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Batsmen fail to back up the bowlers

30/ 4/2008

Neston..................169-7
Hyde.....................81ao

HYDE’S batsmen never really got going last weekend as they were beaten by 88 runs at Neston.

Having travelled in good heart after their draw with Widnes the previous week, Hyde won the toss and put the hosts in.

Skipper James Duffy could not have been happier with his side’s start as Tom Young and Robert Woolley bowled superbly, the pressure telling with three wickets down and the score still below 30.

Two of them were run-outs of Neston’s doing but pressure caused by tight fielding and accurate bowling brought the breakthroughs.

Spinners Daniel Berry and Daniel Woods replaced the pace attack and increased the intensity upon the Neston batsman; their persistence and guile was soon rewarded as Woods bowled Neston’s dangerous Australian Smith and Berry accounted for Neston newcomer Dixon.

With Neston in trouble Duffy brought back Young who, in a short burst, bowled magnificently and was given justice with a wicket with the faintest nick through to wicketkeeper Makin.

As the innings wore on, Neston captain Clifford fought a rearguard action as the field spread and managed to get his side to a respectable 169-7.

Cheshire bowlers Finnigan and Farrow pressed for early wickets as Hyde’s reply hit the brakes early when opener Brierley was dismissed LBW.

Tipper and talisman Duffy followed quickly to the bowling of Farrow with Australian Farmer (35) providing the only resistance.

Dixon then replaced Finnigan who had decided upon a change of ends as they set about Hyde’s middle and lower order.

Morris and Berry both departed LBW to the wily Finnigan, Farmer and Peacock fell to the aggressive Dixon before Young was the last wicket to fall as Hyde slumped to 81 all out.