GREATER MANCHESTER AMATEUR CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION THREE
Salford Blue Jays CC 85
Olympic MSJ 86-4
Olympic MSJ win by 6 wickets

Salford Blue Jays suffered a set-back following a comprehensive defeat against Olympic MSJ.

Just one week after Salford’s stunning victory over West Didsbury, they returned to Gatley ready to emulate their success against the league leaders.

Captain Josh Henry calling heads, on absentee vice-captain Bloomberg’s advice, won the toss and elected to bat on what looked a good wicket.

Waseem and Kaushal got Salford off to solid start before Waseem mistimed a straight drive straight to mid-on leaving Salford 28-1. Two quick wickets, with the aid of very questionable umpiring decisions, saw Salford’s two star batsmen Kaushal (21) and Indy dismissed cheaply and leaving the side with a lot of work to do to post a defendable target.

Josh Henry joined last week’s top performer, Jonny Wineberg (17), at the crease and they managed to steady the Salford innings with a partnership of 23 before Henry was bowled just before drinks by Olympics star bowler Amar Ilyas (3-15).

Despite good efforts from Abdul and debutee Jonny Ariyaratnam, Salford were bowled all out for just 85 runs, Hasan Azar skittling over the tail to earn 3-13.

Early wickets were going to be key to any hope for Salford to get something from the game. Olympic MSJ’s opening batsmen Talib (28) and Kaleem (14) had other ideas, attacking SJBCCs Yasir Riaz and Rob Dietz for a quick start. However, Rob Dietz (3-23) came back well looking a constant threat and picking up three important wickets.

Olympic continued to edge closer to the target despite some excellent bowling from Abdul (1-6) who saw an excellent short of a length delivery gloved to the agile as ever Shimon Harris.

Despite the disappointing result captain Josh Henry remains positive for the rest of the season. He said: "There were lots of positives for us to take from today’s game against a very good opponent.

"We bowled incredibly well as a team and our batting has come on loads since last season, so there is lots to look forward to for the rest of the season."

Salford’s next game is against old rivals Styal (née South Manchester CC) at Cheetham Hill on May 22.