Moorfield record breakers

IT was a weekend of records at Moorfield CC this weekend. The first XI entertained Birkenhead St Mary's and Moorfield skipper John Eccleshall lost the toss and was put into bat on a hard batting track. Ian Maher immediately set about the Birkenhead attack crashing the ball to all parts. Ian went on to hit 172 not out off 116 balls as Moorfield reached the impressive total of 268 for four declared.

He was supported by a good middle order. Ian had smashed his own first XI club record, which was previously 158, set some years ago. His brilliant knock was also the highest ever recorded by any player in the league's history.

After tea it was obvious that this total was too much for Birkenhead to chase and they were unable to bowl them out. Birkenhead finished on 221 for five to record a draw. Moorfield 10 points Birkenhead five points. The second XI also faced the Birkenhead outfit on the Wirral.

Skipper Dave Sefton won the toss and elected to field. They soon discovered the skills of Birkenhead's overseas player Ali Hague who scored a good 132 not out. Birkenhead closed their innings on 228 for six with Dave Sefton shining through with three for 56 off 17 overs.

In response the chase was led by openers Craig Baxter (49) and Gaz Jones (66) but wickets began to fall and Moorfield could not sustain the required run-rate and the innings closed on 220 all out just eight runs short.

All three Birkenhead bowlers took three wickets apiece.

On Sunday Moorfield 3rd XI entertained Kirkdale at Moorfield Road. Skipper Andy Paton won the toss and decided to bat. Danny Naughton opened with Danny Paton. Naughton had just missed three, first XI games due to holidays so he needed to have a decent workout at the crease.

Bearing in mind Ian Maher's 'new' club record the previous day Naughton batted in determined mood. However, wickets had been falling at the other end and at one point Moorfield had been reduced to 85 for five in 24 overs. Dale Bloomfield came to the crease as 16-year-old Danny Naughton continued to punish the Kirkdale attack. With one ball left Danny was on 167 not out, needing a six to beat Ian Maher's new record from the previous day.

He got it and his brilliant total of 173 is now an official club record albeit Ian's stands for the first XI and the league record. Dale scored 25 not out and Moorfield declared on 221 for five off 40 overs.

However, it wasn't enough as Kirkdale reached the required total in their last over to record a good win despite Naughton also taking two wickets and two fine catches and youngster Stu Lunt taking two wickets.

The third XI also had another run out against Over Peover on the Bank Holiday. Skipper Shaun Chambers lost the toss and was asked to field.

Youngsters Neil Baxter, Tom Lunt, Rachel Tansey all took two wickets each as did the not so young Barry McCurdy. Moorfield were set a total of 200 to chase.

In response Moorfield struggled to 20 for six at one point. When Rachel Tansey joined Mally Buck at the crease things began to look brighter for the Widnes outfit and a draw looked on the cards.

But it wasn't to be as Mally Buck fell on 70 despite Rachel's support. Moorfield finished on 119 all out in a disappointing loss.