowled by Harry Vogt. First change Arslan Javed started steadily
and got the ball to swing in. He was soon rewarded bowling opener Bryant for 27 playing a
rash drive to the last ball of one over and Naughton (more of him later) lbw for 0 to the
first ball of the next. Urmston never stopped trying to score and never stopped hitting
in the air. Vale held on to all but one of their chances with Dave Gould and Louis Power
holding two quite outstanding catches in the deep. Arslan Javed finished the innings with 5-
40, his first ever five wicket haul in any form of cricket and deserved to keep the match
ball; Urmston all out for 150 after only 27 overs. Vale started steadily against the
impressive opening attack of Naughton and Foster who bowled with pace and accuracy,
secure in the knowledge of the extra 13 overs to reach the target. Pete Williamson was
the first to fall with the score on 23 in the 9th over with Louis Power falling in the 12th
over with the score unchanged. Richard Vogt and Dave Gould then dug in to see the
openers off with a wicket apiece and started to push the score on against the weaker
change bowling. They put on 78 for the third wicket before another two wickets fell at 101
with Harry Vogt bowled first ball. Openers Naughton (10-5-10-1) and Foster (10-2-24-3)
returned in an effort to break further into the Vale batting but Matt Fox joined Vogt to
see their overs through. Having been chatty all afternoon Naughton got upset at Fox's
effective defence and unnecessarily overdid the sledging before Pat Fox put him in his
place by responding from the boundary that his dad was deaf anyway so he was wasting his
breath! When Richard Vogt was bowled for a responsible 65 there were still 26 runs
needed but Fox (21 not out) and Gareth Roberts (9 not out) saw Vale home in another 3
overs and having paced their reply well all afternoon Vale needed only 2 of the extra 13
overs to finish the game. Urmston 150 all out (27 overs) lost to BVCC 153-5 (42 overs) by 5
wickets.
Page 15Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
Saturday 6th June:
1st XI: versus Maritime at home. BVCC 79-10. MCC 80-4. Lost by 6 wickets.At
Bowdon Vale, visitors Maritime beat the home side by 6 wickets. Bowdon Vale won the toss,
batted and were bowled out for 79 with Rajeevan taking 7-17. In reply, Maritime won the
game scoring 80 – 4 with M. Haroon 33.
2nd XI: versus Holmes Chapel away. BVCC 76-10. HCCC 80-3. Lost by 7 wickets.
At Holmes Chapel, the home 2nd XI beat visitors Bowdon Vale 2nd XI by 7 wickets. Bowdon
Vale II won the toss, batted and were bowled out for 76 with C. Hind taking 8-7 from 12.1
overs. In reply, Holmes Chapel II won the game scoring 80 – 3 with M. Radford unbeaten on
51*.
Wednesday 3rd June:
Vikings: verus Bramhall at home. BCC 110-9. BVCC 114-4. Won by 6 wickets.
After two matches rained off Vale Over 40’s achieved a much needed victory against
Bramhall. Bramhall batted first on what was still a slightly wet wicket. Several times the
ball went in the air but never quite reached the fielder. With Edwards injured in the warm
up and then Buckley struck on the leg unable to complete his 3rd over the bowling looked
desperately depleted. Up stepped debutant Ahmed (4-14) , after a break of 25 years it
took him one over to warm up, then he struck 4 times in his next 3 overs and will start the
next match on a hat-trick. Bramhall’s 110 looked a little short of par but the wicket was
unpredictable. Webb (30 retd) ensured a reasonable start but with Dean out for 20 and
then key batsmen Sinclair and Bottomley falling, both unluckily, a tense finish was set up.
The Bramhall bowling improved and with Bowdon needing a run a ball for the final overs it
fell to Hunter (25 not out) to try to steer the side home. With 2 needed off the last two
balls Bramhall bowled a wide and then Hunter struck another elegant boundary to complete
the victory.
Sunday 31st May:
3rd XI: versus Macclesfield at home. No play. Rain.
Saturday 30th May:
1st XI: versus Mellor away. MCC 162-5. BVCC 143-10. Lost by 19 runs.
At Mellor, the home side beat visitors Bowdon Vale by 19 runs. Mellor won the toss, batted
and reached 162 – 5 with Baythorpe 33 and S Harrison unbeaten on 31*. In reply, Bowdon
Vale were bowled out for 143 with N Hasan 46. For Mellor, S Smith took 4-40 and N
Marsland took 3-24.
2nd XI: versus Appleton at home. ACC 209-8. BVCC 115-10. Lost by 94 runs.
At Bowdon Vale, visitors Appleton 3rd XI beat the home 2nd XI by 94 runs. Appleton III
batted first and made 209 – 8 with M Arnold 99 and J. Warham unbeaten on 38*. For
Bowdon Vale II, Aiden Bottomley took 3-36. In reply, Bowdon Vale II were bowled out for
115 with Sam Davies 78. For Appleton III, S. Lancaster took 5-31.
Wednesday 27th May:
Vikings: versus Cheadle at home. No play – rain.
Page 16Bowdon Vale Cricket Club Match Reports - 2015
Saturday 23rd May:
1st XI: versus Styal at home. SCC 209-7. BVCC 138-8. Match drawn.
Styal batted first with Vale a man short in the field. This proved costly as opener
Mountford edged Ian Willson through an absent second slip. The openers rode their luck
initially and then started to play well putting on 84. Things dramatically changed when Fuzz
Mohamed came on firstly trapping Yaya for 22 then picking up Yousef for 0 with the help
of a good catch from Willson. Nomaan picked up the big wicket of Mountford for 65 and
then took a tidy catch off Fuzz to reduce Styal to 100-4. That was to become 110-7 as
Nomaan picked up a second and Fuzz completed a five wicket haul. As Vale pushed for
further breakthroughs, Shawcross and Saxon dug in. The bowling was switched around but
no more wickets were to fall as 99 was put on for the eighth wicket leaving the final score
as 209-7. Fuzz finished with 5-37. The reply started badly as Vale slumped to 28-3 in the
13th over. Hasan and Steve Bottomley batted nicely until the score reached 94 when
Nomaan smashed big back to the bowler on 44. Dave Molloy helped Bottomley 33 put on 38
until the latter was unlucky to play on. With only 8 overs remaining Vale were struggling to
pick up the pace and Molloy 20 was bowled in the 39th over at 133-6. Gareth “no-ball”
Roberts followed three balls later and Jack Ryan was bowled in the 42nd over with the
score at 134-8. Johnson and Mohamed saw out the remaining overs to ensure a draw. 17
year old Yaya finished with 6-32. Vale picked up 9 points
2nd XI: versus Rostherne away. BVCC 139-8. RCC 142-2. Lost by 8 wickets.
At Rostherne, the home side beat Bowdon Vale 2nd XI by 8 wickets. Bowdon Vale II batted
first and made 139 – 8 with J Bottomley unbeaten on 33*. For Rostherne, A. Etherington
took 4-21. Rostherne won the game scoring 142 – 2 with A. Etherington completing a fine
all-round game unbeaten on 63* and K Henry unbeaten on 60*.
Wednesday 20th May:
Vikings: versus Brooklands away. No play – rain.
Sunday 17th May:
3rd XI: versus Stockport Trinity at home. BVCC 51-10. STCC 52-7. Lost by 3 wickets.
Winning the toss on a bright and breezy afternoon on a dry pitch with a strong team,
batting first seemed like a good idea. However the Trinity bowlers put the ball just about
in the right place and let the pitch with its slow and often very low bounce do the work.
Only Richard Vogt (14) and Gareth Roberts (13) managed to reach double figures with 6
batsmen failing to get off the mark as Vale succumbed for 51 all out. In reply, Trinity were
0-2 after the first over with Harry Vogt bowling quick, straight and taking full advantage
of the bounce. Only Trinity keeper Quinn, whose strategy was to hit hard and as straight
as possible, managed to reach double figures, but his effort (37) was enough to win the
game. Vogt continued to bowl magnificently and take wickets at the other end, finishing
with 6-4-13-6, but Trinity passed the Vale total after on 11.2 overs and with 3 wickets in
hand. Of 17 wickets that fell, 12 were clean bowled and 2 LBW.
Saturday 16th May:
1st XI: versus Norbury away. BVCC 267-9. NCC 141-10. Won by 126 runs.
After winning the toss and batting on a decent wicket, captain Iain Johnson sent out the
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