Penultimate Saturday delivers real promise

As a tough season draws to a close, a win for the 1s and a hugely encouraging performance by a youthful 2nd XI reminds us all what makes this Club great...

The 1st XI took 19 points by easing to a comfortable win against Colton Institution CC, down at Countances Way. With Lewis Bolton and Forrest Hamilton back in the runs up the order, it was left to brother Redmond and our overseas, Kervon Christmas (Seen above), to hit some lofty blows towards the back of our innings, to see us finish up 224 ao, with a few balls remaining.

With Club president Frank Taylor looking on, Rhydding took to the field, with early breakthroughs seeing the opposition fall to 25-2, before being bowled out for 114. A 4-fer for Tom Pratt, 2 for Sam Tattersall, and a 3-fer for that man K. Christmas, completing the win for Robbie Oldham's side.

However, just as impressively and perhaps more significantly for the future of the Club, was the action happening at Colton's ground, where Oliver Musgrave's youthful 2nd XI put up a real fight against our hostsBowling first, our young attack of Dan Rowe, Charlie Hatton, Tom Cross and Siôn Blears, aged 14, 15, 16, and 17 respectively, bowled top four Colton out for 204.

In reply, Rhydding's innings was anchored by U17s skipper Chris Maunsell, scoring his maiden senior half century, and highest knock in all forms of the game. His 72 off 48 overs showed real fight, contributing both meaningful runs, whilst also occupying the crease - so crucial in 50 over senior cricket, and rightly takes his place on the 2015 Honours Board, found HERE. Rhydding finished on 151 – 9, with Chris’s knock helping us to prevent Colton taking all 10 wickets.

Our junior bowlers showed a thoroughly exciting glimpse of the future for the Club - step forward Ian Grosset, Peter Taylor, Alex Miller, Neil Hatton and Robin Snook for your part in their development, and we have further vindication behind the decision to leave the 3rd XI League two seasons ago, in favour of Sunday friendlies, to allow the blooding of young talent into the senior game, played in the spirit on Sunday cricket.

The future is bright. The future is Rhydding!