Barton Victorious in Murrough Wilson Cup 2006 !!!

Team : Back Row L to R – Neil Kearney, John Murray, Peter Frankland, Mark Pheasant, Danny Shoulder, David Millar and Jamie Burn Front Row L to R – Tony Millar (wkt), Marc Lockey (capt), James Frankland and Danny Porritt Match Report. Barton travelled to Cliffe CC in high spirits with the intention of bagging trophy number 5 of the Gregorian calendar, only with Rockliffe Park in the way. The toss went the way of Barton Captain Marc Lockey who had no hesitation in electing to bat on a good pitch with encouraging boundaries. Early signs were that the pitch had a bit to offer as Tony Millar found the going tough and eventually succumbed to John Pybus. This however was to be a huge turning point in the game bringing Neil Kearney to the crease with together with opener Lockey. After an over or two to settle in the Barton players sat back in their chairs and watched a 176 run partnership in 20 overs. The bowlers toiled in the sunshine but the boundaries were not big enough for the big hitters of Barton. Eventually it was Lockey who departed for a spectacular 97 (11x4 and 7x6) to be followed shortly by Kearney for 83 (9x4 and 4x6) though the damage was done. John Murray and Danny Shoulder joined in at the end with a couple more sixes to boot to nudge the final total up to 227 for 3 off 30 overs. Tea was taken and the Barton troops read the riot act by Lockey who "had not turned up here to get beat and insisted we better win otherwise retirement was the only option!" There was an early break through via Peter Frankland and an outrageous catch from David Millar to which Lockey quipped "Barney you weirdo!" Rockliffe were in no mood to roll over and were up with the required run rate, Barton needed to hold their nerve! With excellent fielding performances form Danny Porritt, Jamie Burn and Mark Pheasant the Rockliffe Park batsmen began to feel the Barton squeeze. Lockey then turned to the 'veteran' James Frankland to join the bowling attack in place of Danny Shoulder which yielded instant success. Ashley Fiddell looking ominous just dragged his back foot beyond the popping crease and Tony did the rest, Barton were back on the road. Rockliffe still believed with Beanie still at the crease though once gone for a fine 52 the Frankland brothers did the rest - Peter returning 4 for 93 in 15 overs with elder brother James claiming 3 for 50 in 9 overs. Barton win by 20 runs - what a great final to be a part of, commiserations Rockliffe and many thanks to Cliffe CC and all who contributed to a great day! The Wilson Cup made its short journey back to the Half Moon Barton and was soon overflowing with a cornucopia of Tia Maria, Vodka and Coke before taking its place beside the League 7-a-Side Cup, Andrew Morgan Challenge Cup,The Fenwick Cup and Midweek League Title on the labouring trophy shelf. Cheers Lads! Cheers Poppy!