2s pile on the runs and 3s defeat league leaders

The 2^nd XI moved back upto second in Division 3W with a win over local rivals Elton, and the 3^rd XI defeated league leaders Uppermill on Sunday, although there was a derby day defeat for the 1^st XI.

Batting first away at Elton, captain Fraser Parr (28) and Mumtaz Mirza got the 2^nd XI off to a flying start – 76 on the board after 14 overs when Mirza was caught behind for 44. In total, four quick wickets fell before the 20^th over, bringing together Zain Khan and Zafri Zafardeen (39). The pair put on a blistering partnership, both visibly full of confidence, worth 134 in 87 balls. Khan made it past 80 for the second time this season, but was caught at deep square leg to deny what would’ve been a deserved century for a fine 87 from 81 balls. With the score already nearing 250, Amir Hayat (21) and Farrukh Ali’s (14*) 9^th wicket partnership worth 32 in 3.4 overs inflicted further pain on the Elton bowlers – Bury finishing their 45 overs on 297-9.

Elton lost 2 early wickets but there was some counter attack, led by Ryan Kent (36 from 27 balls). However, Farrukh Ali’s superb 14 over spell yielded 5 wickets to leave the home side 8 down for 106. Despite that, there was still time for Nathan Hunter to score a quickfire 50, helped by a couple of dropped chances, to push Elton above 150, finishing on 170 all out. 6 points for the Radcliffe Road men, which sees them go upto 2^nd in the standings, just one point behind new leaders Bolton Indians. (Scorecard)

Over at Radcliffe Road, it was Stand who came away with a convincing victory in overcast conditions. Overseas Amateur Dylan Faram (61) and Chris Williams (44) did most of the damage in their 87-run 3^rd wicket partnership. However, Bury did fight back with the ball, Damario Goodman taking his total for the season to 22 with 4/55 as Stand ended their overs on 194-9.

Williams’ discipline proved too much for the Bury top order, he took 5-38, with Faram also in the wickets with 4-23. Gary Garner’s 21* added a touch more respect to the scoreline – Bury all out for 91. (Scorecard)

On Sunday, the 3^rd XI produced a fine all-round performance to defeat league leaders Uppermill 2^nd XI. The visitors came out of the blocks flying, going at over 8 an over for the first 5 with the two leading run scorers in the division, Tom Potts and Jake Hill, at the crease. Charlotte Weston bowled Hill for 21 to stall the momentum, before Josh Bowen struck with his 3^rd ball to remove Potts for 25. It was Bowen who then ripped through the middle order, with the Uppermill batsmen struggling to adapt. He had 5 wickets before the 20 over mark, at which point Scott Worswick struck with wickets in back-to-back deliveries in his opening over. Bowen (6/45) finished the innings with Will Clynes (37) well caught by captain Joe Mitchell – Uppermill all out for 130.

Mitchell (43) and Worswick (21) then got off to a flier, punishing some shorter pitched and straighter bowling, and put on 68 for the opening stand to relieve any pressure on the middle order. Sam Leach (30*) and Sajad Safi almost saw the game home – Bury eventual winners with 7.4 overs remaining by 6 wickets. (Scorecard)