Match Report

First XI vs Davenham

I Warner, I Warner, I Warner be adored…

15 year old Jake Warner made his first fifty for the first XI as Hale Barns got the better of a tightly contested draw at Davenham.

After a drive back from Paris on Friday night, Andy Wood found himself travelling to Levenshulme to pick up car-theft victim Khawar Iqbal. This meant the toss fell to Mike Berks who won and elected to bat.

With Robinson and Filson both missing, Iqbal had arrived in time to be first up the ramp with Jimmy Dunley who has so impressed against Bramhall. Unfortunately Dunners only troubled the scorer with a dot and a "w" before trudging back. A solid partnership between Iqbal - who made 30 from 22 balls - and Warner took the score to 39 before the impressive looking Latham got his second wicket (Iqbal) caught at slip / gully.

This brought Peter Stubbs to the wicket who once again played a very convincing knock with the increasingly assured Warner. They put on 101 in 26 overs with few chances - Stubbs solid straight and through the covers and the diminutive Warner all around the wicket.

Stubbs (38) and Warner (64) both went in the 37th over to Jackson (both caught Sharples) which wasn't perfect. However Wood (17) and Hunter (15) posted a run-a-ball 30 partnership which - along with a cameo from Joe Cooper (11 not out) took HBCC to 185/7.

After a hearty tea, Hale Barns took the field confident they could get 10 wickets and force the win.

With Dave Molloy missing, "Dirk" Dunley and Mike "I'll be back" Berks took the new pill and were immediately causing problems. Berks gaining a lot of seam movement and Dunley getting his usual swing.

Berks removed Cartilidge in the 6th over - reward for a hostile spell. Davenham in danger of falling well behind at 16/1 from 10 overs. Dunley then removed danger man Greaves brilliantly caught - first of 3 excellent catches - at second slip by Joe Cooper from Dunley. Cookson (30) and Jackson (38) then put together an excellent partnership of 67 in 16 overs to give Davenham a real chance before both perished - Jackson to a belting catch by Warner at gully from Andy Murphy then Cookson immediately leg before to Saddington.

However, this brought Hornby and Wright together who kept up the ante by playing positively whilst the Barns maintained an attacking approach. The returning Berks picked up a wicket first ball of his new spell - a snick behind to an excellent short ball leaving Hornby to win it himself.

In the end he wasn't far off - flaying Dunley back over his head for a maximum. However, his innings was cut off when trying to repeat the shot he gave an absolute steepler which only premier EasyJet Captain Mike Hunter could deal with. Taking out his altimeter, he swooped round and snaffled it to the delight (obviously, no surprise!) of  his team mates.

With that the game was over. Hale Barns spent the next 2 and a bit overs trying to take the last wicket without success. Davenham closing on 173/9. HBCC 17 points, Davenham 11.

This was a very pleasing performance with a lot of 'usual faces' missing. With the younger players Jake, Joe, Andy Murphy and Bilal Ahmed all contributing this has got to be a positive for the future.

A really enjoyable game played in good spirits. Thanks to Davenham for being such good hosts.

Highlights:

Berks 5-44 from 13 overs

Dunley 2-45 from 16 overs

Warner 64

Stubbs 38

Iqbal 30

The catching!