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Final League Table
 Meller Braggins League Division 3
Final Table
Burnage 349 Ch
CH Ladybridge 345 Prom
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Wirral 326
Barrow 297
Norbury 271
Knutsford 220
Ashley 216
Woodford 210
Port Sunlight 181
Barnton 171
Chelford 165
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S'bridge St Pauls 164 Rel |
Results
Meller Braggins League Division 3
(League, Saturday, 2.00pm start unless stated)
20th April - Port Sunlight v Norbury. PS 191 for 7, N 173 for 8. PS (14 pts) drew with Norbury (8 pts)
27th April - Woodford v Port Sunlight. Cancelled Woodford 5 pts, Port Sunlight 5 pts.
4th May - Port Sunlight v S'bridge St Pauls. PS 114 all out, SStP 77 all out. PS (21 pts) Beat SStP (5 pts) by 37 runs
5th May (Sun) - Port Sunlight v Barrow (Cheshire Shield. PS 108 all out, 109 for 2. B beat PS by 8 wkts.
11th May - Port Sunlight v Burnage. B 195-9 dec. PS 60 all out. PS (4pts) lost to B (25) by 135 runs.
18th May - Barnton v Port Sunlight. Cancelled - Barnton 5 Points, Port Sunlight 5 Points
25th May - Port Sunlight v Chelford. ps, 115 all out, Ch 116 for 7. PS (4pts) lost to Ch (21pts) by 3 wkts.
23rd May (Thurs - 6.30pm) - Port Sunlight v Barrow (league 16 over cup). PS 55-8 lost to B (56-5) by 5 wkts
1st June - Knutsford v Port Sunlight. K 125-9 (45 overs). PS 126-2. PS (21 pts) beat K (3 pts) by 8 wkts
8th June - Port Sunlight v Wirral. W 170-8, PS 80-6. PS (4pts) drew with W (13pts)
15th June - CH Ladybridge v Port Sunlight. PS 109 all out. CHL 110 for 3. CHL (21pts) beat PS (1pt) by 7 wickets.
20th June (Thursday - 6.00pm) - Liverpool v Port Sunlight (Echo Cup). PS 97-5, L 99-3. Liverpool won by 7 wickets.
22nd June - Port Sunlight v Ashley. A 162-6. PS 106-9. PS (3pts) Drew with A (13pts)
29th June - Barrow v Port Sunlight. PS 118 all out, B 121 for 5. PS (3pts) lost to B(21 pts) by 5 wickets.
6th July - Norbury v Port Sunlight. PS 129 all out. N 130 for 4. N (21 pts) bt PS (4 pts) by 6 wkts
13th July - Port Sunlight v Woodford. W 119 all out. PS 123 for 3. PS (20pts) bt W (2pts) by 7 wkts.
20th July - S'bridge St Pauls v Port Sunlight. PS 162-8. SSP 164-4. SSP(23pts) bt PS(6pts) by 5 wkts
27th July - Burnage v Port Sunlight. B 188-5. PS 140 all out. B (25pts) bt PS(5pts) by 48 runs.
3rd August - Port Sunlight v Barnton. B 111-9. PS 112-3. PS (20pts) beat B (2pts) by 7 wkts.
10th August - Chelford v Port Sunlight. PS 169-5.C 144-7. C (5pts) Drew with PS (12pts)
17th August (1.30pm start) - Port Sunlight v Knutsford. K 186-6. PS 172-9. PS (8pts) Drew with K (14pts)
24th August (1.30pm start) - Wirral v Port Sunlight. Abandoned - W(5pts) PS(5pts)
31st August (1.00pm start) - Port Sunlight v CH Ladybridge. CH L 184-7. PS 129 all out. PS(5pts) lost to CHL(25pts) by 55 runs.
7th September (1.00pm start) - Ashley v Port Sunlight. Ashley 166-5. PS 162-8. Ash (13pts) drew with PS (6pts)
14th September (1.00pm start) - Port Sunlight v Barrow. B 175-5. PS 153-8. PS (5pts) drew with B (14pts)
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Match Reports
H Vs Norbury (April 20)
PORTSIDERS START WITH WINNING DRAW
Port kicked off their 2002 Mellor Braggins season with a pleasing winning draw after an exciting encounter at home to league new boys Norbury on Saturday.
After a solid start in wet conditions Sunlight, who had been asked to bat by the visitors, pushed on impressively with a fluent Danny Gulliver (62) helped by Woods (50 not out) and Byrne (30 inc. 3 6s in an over) eventually helping the home side to pass full batting points and onto 191 for 7 in their allotted 45 overs.
DRAWBURY
Norbury made an impressive start in reply adding 80 for the first wicket in less than 20 overs before 2001 player of the season Hill was introduced into the attack and took 2 wickets in 2 balls. A counter attack from Norbury who had been subdued by Hill's double strike and impressive Hovis Williams (19 overs, 1 for 37) put them in sight of victory. Enter Brendan Woods whose spell of 3 for 21 in a 5 overs at the close of the innings left Norbury 18 runs short with only 2 wickets in hand.
Port scooped 14 points from the game, a decent haul to take into a testing few weeks where a few key players will be unavailable.
Team
Martell, Byrne, Fowler, Gulliver, Hill, Kearney R,Keaney W, McAllister, Thomas, Williams, Woods
4/5/02 - H Vs Stalybridge
SAINT PHIL HAS STALYBRIDGE IN SPIN
New signing Phil Thomas had the visiting Stalybridge batsmen in a spin on Saturday to set up a 37 run victory for the Portsiders at Leverhulme.
Chasing only 114, the East Manchester outfit never came to terms with the task in hand, Thomas (5-16) being the chief executioner. Brendan Woods, Chimp Hill and opening pair Hovis Williams and Adam Crobsy all bowled well to eventually dismiss St Pauls for a meagre 77.
Earlier, Hill (25) and skipper Porno Martell (24) had helped Port to 103 for 4 before the last 6 wickets fell for just 11 runs.
Team – Martell (c), Byrne, Crosby, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, McAllister, Thomas, Williams, Woods
5/5/02 - Cheshire Shield - H Vs Barrow
BARROW TIP PORT ONTO CHESHIRE SHIELD DUMP
Sunners were sent crashing out of the Cheshire Shield at the first hurdle on Sunday by Meller Braggins new boys Barrow.
Dismissed for 108 in just over 40 overs, the Barrow batsmen were never under pressure and it wasn’t until rookies Ryan Kearney, who took 2 wickets, and Martin Naylor were introduced into the attack that Port got any foothold in the game. Barrow eventually ran out winners by 8 wickets with over 15 overs to spare to leave Port without any competitive Sunday fixtures until 2003.
Team – Martell (c), Byrne, Crosby, Hardy, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Naylor, Thomas, Williams, Woods
Around the league (week 3)
4th May
Barnton 65 All Out 2 v Woodford 67 for 5 20
Burnage 132 All Out 5 v CH Ladybridge 136 for 6 22
Chelford 73 All Out 1 v Norbury 74 for 3 20
Knutsford 138 for 8 Dec 4 v Barrow 142 for 5 22
Port Sunlight 114 All Out 21 v S'bridge St Pauls 77 All Out 5
Wirral 156 for 7 Dec 13 v Ashley 129 for 9 5
BURNAGE BURNOUT
Saturday 11 May - H Vs Burnage
Port crashed to their second home reverse on the bounce against South Manchester side Burnage on Saturday.
The talented visitors raced to 195-9 before declaring. Sunlight, depleted by weddings and work committments, never really threatened to chase successfully and were eventually dismissed for 60.
Stand in skipper Mark Jones was still buoyed however by the way the young Sunlight team had tried to stand up to a side which would have destroyed most opposition on Saturdays form.
Team - Jones(c), Crosby, Fowler, Hardy, Hill, R Kearney, W Kearney, McAllister, Naylor, Woods, Williams
Around the League (week 4)
Ashley 181 for 9 Dec 8 v CH Ladybridge 182 for 7 24
Barrow 159 All Out 7 v Wirral 161 for 6 24
Norbury 175 for 8 8 v Knutsford 203 for 6 Dec 14
Port Sunlight 60 All Out 4 v Burnage 195 for 9 Dec 25
S'bridge St Pauls 104 for 8 19 v Barnton 102 for 9 Dec 4
Woodford 129 for 4 20 v Chelford 128 for 7 Dec 4
Saturday May 25th, H vs Chelford
Match report will appear here (never did - woeful performance though to lose by 3 wickets defending 115).
Around the League
Barnton 123 for 9 4 v Burnage 181 for 6 Dec 14
Barrow 181 for 8 9 v Ashley 196 for 8 Dec 14
Norbury 169 for 6 7 v CH Ladybridge 190 for 6 Dec 13
Port Sunlight 115 All Out 4 v Chelford 116 for 7 21
S'bridge St Pauls 179 for 7 6 v Knutsford 217 for 3 Dec 13
Woodford 152 All Out 4 v Wirral 155 for 3 24
Saturday June 1, A vs Knutsford
GULLIVERS TRAVELS
Sunlight's first away trip of the season ended in triumph as they won by 8 wickets at division 3 new boys Knutsford.
A strong fielding and bowling performance had restricted the home side to 125. Matty Hill was the star turn with the ball taking 4-21 in 8 overs. Ryan Kearney, as usual, starred in the field running out a Knutsford opener before taking the catch of the decade on the boundary to dismiss the home side's top scorer.
A steady start to the reply was galvanised by Teddy 'Crazyhorse' Favill (37) but opener Danny Gulliver was the star of the show. The left hander, who made 62 in his only other outing this term, stylishly crafted an unbeaten 67 to see the Portsiders home with 8 wickets and 5 overs to spare. Gulliver has had a diary full of weddings, including his own, so far during this campaign. The exhausting schedule comes to end this coming Saturday as he best mans at former Sunlight star Nick Gadge's ceremony in Hartlepool. The Port's best wishes go to Nick and Trudi.
Team - Martell (c), Crosby, Favill, Hardy, Hill, Gulliver, R Kearney, W Kearney, Naylor, Williams, Woods
Saturday June 8, H vs Wirral
Sunlight stuttered to a draw against local rivals Wirral on Saturday following a lacklustre display at Leverhulme.
Wirral, who went into Saturdays clash top of the league, posted 170-8 in their 45 overs, with Chimp Hill, Adam Crosby and Jimmy Roberts doing most of the damage with the ball. The home side never threatened to reach their target however, eventually finishing on 80-6.
Team - Martell, Byrne (pictured), Crosby, Hardy, Hill, Kemp, R Kearney, W Kearney, Roberts, Thomas, Woods
Around the league - 8th June
Barnton 115 for 5 L 4 v Knutsford 157 for 6 Dec 6
Chelford 81 for 7 3 v Burnage 182 for 6 Dec 13
Norbury 138 for 7 Dec 4 v Barrow 140 for 5 21
Port Sunlight 80 for 6 4 v Wirral 170 for 8 Dec 13
S'bridge St Pauls 102 All Out 4 v CH Ladybridge 149 for 9 Dec 23
Woodford 143 for 9 Dec 12 v Ashley 104 for 9 4
Saturday June 16, A vs Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge
Nine man Port Sunlight put up a reasonable fight at league leaders Cheadle Hulme under difficult circumstances. Under-manned and in front of a hostile crowd the Portsiders carded a competitive 109 all out in tricky batting conditions. Skipper Porno Martell (46) and Jimmy Roberts (13 not out) added 55 for the last wicket.
It was always going to be tough to restrict a dangerous bating line up however with key bowlers and two fielders missing. The target was eventually reached for the loss of only 3 wickets.
Team - Martell, Favill, Gulliver, Hardy, Hill, R Kearney, W Kearney, Roberts, Woods
Around the League
Ashley 123 for 1 20 v S'bridge St Pauls 119 for 8 Dec 1
Barrow 59 for 3 20 v Woodford 58 All Out 1
Burnage 61 All Out 20 v Norbury 54 All Out 5
CH Ladybridge 111 for 3 21 v Port Sunlight 109 All Out 1
Knutsford 142 for 7 Dec 23 v Chelford 65 All Out 3
Wirral Abn 5 v Barnton 5
PLUCKY PORTSIDERS FALL JUST SHORT
Port Sunlight put on a spirited display at the County Ground, Aigburth on Thursday but eventually lost by 7 wickets against Liverpool Competition outfit Liverpool in an Echo Cup encounter.
Winning the toss (!) and batting Port, after a steady start, rallied to 97-5 in their 20 overs. Teddy Favill (pictured) top scored with 42 and skipper Porno Martell made 29.
The Liverpool reply got off to a flying start but Matty Hill (5 overs for 12 runs) and Jimmy Roberts, taking two key wickets, pegged back the hosts. Geoff Blackburn (50n.o.) however saw Liverpool home with 4 overs to spare.
RUN DROUGHT GRIPS PORTSIDERS
H Vs Ashley (22nd June, 2002)
Port fell short in a run chase yet again as Ashley left Leverhulme on Saturday with a winning draw. Put into bat by Sunlight skipper Porno Martell, the visitors compiled a useful 162-6 in their 45 overs. Ryan Kearney was the Sunlight star turn with the ball taking 3-23.
Port's reply started well enough and at 45 for 1 after 15 overs, the home side looked well placed. A flurry of wickets however undermined the chase with Martell (41) and Gulliver (27) the only batters to notch. In the end last pair Kemp and Sundve needed to repel the Ashley attack for the last 4 overs to force the draw and close the innings on 106-9. Port's worries over a lack of runs were compounded on Sunday when Teddy Favill (pictured) confirmed that his thumb was broken while batting the previous day and he would be out of action for at least 12 days.
Team - Martell, Crosby, Favill, Gulliver, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Kemp, Roberts, Sundve, Woods
Around the League
Barnton 84 All Out 1 v CH Ladybridge 183 for 3 Dec 25
Chelford 156 for 3 Dec 6 v Wirral 160 for 5 20
Knutsford 95 All Out 3 v Burnage 199 for 6 Dec 25
Port Sunlight 106 for 9 3 v Ashley 162 for 6 Dec 13
S'bridge St Pauls 101 All Out 1 v Barrow 102 for 2 20
Woodford 116 All Out 4 v Norbury 120 for 7 21
Team - Martell (c), Crosby, Favill, Hardy, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Kemp, Roberts, Woods
SUNNERS DEFEATED AT BARROW
Sat June 29 A vs Barrow
Sunlight fell to a five wicket defeat at Barrow on Saturday.
Depsite a good effort from the lower order, Sunlight eventually only managed to post 118, Danny Gulliver top scoring with 31. In reply, after a brisk start, Barrow were pegged back by some good bowling from Roberts, Crosby and Hill. At one stage the home side were 40 runs short with half the team back in the hutch. Depsite a valiant effort however it proved not to be Sunlight's day as Barrow successfully concluded their chase.
Team - Martell, Crosby, Gulliver, Hardy, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Kemp, Roberts, Woods,
Around the League
Ashley 83 for 3 20 v Barnton 79 All Out 1
Barrow 121 for 5 21 v Port Sunlight 118 All Out 3
Burnage 175 for 5 Dec 25 v Woodford 127 All Out 4
CH Ladybridge 203 for 6 Dec 14 v Chelford 203 for 8 13
Norbury 196 for 1 23 v S'bridge St Pauls 191 for 6 Dec 5
Wirral 160 All Out 24 v Knutsford 157 All Out 9
Sat July 6 A vs Norbury
HILL HEROICS CAN'T HALT SLIDE
A maiden first team 50 from Matty Hill could not help Sunlight avoid yet another defeat, this time at the hands of Norbury. Posting 129 all out, Sunlight's total was overhauled by the hosts with 6 wickets in hand.
Team - Gulliver(c), Crosby, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Kemp, Oldfield, Pink, Roberts, Woods
SUN SHINES FOR PORTSIDERS AT LAST
Sat 13 July - H Vs Woodford
Port Sunlight experienced the sweet taste of victory for the first time in 6 weeks on Saturday as the sun shone at Leverhulme.
Fielding first the hosts kept things tight throughout and managed to restrict Woodford to 119 for 8 from their 45 overs. Adam Crosby, assisted by good bowling from Hill and Woods and a first rate fielding display, picked up a well deserved 5-55 from 23 overs.
The Port reply could not have started better, Gulliver (50) and Jones (pictured - 22) plundering 70 in an opening stand lasting 18 overs. From there it was as near a formality as Sunlight could wish for, Favill (23 not out) and Hill (11 not out) finishing the job with 15 overs and 7 wickets to spare.
Team - Martell(c), Byrne, Crosby, Favill, Gulliver, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Williams, Woods
Around the League
Barnton 125 All Out 5 v Norbury 128 for 6 22 Burnage 121 All Out 21 v S'bridge St Pauls 115 All Out 6
Chelford 210 for 2 Dec 25 v Barrow 162 All Out 5 Port Sunlight 123 for 3 20 v Woodford 119 for 8 Dec 2
Wirral 197 for 7 24 v CH Ladybridge 196 for 8 Dec 8
Knutsford 165 for 5 Dec 13 v Ashley 125 for 9 4
DOUBLE AWAY DAY BLUES FOR SUNLIGHT
Sunlight have lost their last to match (at Stalybridge and Burnage respectively). See Results/Fixtures for more.
Around the League
20th July
Ashley 84 for 6 L 4 v Wirral 122 for 9 Dec 4
Barrow 117 All Out 3 v Knutsford 121 for 5 21
CH Ladybridge 6 for 1 Abn 5 v Burnage 226 for 6 Dec 5
Norbury 56 for 2 Abn 5 v Chelford 145 for 7 Dec 5
S'bridge St Pauls 164 for 4 23 v Port Sunlight 162 for 8 Dec 6
Woodford 144 for 3 Dec 5 v Barnton 23 for 0 Abn 5
L = Rain affected draw - no Win-Draw points awarded
27th July
Barnton 144 for 7 Dec 23 v S'bridge St Pauls 106 All Out 3
Burnage 188 for 5 25 v Port Sunlight 140 All Out 5
CH Ladybridge 203 for 4 Dec 13 v Ashley 101 for 6 2
Chelford 74 All Out 5 v Woodford 165 All Out 24
Knutsford 146 All Out 12 v Norbury 142 for 9 8
Wirral 161 for 7 22 v Barrow 159 for 7 Dec 7
BARNTON BASEMENT BATTLE DELIGHT FOR PORTSIDERS
H vs Barnton (Sat 3 August)
Port gave their fight against releagtion a much needed shot in the arm as they defeated bottom club Barnton by 7 wickets at Leverhulme on Saturday.
Winning a very important toss and electing to field, Sunlight had the visitors in early trouble with tight spells from Williams (3-46) and Crosby (2-31). Ryan Kearney was intoduced into the attack for an all too rare bowl and struck immediately - his final figures of 11 overs, 3 for 21 were the best of the day. Chimp Hill ensured no let up for the Barnton batters as he sent down 7 probing overs for 1 wicket at a cost of only 11 runs - finishing on 111 for 9 Barnton must have feared their score was under par.
An early wicket did not upset the Sunlight reply as Danny Gulliver played the leading role in fifty partnerships for the 2nd and 3rd wickets with Porno Martell (20) and Brendan Woods (15) respectively. Gullivers unbeaten 63 eventually ensured Port recorded an impressive 7 wicket victory and bagged 20 points to help in their fight against the drop.
Team - Martell (c), Crosby, Fowler, Gulliver, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Oldfield, Williams, Woods
Around the League
Ashley 69 All Out 5 v Burnage 163 All Out 24
Barrow 151 for 9 Dec 12 v CH Ladybridge 66 for 9 4
Norbury 120 All Out 4 v Wirral 170 for 7 Dec 25
Port Sunlight 112 for 3 20 v Barnton 111 for 9 Dec 2
S'bridge St Pauls 106 for 2 19 v Chelford 105 for 8 Dec 1
Woodford 156 for 7 Dec 5 v Knutsford 160 for 2 22
WOODS TO THE RESCUE AT CHELFORD
Saturday August 10 - A Vs Chelford
A timely return to form for veteran all-rounder Brendan Woods helped Sunlight to claim a more than useful winning draw at Chelford on Saturday. As the rest of the league had an enforced day off due to the heavy rain, Sunlight and Chelford played out an un-interupted relegation dog fight in east Cheshire.
The loss of the toss and inevitable insertion was a bad enough start, and this was compounded by the dismissals of run machine Danny Gulliver and captain Porno Martell in the opening overs. At 23 for 3 after 18 overs things looked bleak - but then a turn around of imense proportions and importance was instigated by Brendan Woods (70) and Ian Byrne (39) as they added 100 in 19 overs for the 4th wicket. Hill (22*) and Ryan Kearney (19*) completed the good work to help Sunlight to an unlikely total of 169-5 in their 45 overs.
Chelford's reply was fluent but punctuated by two of the catches of the season, Gary Bland (pictured) and Brendan Woods the fielders responsible. A high class spell by spinner Chimp Hill (4-41) came close to winning the match for the Portsiders, but eventually the visitors had to settle for a 12 point winning draw, Chelford finishing on 144-7.
The result means 7 points gained by Sunlight on all relegation rivals who each scooped 5 from their cancelled games.
Team - Martell(c), Bland, Byrne, Crosby, Gulliver, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, Littlewood, Williams, Woods
Around the league
All other matches in Mellor Braggins League Division 3 were cancelled.
Sunners Fall Short (H vs Knutsford, 17/8/02)
Port Sunlight were agonisingly close to pulling off what would have been a spectacular run chase at Leverhulme on Saturday.
Fielding first Port were put to the sword early on by the Knutsford openers. 130 runs were added without loss before debutant cockney Smedley Benson (3-39) struck, with the help of back up gloveman Gary Bland, to remove the top three. Sunners were eventually relieved to restrict the visitors to 186-6 from their 45 overs. The figures of Adam Crosby (pictured), 2-31 from 15 overs, were particularly commendable.
In reply a brisk start was led by Danny Gulliver (59) and at 117-2 with 18 overs left to score 70 runs, things looked bright for Sunlight. The loss of Gulliver however was followed by a middle order collapse and even with Woods (48) and Crosby (23) keeping the scoreboard ticking along, the home side's charge for victory was fatally wounded. Sunlight eventually clung on for a draw, finishing on 172-9.
Team - Martell (C), Benson, Bland, Byrne, Crosby, Gulliver, Hill, Jones, Kemp, Littlewood, Woods
Around the League
Barnton 195 for 3 Dec 11 v Chelford 91 for 3 1
Barrow 161 for 8 Dec 13 v Burnage 109 for 9 4
Norbury 182 for 2 24 v Ashley 181 for 8 Dec 6
Port Sunlight 171 for 9 8 v Knutsford 186 for 6 Dec 14
S'bridge St Pauls 106 All Out 0 v Wirral 110 for 0 21
Woodford 108 All Out 2 v CH Ladybridge 109 for 4 20
Wirral Washout (24/8/01)
Rain led to the cancellation of Sunlight's trip to the Grammar School to face Wirral on Saturday.
Around the League
Ashley 110 for 9 20 v Woodford 109 for 8 Dec 4
Barrow 168 for 6 Dec 13 v Norbury 131 for 8 5
Burnage Abn 5 v Chelford 5
CH Ladybridge 160 All Out 24 v S'bridge St Pauls 77 All Out 5
Knutsford 102 for 7 4 v Barnton 145 for 9 Dec 11
Wirral Abn 5 v Port Sunlight 5
H Vs Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge (Aug 31st)
Match report will appear here. (Didn't appear - We dropped 10 catches as CHL got 184-7. Sunlight made 129 all out in reply. Only a 70 partnership between Porno Martell (28) and Ian Byrne (37) in 12 or so overs and Adam Crosby scoring a hard hitting 25 gave Sunners a glimmer but it was not to be.)
Around the League
31st August
Barnton 224 for 4 Dec 6 v Wirral 226 for 3 22
Chelford 106 for 9 Dec 20 v Knutsford 82 All Out 4
Norbury 144 All Out 7 v Burnage 176 for 9 Dec 25
S'bridge St Pauls 140 for 5 22 v Ashley 136 for 8 Dec 4
Woodford 185 for 5 23 v Barrow 181 for 6 Dec 7
A Vs Ashley (Sept 7)
Sunlight Rookie Ryan Kearney was one yard away from powering Port to victory in a last ball thriller. With 6 needed from the last ball to win, Ryan was unlucky to be caught on the boundary.
Earlier, Port had restricted Ashley to 166-5 from 43 overs despite an injury to strike bowler Adam Crosby who could only bowl 4 overs. Matty Hill was the pick of the Sunlight attack, taking 3-41 in 18 overs.
A good start led by Danny Gulliver (29) and Mark Jones (pictured) who made his maiden first team half century, looked to have been wasted as the run chase faltered. Enter the clean striking trio of Hill, Crosby and R Kearney who all struck swift runs to set up the thrilling last ball finale.
In the end, Port were disappointed only to claim a draw having been in such a good position with the bat.
Team - Martell, Bland, Crosby, Favill, Gulliver, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Oldfield, Woods
Around the league
CH Ladybridge 95 All Out 2 v Barnton 96 for 5 20
Barrow 227 for 6 Dec 25 v S'bridge St Pauls 169 All Out 7
Burnage 194 for 3 Dec 25 v Knutsford 175 All Out 6
Norbury 185 for 6 22 v Woodford 184 for 4 Dec 8
Wirral 145 All Out 12 v Chelford 138 for 8 7
H Vs Barrow (14 Sept)
D-Day Drama, But Not at Leverhulme!
As dramatic events around the Meller Braggins League Division 3 eventually saw Stalybridge St Pauls relegated, Port played out their season with the usual blend of near misses, farce and a Danny Gulliver 50.
With one point the first target from the days play, Barrow’s decision to bat first having won the toss was a popular one. Even more popular was the decision which saw the 2nd all important wicket fall, as a ball which passed nowhere near willow was deemed to have been snicked. Veteran gloveman Gaz Bland had the 1st of his three victims and Sunlight had the point which assured 3rd division cricket at Leverhulme next season.
In the field from then on, the Sunlight circus came to town as chance after chance went down. Chimp Hill and Ryan Kearney both bowled well, as did Adam Crosby whose 3-31 from 15 overs ensured him a place in next season’s league handbook. Unfortunately, Barrow still managed to find their way to 175-5 in their 45 overs without too much trouble.
Teddy Favill (38) and Danny Gulliver (54) gave Port a solid foundation for the run chase, the latter passing 500 runs and recording his 7th half century of the season in the process. The loss of both in quick succession however left Sunlight struggling to come to terms with the stiff target as wickets continued to fall and the required run-rate rose. The chase eventually ended 22 runs short with only two wickets in hand.
Elsewhere at the foot of the table, bottom club Barton’s 20 point win at home to Ashley capped an amazing escape by the mid-Cheshire side and left Chelford and Stalybridge fighting for survival. Chelford were crushed by Cheadle Hulme, but picked up two points. Meanwhile St Pauls fell an agonising 10 runs short chasing 176 at home to Norbury, the six points they picked up through their efforts leaving them 1 behind Chelford and relegated. At the top of the table, Cheadle Hulme and Burnage were promoted, as local rivals Wirral blew any chance they had of going up by crashing to defeat at Knutsford.
The end of the season also brings to an end Porno Martell’s reign as club skipper (pictured). Next year is Martell’s tenth at the club, but he is rumoured, despite still planning to play for Port, to have turned down the offer of a testimonial.
Team – Martell, Bland, Crosby, Favill, Gulliver, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Oldfield, Woods
Around the League - 14th September
Barnton 107 for 0 20 v Ashley 106 All Out 0
Chelford 124 All Out 2 v CH Ladybridge 125 for 2 22
Knutsford 139 All Out 22 v Wirral 95 All Out 5
Port Sunlight 153 for 8 5 v Barrow 175 for 5 Dec 14
S'bridge St Pauls 166 All Out 6 v Norbury 175 for 5 Dec 25
Woodford 179 for 3 23 v Burnage 175 for 6 Dec 6
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Squad Stats
Final 2002 League Statistics
Rob Martell (c) - Apps 17, Inns 16, Runs 228, Catches 9
Smedley Benson - Apps 1, Inns 1, Runs 6/Overs 8, Runs 39, Wickets 3,
Gary Bland - Apps 5, Inns 2(2n.o.), Runs 4 Catches 6, St 1
Ian Byrne - Apps 8, Inns 7, Runs 148, Catches 3/Overs 7, Runs 30
Adam Crosby - Apps 16, Inns 11 (1 n.o.), Runs 114, Catches 3/Overs 194, Runs 564, Wickets 27,
Edward Favill - Apps 9, Inns 9(1 n.o.), Runs 235, Catches 1
Paul Fowler - Apps 3, Inns 2, Runs 2, Catches
Danny Gulliver - Apps 14, Inns 14(2n.o.), Runs 517, Catches 5
Martin Hardy - Apps 7, Inns 6(3 n.o.), Runs 6, Catches 3
Matty Hill - Apps 18, Inns 17 (3 n.o.), Runs 178, Catches 6/Overs 196, Runs 658, Wickets 36,
Mark Jones - Apps 14, Inns 14(1 n.o.), Runs 188, Catches 4
Ryan Kearney - Apps 18, Inns 15, Runs 111, Catches 9/Overs 79.2, Runs 273, Wickets 10,
William Kearney - Apps 17, Inns 13 (2 n.o.), Runs 108, Catches 5 Stumpings 2/ Overs 2, Runs 23
Graham Kemp - Apps 5, Inns 4(2n.o.), Runs 7, Catches 2
Christian Lawrence - Apps 1, Inns 1, Runs 0, Catches/Overs 9, Runs 17, Wickets 2,
John Littlewood - Apps 3, Inns 2, Runs 3
Jimmy McAllister - Apps 3, Inns 2(2n.o.), Runs 4,Catches 2/Overs 6, Runs 50, Wickets 2,
Dan Needs - Apps 1, Inns 1, Runs 0
John Oldfield - Apps 5, Inns 3 (1 n.o.), Runs 2
Martin Naylor - Apps 2, Inns 1, Runs 2, Catches
1 (+ one 22 over appearance as sub fielder)
Jamie Pink - Apps 1, Inns 1, Runs 4
Jimmy Roberts - Apps 5, Inns 4(1n.o.), Runs 23, Catches/Overs 39, Runs 148, Wickets 3,
Pete Sundve - Apps 1, Inns 1(1n.o.), Runs 1/Overs 5, Runs 25
Phil Thomas - Apps 4, Inns 4, Runs 41, Catches 2/Overs 21, Runs 50, Wickets 5,
Andy Williams - Apps 10, Inns 4(1n.o.), Runs 2, Catches 1/Overs 104, Runs 300, Wickets 14,
Brendan Woods - Apps 18, Inns 17(2n.o.), Runs 279, Catches 9/Overs 120.3, Runs 467, Wickets 13 |
2003 Season - Final Table/Results
Meller Braggins League Division 3 - FINAL 2003 TABLE
Barrow 345
Wirral 307
Knutsford 302
Barnton 294
Alderley Park 283
Ashley 280
PORT SUNLIGHT 259
Over Peover 247
Woodford 223
Norbury 211
Sandbach 198
Chelford 188
Sunlight record - Pld 22 W 10 D 1 L 10 Abn 1 Batt 39 Bowl 65
26th April - Port Sunlight v Woodford. PS 131 all out, W 132-4. Port Sunlight (4pts) lost to Woodford (22pts) by 6 wkts.
3rd May - Barrow v Port Sunlight. B 170-7, PS 63 all out. B (25pts) beat PS (3pts) by 107 runs.
10th May - Port Sunlight v Wirral. W 130-7, PS 131-2. PS (20pts) bt W(3pts) by 8 wkts.
*CUP* - 15th May - Cholmondely v PS. PS 102-5 (16 8 ball overs), C 103-7 (15.7overs). C bt PS by 3 wkts
17th May - Port Sunlight v Knutsford. PS 164-4, Knuts 58 all out. PS (24pts) bt Knuts (2pts) by 106 runs.
24th May - Barnton v Port Sunlight. PS 114-9, B 115-3. B (20pts) bt PS (2pts) by 7 wickets.
*ECHO CUP* - 29th May - H vs Orrell Red Triangle. PS 83-9, ORT 76 all out. PS won by 7 runs
31st May - Port Sunlight v Norbury. N 92 all out. PS 93-5. PS (20pts) bt N (2pts) by 5 wickets.
7th June - Alderley Park v Port Sunlight. PS 158-8. AP 117 all out. PS (24pts) bt AP(5pts) by 41 runs.
14th June - Port Sunlight v Chelford. C 134 all out. PS 109 all out. PS (5pts) lost to C (22pts) by 25 runs
19th June - H V Irby (Echo Cup - 20 overs). I 155-0. PS 130-7. PS lost to Irby by 25 runs.
21st June - Ashley v Port Sunlight. PS 134-9. A 138-2. A (21pts) bt PS(3pts) by 8 wkts
28th June - Port Sunlight v Sandbach. PS - 136-9. S 116 all out. PS (22pts) bt S (5pts) by 20 runs. (nb - exact scres may differ slightly)
5th July - Over Peover v Port Sunlight. PS 89 all out. OP 90 - 2. OP (20pts) bt PS (1pt) by 8 wkts
12th July - Woodford v Port Sunlight. W 155-7. PS 156-5. W 6pts) lost to PS (22pts) by 5 wkts
19th July - Port Sunlight v Barrow. PS 92 all out. B 94-0. PS(0pts) lost to B(20pts) by 10 wkts
26th July - Wirral v Port Sunlight. PS 171-8. W 174-9. W (25pts) bt PS (9pts) by 1 wkt.
2nd August - Knutsford v Port Sunlight. K 140-5. PS - 76-8. K(12pts) drew with PS(2pts)
9th August - Port Sunlight v Barnton. PS 92 all out. B 93-2. PS (1pt) lost to Barnton (20pts) by 8 wickets.
16th August - Norbury v Port Sunlight. N 177-7. PS 181-4. N (7pts) lost to PS (23pts) by 6 wkts
23rd August - Port Sunlight v Alderley Park. AP 102-9. PS 103-6. PS(19pts) bt AP (3pts) by 4 wkts
30th August - Chelford v Port Sunlight. PS 238-8. C 67 all out. C (4pts) lost to PS (25pts) by 171 runs
6th September - Port Sunlight v Ashley. PS 145-8. A 148-4. PS (5pts) lost to A (22pts) by 6 wkts.
13th September - Sandbach v Port Sunlight. S 97 all out. PS 98-3. S (1pt) lost to PS (20pts) by 7 wkts.
20th September - Port Sunlight v Over Peover. OP 136-8. PS 39-3. Match abndnd - 5pts per team.
|
2003 Match Reports
 | H Vs Woodford (26th April)
Woodford Win at Soggy Sunlight
Heavy showers were not the only thing to dampen Sunners' spirts on Saturday as Woodford took the spoils in a hard fought opening day clash at Leverhulme.
Batting first Sunlight posted a competitive 131 all out, with dependable rookie Ryan Kearney top scoring with 23 and captain Danny Gulliver compiling 20.
Tight opening spells from Adam Crosby and Jimmy Roberts looked to have the visitors on the ropes. A handful of sharp chances went to ground however and depite 2 wickets apiece for Chimp Hill and Chris Lawrence, the Portsiders eventually fell to a six wicket defeat
Team - Gulliver, Crosby, Hardy, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Lawrence, Littlewood, Roberts, Woods
Around the league
Alderley Park 202 All Out 9 v Ashley 102 for 8 Abn 5
Barnton 87 for 5 20 v Over Peover 86 All Out 2
Knutsford 125 for 2 19 v Chelford 123 for 5 Dec 2
Norbury 153 for 9 8 v Sandbach 167 All Out 13
Port Sunlight 131 All Out 4 v Woodford 132 for 4 22
Wirral 56 All Out 5 v Barrow 74 All Out 20
A Vs Barrow - 3 May
BARROW BLUNDERERS
Port Sunlight's batsmen put in a batting dislay to rival the worst in their Meller Braggins history as they were crushed at Barrow by 107 runs, hitting the bottom of division 3 in the process.
Fielding first, Sunlight reigned in a talented batting line up, doing well to restrict them to 170 for 7 in 44 overs. Matty Hill was the star of the show taking a career best 6-44. Jimmy Roberts also bowled well but without too much luck and veteran all rounder Brendan Woods clung onto 3 catches.
Sadly, this was where the fun ended for Port. Rain set in during tea and Sunlight's reply was delayed by 30 minutes, slightly reducing the amount of overs they would have to chase down an imposing but getable total. At 55 for 3 from 16 overs Port were still in the match, but then the last 7 wickets fell for just 8 runs!!!!
Sunlight have now fallen to two defeats out of two this term and need to find some form soon if they are to turn things around. The words 'application' and 'accumulation' are two which anyone wielding the willow will do well to remember. A drizzle of patience wouldn't go amiss either.
Around the League
Ashley Abn 5 v Chelford 5
Over Peover 121 for 5 Dec 9 v Norbury 69 for 6 2
Sandbach 107 for 9 Dec 1 v Alderley Park 108 for 2 19
Wirral Abn 5 v Knutsford 5
Woodford Abn 5 v Barnton 5
WIN ENDS YEARS OF WIRRAL WOE
H Vs Wirral - 10 May
The Lever Boys finally managed to triumph over local rivals Wirral on Saturday after several years of woe at the hands of their neighburs.
Fielding first some high quality bowling from Crosby, Roberts and Hill held back a talented batting line up before veteran left armer Brendan Woods ripped through the visitors middle order taking 4-35. Wirral eventually ran out of overs on 130 for 7, which marked a fine all round effort from the Sunlight attack. Had more of the chances offered up been taken, it really could have been carnage.
As it was, Sunlight had a tricky but very gettable total to overhaul. After a solid start in which skipper Danny Gulliver made 33, Teddy 'Crazyhorse' Favill (59 not out) took control. Supporting him was bowling hero Woods who also remained unbeaten and despite a jittery close which saw the match go to the penultimate ball, the Portsiders eventually secured a crucial victory by 8 wickets.
Team - Gulliver(c), Bland, Crosby, Favill, Hardy, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Around the League
Alderley Park 150 for 9 5 v Over Peover 192 for 5 Dec 14
Barnton 168 for 3 22 v Barrow 167 for 6 Dec 5
Chelford 140 All Out 7 v Sandbach 141 for 9 23
Knutsford 102 All Out 4 v Ashley 163 for 9 Dec 24
Norbury 181 for 7 Dec 25 v Woodford 137 All Out 5
STUNNING SUNLIGHT BURN KNUTSFORD
H vs Knutsford (17th May)
A rampant Sunlight stunned visitors Knutsford on Saturday with a display being dubbed by some as “the best of a generation”.
On a day when the rain ensured most cricketers were sat in clubhouses watching the cup final, the Portsiders put in as dominant a performance as Leverhulme has seen in many a year to claim a 106 run victory and 24 vital points.
Inserted on a wet one, Sunlight’s 2003 batting sensation Teddy Favill scored 87 (a third successive half century and a Sunlight league best for the once burly Midlander) and was ably assisted by tousle haired east coast rebel Ian Byrne (36) in a century 3rd wicket partnership. The 85 runs taken from the final 11 overs gave Port’s total a huge boost as they declared on 164-4.
Rain set in during the interval and looked like robbing the Lever Boys of the chance of bowling out the visitors. One last attempt at getting things started was the catalyst – opening bowlers Adam ‘Freddo’ Crosby (5-25) and Jimmy ‘Ewing’ Roberts (pictured, 4-11) bowled with venim, passion and control in equal measure and with the help of some fine catching ripped through the Knutsford batting line up. The final wicket was taken with 20 minutes to spare by the rookie Roberts, uprooting the off timber of the visitors number 11 and triggering off scenes of unbridled jubilation.
The victory pushes Sunlight up to 4th position in the league and will surely add confidence to the undoubted talent of the side as they prepare for next Saturday’s trip to high flyers Barnton.
Team – Gulliver, Byrne, Crosby, Favill, Hardy, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Around the League
Barrow 233 for 3 Dec 25 v Norbury 70 All Out 1
Over Peover 75 for 3 Abn 5 v Chelford 5
Sandbach 80 for 8 Dec 2 v Ashley 83 for 5 19
Wirral Abn 5 v Barnton 5
Woodford Abn 5 v Alderley Park 5
SUNLIGHT SLIP UP AT BARNTON
Sat 24 May 2003
The Portsiders fell to a 7 wicket defaet at a vastly improved Barnton side on Saturday.
Inserted on a drying track Sunlight made a solid start but were pegged back by some good bowling by the home attack. The lower order rallied slightly but the eventual 114-9 was always going to be tricky to defend. Barnton passed the mark with 7 wickets and more than 10 overs to spare.
Team - Gulliver, Byrne, Crosby, Favill, Hardy, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Around the League
Alderley Park N 0 v Barrow 0
Ashley 129 for 5 21 v Over Peover 126 for 9 Dec 4
Barnton 115 for 3 20 v Port Sunlight 114 for 9 Dec 2
Chelford 142 for 8 22 v Woodford 136 for 9 Dec 6
Knutsford 139 for 9 22 v Sandbach 137 All Out 6
Norbury 53 All Out 0 v Wirral 54 for 0 20
Portsiders Upset Boys from the Big League
Echo Cup – 29 May, H Vs Orrell Red Triangle
The Lever Boys, the Sunlight generation for the new millennium, pulled off their greatest triumph to date when they knocked Orrell Red Triangle of the Liverpool Competition out of the Echo Cup on Thursday night.
A first Sunlight cup victory for over two years was achieved largely thanks to a fine fielding and bowling display but first, Sunlight had to compile what would prove to be a winning score. Skipper Bilko Gulliver top scored with 19 and number 11 cup specialist Martin Naylor hit two fours in the final three balls of the innings (the only balls he faced) to leave Sunlight on an unlikely winning total of 83-9 off their 20 overs.
Then it was over to a youthful attack (and Brendan Woods) as Sunners turned the screw. Four bowlers bowled five overs each - Crosby finishing with 2-19 (both wickets due to impressive pouching from timber minder Billy Kearney), Hill 0-22, Roberts (pictured) a gutsy 0-17 at the death and veteran Woods a stunning 5-13 to bring home the bacon. Home favourite Martin Hardy also chipped in, instigating two vital run outs and Sunlight had dismissed the visitors for 76 to secure a 7 run winning margin.
The reward is a home tie versus Irby, themselves three divisions above Sunlight in the Cheshire pyramid. The clash will take place on either 19 or 20 June.
Team - Gulliver, Crosby, Hardy, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Naylor, Roberts, Woods
Youngsters Destroy Norbury
H Vs Norbury (31 May)
Port recorded their third league win in four matches and their fourth home win in all competitions on the bounce as they overcame Norbury on Saturday by 5 wickets.
After winning the toss, Port's speedy ex-academy opening pair Adam Crosby (4-21) and Jimmy Roberts (4-29) quickly ripped through the visitors defences. A slight rally at the end gave run-shy Norbury a glimmer of hope as they moved from 47-7 to 92 all out.
In reply Sunlight stuttered slightly and at 53 for 4 were still not home and dry. A dominant 29 from Ryan Kearney (pictured), another product of the club's youth system, and a dogged 16 not out from 10 year veteran Porno Martell put the issue beyond doubt however and secured a 5 wicket victory and 20 points for The Portsiders.
Skipper Danny Gulliver cited a settled team as being a major key to the success so far this term. "Going into matches with only one or even no changes really helps our cause - long may this sort of availability continue. The youngsters also derserve a mention because so far this season they have done us, and themselves, proud. There is a long way to go however - it's a long, tough season and no medals are given out at the end of May."
Team - Gulliver, Crosby, Favill, Hardy, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Around the league
Barnton 197 for 3 Dec 25 v Knutsford 94 All Out 1
Barrow 223 for 8 Dec 25 v Chelford 118 All Out 5
Over Peover 91 for 3 20 v Sandbach 90 All Out 1
Port Sunlight 93 for 5 20 v Norbury 92 All Out 2
Wirral 198 for 9 Dec 25 v Alderley Park 120 All Out 5
Woodford 136 for 5 Dec 6 v Ashley 137 for 8 19
DOCKERS PUSH ALDERLEY OVER THE EDGE
Sat June 7 - A Vs Alderley Park
Plucky Port Sunlight recorded their fourth league win in 5 outings, and their first on the road this term, as they destroyed Alderley Park in David Beckham country on Saturday.
Having been invited to bat by the hosts, Port were quickly two wickets down for only one run. Porno Martell, pictured (25) and Teddy Favill (60) slowly rebuilt the innings however and with the help of some late big hitting from Brendan Woods (52 not out) Sunners tead having posted 158-8 in their 45 overs.
It was then the familiar tale of the twin speed kings Freddo Crosby and Porridge Roberts ripping through the opposition’s top order. Park had no answer and were six wickets down in the blinking of an eye. Some dogged resistance down the order looked likely to deny the Dockers but Ryan Kearney came on to affect the crucial breakthrough leaving Roberts (4-20) and Crosby (4-37) to finish the job.
Sunlight’s reward was a season’s best 24 points and third place in the league going into week eight of the campaign, when the Portsiders will be visited by last season’s relegation rivals Chelford.
Team – Gulliver (c), Crosby, Favill, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Littlewood, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Around the League
Alderley Park 117 All Out 5 v Port Sunlight 158 for 8 Dec 24
Ashley 69 All Out 1 v Barrow 70 for 2 20
Chelford 182 for 5 Dec 8 v Wirral 184 for 7 22
Knutsford 112 for 3 21 v Over Peover 110 All Out 2
Norbury 139 All Out 3 v Barnton 140 for 2 23
Sandbach 175 for 9 Dec 25 v Woodford 67 All Out 4
SUNLIGHT SHAMED BY CHELFORD
June 14, H vs Chelford
Sunlight put all the good work of recent weeks on hold for a day as they lost to Chelford on Saturday by 25 runs.
3 wickets for Jimmy Roberts, 4 for Adam Crosby and good spells by Chimp Hill and Brendan Woods were wasted by some poor fielding. This allowed a shakey Chelford batting line up to reach a still mediocre 134.
A batting circus then came to town with only promoted opener Paul Fowler (30) impressing and Port were eventually dismissed for 109. 5 points and some nightmares for the batsmen were Port's only gains from the day. A return to the form of previous weeks is hoped for as the Dockers face mighty Irby in the Echo Cup on Thursday and then travel to third placed Ashley at the weekend.
Team - Gulliver (c), Crosby, Favill, Fowler, Hill, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, McAllister, Roberts, Woods
Around the league
Barnton 175 for 9 Dec 14 v Alderley Park 158 for 8 8
Barrow 211 for 6 Dec 14 v Sandbach 151 for 8 6
Norbury 129 All Out 6 v Knutsford 163 for 9 Dec 24
Port Sunlight 109 All Out 5 v Chelford 134 All Out 22
Wirral 67 for 9 I 5 v Ashley 137 All Out 21
Woodford 128 for 8 Dec 11 v Over Peover 91 for 9 4
SUNLIGHT ASHLEY WOE
Sat June 21st - A Vs Ashley
The Portsiders fell to a second successive league defeat at Ashley on Saturday as the home side ran out winners by eight wickets.
Batting first Sunlight failed to maintain the momentum of a swift start and were soon stuttering. The eventual total of 134, although just about keeping the Dockers in the match, was always going to be tough to defend. Youngster Ryan Kearney (pictured) top scored with 23.
Tea time fears proved founded as Ashley comfortably chased the total with 8 wickets and nearly 10 overs to spare.
With two matches left before the league reaches it’s halfway mark, Port will be looking to quickly rediscover the form which saw them win four from five outings in the games immdiately prior to the two recent defeats.
Team – Gulliver (c), Bracken, Crosby, Favill, Hill, R Kearney, W Kearney, Littlewood, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Around the League
Alderley Park 173 for 7 Dec 9 v Norbury 174 for 8 23
Ashley 138 for 2 21 v Port Sunlight 134 for 9 Dec 3
Chelford 162 for 7 Dec 7 v Barnton 163 for 7 22
Knutsford 146 for 6 Dec 23 v Woodford 44 All Out 3
Over Peover 186 for 8 Dec 7 v Barrow 187 for 4 24
Sandbach 95 All Out 5 v Wirral 139 All Out 22
Sunlight shine
On a very wet weekend with a very dodgy pitch port managed to win a very hard fought game against not so local rivals Sandbach. Port were send in to bat on a pitch that was doing all kinds.
Port lost early wickets and were 30 for 3. Then a solid batting display from Teddy "crazy horse" Favil and Ryan "Zinger" Kearney brought the innings back to life and Port finished on a respectable 136 of their 45 overs.
Port then took the field and started brightly, with the drying wicket still aiding the bowlers. Adam "Bing" Crosby took a very impressive 9 for 45 with Matty "Chimp" hill stealing in with the other vital wicket. Two wickets in the last over secured a very good win for the portsiders.
Port will be looking to carry the good performance on to next Saturdays match against the league hard boys Over peeover.
Team - will appear here
Seems so familiar for Sunlight
Port sank to another poor loss on Saturday.
Losing the toss Sunlight were made to bat and were quickly in trouble when captain Danny "Bilko" Gulliver was out for a duck. That is how the rest of the innings followed. With only three players making double figures Port where all out for a very dismal 89.
Despite an early two wickets Port could not stop Over peeover from knocking off the total. Sunlight lost by 8 wickets and will have to improve before Saturday.
Port will play Woodford and will be looking for some payback from the defeat they suffered first game of the season.
Team - will appear here
DOCKERS SNATCH ANOTHER THRILLER
Sat July 12 - A Vs Woodford
Sunlight produced a great fightback on Saturday to secure a vital win over Woodford at Moor Lane.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Port were put to the sword by Woodford’s opening pair who put on over 70 in 18 overs. Support from the middle order however did not materialise and finally the luck began to turn and some smart chances were held. Chimp Hill led the comeback with a highly impressive 6-39 in 17 overs. Stand in skipper Brock Jones marshalled his troops well and eventually it took a lower order rally to get the hosts to 155-7 in their 45 overs.
Sunlight’s reply was always up with the required run rate and a solid unbeaten 54 from Brendan Woods was complimented by a swift 42 from in form Teddy Favill and an even swifter 23 from returning South American adventurer Porno Martell. Fittingly, it was bowling hero Chimp Hill who struck the winning blow off the penultimate ball to give the Dockers a crucial 5 wicket victory.
Team – Jones (c), Bracken, Crosby, Favill, Hardy, Hill, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
BEAST BURIES LEVER BOYS
Sunlight fell to a comprehensive 10 wicket defeat at home to table topping Barrow on Saturday at Leverhulme.
Batting first Sunlight were soon in trouble at 11-3. A brief recovery was ended when Ryan Kearney was run out for 20 (nice one Porno) and Porno Martell quickly followed him to the pavilion. Adam Crosby (pictured), who top scored with 26, and Allan Nethercott offered some resistance but the eventual total of 92 was never going to trouble Barrow's potent batting.
Worst fears were soon realised as the visitors, boosted by the Beast (following up his 6 wickets with a 50), passed the total without loss in 18 overs. Sunlight drew their first blank of the campaign and as Barrow secured the double over their hosts.
Team – Jones (c), Crosby, Favill, Fowler, Hill, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Nethercott, Roberts, Woods
Sat 26 July - A Vs Wirral
SUNNERS FALL IN DERBY THRILLER DESPITE CROSBY HEROICS
Port Sunlight’s derby day clash at Wirral ended in the narrowest of defeats as a last wicket stand of 20 saw the hosts home with barely an over to spare.
Having been asked to bat on a wicket with a reputation for low scores, Sunlight did very well to reach their total of 171-8. Teddy Favill struck a pugnacious 48 whilst returning batter Goughy Byrne struck an impressive half century.
Three early wickets in the Wirral reply gave the Lever Boys a dream start but a swift 4th wicket stand of 90 put Wirral right back in the game. Ryan Kearney’s golden arm was successfully called upon to break this key partnership to set up a heart stopping final stanza. From then, it was cat and mouse all the way with boundaries being followed by wickets at regular intervals. Adam Crosby (pictured) was the star of the show with a 6 wicket haul and there was also a welcome return to the wickets column for Jimmy ‘Ewing’ Roberts who claimed two scalps from the talented Wirral batting order.
With 10 and 11 at the crease and 19 still needed for victory, Port must have been favourites. Somehow, and despite one or two close calls, Wirral kept their nerve and edged home with 7 balls to spare by one wicket.
Team – Gulliver(c), Byrne, Crosby, Favill, Fowler, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
EARLY COLLAPSE LEAVES LEVER BOYS SHORT
Sat 2nd Aug - A Vs Knutsford
Sunlight managed their first draw of the season on Saturday, unfortunately of the losing variety, as a run chase petered out into a low key stalemate at Knutsford.
Fielding first Port's four pronged attack of Kearney (pictured), Crosby, Hill and Naylor performed well enough. But with wickets a rarity the hosts managed to reach 140-5 in 45 overs, a decent total on a low slow batting surface.
The total looked even better 7 overs into Port's reply with 3 back in the hutch and only 8 runs on the board. A painstaking partnership of 52 between skipper Danny Gulliver (27) and Porno Martell (21) put Sunlight back into contention, but both fell in quick succession and the game was pretty much up. It was left to Brock Jones and club secretary Paul racken to play out the final overs to secure the draw as Sunlight closed on 76-8.
Team – Gulliver(c), Bracken, Crosby, Favill, Fowler, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Naylor
PORT BATTING WITHERS IN LEVER HEAT
Sunlight's flimsy batting once again failed to produce on a scorcher at Leverhulme. This time Barnton were the benificiaries, taking a victory and 20 vital points back to their mid Cheshire based promotion drive.
Sunlight were dismissed for a woeful 92 with only skipper Danny Gulliver (33) showing any run making ability. Despite hostile spells from Crosby and Roberts, Barnton swept to a comfortable victory for the loss of only 2 wickets.
The defeat leaves Sunlight nervously looking over their shoulders at the drop zone and turns some of the forthcoming matches into relegation 50 pointers. Clashes in the next three weeks with Norbury and Chelford take on particular significance.
Team - Gulliver, Crosby, Fowler, Hardy, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Naylor, Roberts, Woods
PIES BRINGS HOME THE BACON
Saturday Aug 16 - A Vs Norbury
Ryan 'Pies' Kearney struck his maiden 1st team 50 on Saturday to see Port home in a crucial clash at Norbury.
At the start, in the blazing sunshine of South Manchester, things had looked bleak for the Lever Boys as lowly Norbury piled on the runs. The run rate were pegged back a bit in the final 10 overs, Adam Crosby yet again in the wickets with three more to add to his seasons haul. The eventual total of 177-7 was lower than it could have been but would still require Port to hit their highest total since April 2002.
Sunners reply ticked along nicely at first, Danny Gulliver plundering early runs. Wickets fell at regular intervals however and at 88-4 after 25 overs things were very much in the balance. 15 overs later Port had passed the target with five overs and six wickets to spare. Ryan Kearney (58*) and Porno Martell (33*) took the game away from the hosts with an unbeaten stand of 93 to secure the win and 23 crucial points.
The win pushes Norbury deep into relegation trouble whilst Port will feel that one more win should ensure Division 3 cricket at Leverhulme next term. Skipper Danny Gulliver expects more than mere survival however and will be looking for a few more positive results prior to the season's conclusion.
Team - Gulliver, Byrne, Crosby, Favill, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, Martell, Naylor, Roberts, Woods
MISERLEY CHIMP DOES TRICK FOR PORT
Chimp Hill was the star of the show in a solid Port performance on Saturday but wins elsewhere mean that relegation spectres have yet to be banished for the season.
Hill (pictured) returned figures of 4-17 from 15 overs to help restrict a talented Alderley Park outfit to a meagre 102-9 in 45 overs. Freddo Crosby and Knuckles Roberts also chipped in with 2 wickets a each.
Port made hard work of reaching the total on a bowler friendly surface but were seen home by an assured 38 not out from veteran all rounder Brendan Woods. Badger Jones, who earlier had held two fine catches, struck the winning runs for the Dockers.
The win sets up an intriguing clash at Chelford next Saturday where a win for Sunlight will ensure division 3 cricket at Leverhulme next term but defeat could put them right back in relegation mixer.
Team - Gulliver, Bland, Crosby, Favill, Fowler, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
CHELFORD HUMBLED BY RAMPANT SUNLIGHT (30/8/03)
Sunlight put in a top draw display to record what must come close to being the biggest victory in the club's history at Chelford on Saturday. The Lever Boys 3rd straight win was achieved by a staggering 171 runs, securing 25 points and all bar mathematical safety from relegation this term.
Sunlight and in particular Danny Gulliver's day didn't start well as the skipper was dismissed for a duck having lost the toss. Gloom soon turned to glory however as Goughy Byrne (pictured - 59) and Teddy Favill (34) put on a hundred for the second wicket in 15 overs. Porno Martell (55) then picked up the baton, and his first half century of the campaign, compiled during a series of handy partnerships with the middle and lower order. At the end of their 45 overs the Lever Boys had clocked up a mammoth 238-8. The total was the biggest in the Meller Braggins League Division 3 this season and Port's biggest in living memory.
It was then the turn of the bowlers to star, as they showed their Chelford counterparts where the ball should be put. Adam Crosby took 5 wickets, Jimmy Roberts was unlucky to end up with only 4 and debutant Craig Emmott took the other as they ripped apart the hosts batting, dismissing them for 67.
Port now, with three matches left, have a chance of finishing in the top half of the table if they can carry through the momentum of their best run of the season so far.
Team - Gulliver (c), Byrne, Crosby, Emmott, Favill, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Sat 6 Sept - H Vs Ashley
PORT LOSE BUT SAFETY ASSURED
Port lost to Ashley but results elsewhere ensured division 3 cricket at Leverhulme next term. Ryan Keanrey made 44 and was ably assisted in a 50 partnership with Mark Jones to help Port post 145-8.
Ashley withstood a strong Sunlight bowling performance however and got home with 6 wickets and 4 overs to spare.
Team - Gulliver (c), Byrne, Crosby, Emmott, Favill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
Sat 13 Sept - A Vs Sandbach
PORT SEND SANDBACH TO SHAMMAH BRINK
Port recorded their 10th league victory of the season on Saturday to send hosts Sandbach to the brink of relegation. It was barely noticable that Crosby, Martell and Byrne were all missing as Port put in what skipper Danny Gulliver called 'a complete display'.
Bowling first Bobcat Roberts (pictured) took 4 wickets, Chimp Hill 3 and Springwi Emmott 2 to reduce the South Cheshirearians to 97 all out. The batting stood up to the test, knocking off the runs for the loss of only 3 wickets. Mark Jones struck 33 and 500 club member Teddy Favill an unbeaten 24 to bring 20 more points back to Leverhulme.
With one match to go, and having achieved double figures in the 'win' column, Port have two further aims this term - to avenge their defeat earlier in the season at Peover and in the process, if Alderley Park fail to win, finish in the top half of the table.
Team - Gulliver (c), Bracken, Emmott, Favill, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, W Kearney, Nethercott, Roberts, Woods
RAIN BRINGS PREMATURE END TO SUNLIGHT SEASON
Sat 20 Sept - H Vs Over Peover
Port's hopes of finishing in the top half of the table were scuppered as the rain curtailed their run chase at Leverhulme on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Craig 'Emmo' Emmott (pictured) took 6-57 to help reduce visitors to 136-8 in 45 overs. Port's reply was in the balance at 39-3 before a second heavy downpour of the afternoon turned an already sodden outfield to mush. The captains shook hands and the 2003 campaign was over.
Elsewhere local rivals Wirral were promoted along with champions Barrow whilst Norbury beat Ashley to send Sandbach and Chelford down to the Shammah Nicholls League. Sixth place Alderley Park won meaning that even a closing day victory for Port would not have earned them a place in the divisions top half.
Team - Gulliver (c), Byrne, Crosby, Emmott, Favill, Hill, Jones, R Kearney, Martell, Roberts, Woods
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