EIGHT regular players were missing for Knutsford 2nd XI because of injuries, holidays and a Cheshire match.

However, this provided a brilliant opportunity for many young players as Knutsford fought with ten men, boasting only one senior.

Debutants Michael Vant, Jack Thompson and Alex Wilson all impressed.

Openers Craig Hudson and Adam Clayton bowled well and were unlucky not to take wickets in their opening spell as everything seemed to evade the slips.

Debutant Alex Wilson got the first wicket and Mike Ashworth followed up by getting opposing captain Marshall out for 50.

Richie Hammond managed to take the wicket of Hail for 70 and Knutsford began to tighten up.

Clayton and Hudson both managed to get a well-deserved wicket before Pott Shrigley declared.

The inexperience of Knutsford's batting told the story as lots of wickets fell due to rash shots.But the experience of Dave Clayton showed as he managed to hit 51.

The only other batsman getting into double figures was Adam Clayton hitting 13 and Jack Thompson supported well, despite only managing one run.

With the return of many seniors next week, the away game at Trafford Metrovics may prove to be a good contest as Knutsford's young players grow with every game.