Too little, Too late for Knutsford CC

Knutsford 1st XI entertained Wilmslow Wayfarers 1st XI on a muggy afternoon at Mereheath Lane. Captain Storrow lost the toss and asked to bat, on a green pitch with perfect swinging conditions.

However, runs were hard to come by and the hosts soon found themselves on 35 for 7 after 18 overs, the Wilmslow opening bowlers capitalised on the uneven bounce (Bennett 2 for 24 and Bruce 5 for 29). The situation desperately required salvation, and this was exuberantly delivered by Townsend, who played some expansive shots to notch up his first 50 for the club.

When he was caught for 60, Knutsford were 116 for 9 with 16 overs remaining. Townsend had put on an impressive 81 for the ninth wicket with Craig Hudson 23. Knutsford were unable to bat out the remaining overs, but they did post a reasonable score of 126, and bank 6 batting points. Wilmslow openers Branagan (45) and Hassard (53) made light work of the run chase, with a hundred partnership.

However, a bowling change brought Clayton (1 for 23) into the attack and a brilliant catch, at first slip, by Swanapoel removed Hassard. Shortly after, another catch by Swanapoel, this time off the bowling of Sajid (1 for 26), saw the end of Branagan.

Unfortunately for Knutsford, with the opposition on 123 for 2 requiring just four, it was a case of too little too late. Wilmslow 20 points, Knutsford 7 points. Next Saturday Knutsford travel to the Wirral to play the Groves.

Photography Jonathan Farber