GREATER MANCHESTER AMATEUR LEAGUE DIVISION THREE
COPTHORNE 303 (39 overs)
SALFORD BLUE JAYS 256-7 (34 overs)
Salford lost by 47 runs

Salford Blue Jays failed narrowly to overall Copthorne’s massive total of 303 on a day when one would not have fancied being a bowler.

The pitch offered little assistance, the outfield was quick and the leg-side boundary at the pavilion end particularly inviting.

Salford were also handicapped by having only 10 men, of whom Dr Adam Schogger arrived only after 16 overs had been bowled having been on duty. On a damp and dismal afternoon, Copthorne lost an early wicket but they went on to make hay whilst the sun refused to shine. The Salford bowlers frequently having to dry the ball as persistent drizzle prevailed. Eventually both Assim (45) and Kyham (53) fell to run outs.

Wickets then fell steadily although all the batsmen continued to accumulate more runs. The last man fell at the end of the 39th over with the total a massive 303. Pick of the bowlers were Ross Bloomberg with 3-41 from seven overs and Adam Schogger with 2-26 from four.

Having missed the cut-off time in which to bowl their allotted 40 overs, Salford were allowed only 34 overs to chase what would have been a record total for victory. They deserve great praise for their effort and indeed had they had the full 40 overs then given the rate at which they made their runs they would have fallen only two short.

The openers, aware of the task ahead of them, set off in great style. The first hundred was posted after only 9.4 overs. Kaushal reached his 50 off only 28 balls. His opening partner Wasim then succumbed to cramp and having called for a runner was immediately dismissed for 41.

It was now so chilly that the umpire was brought a hot coffee at the drinks break. Kaushal continued to hit boundaries and was finally out for 62 with 10 4's and two 6's.

Inevitably, there was then a period where things slowed down a bit, but having settled in Josh Dansky (30) and Daniel Bourke (28) continued to plunder the bowling. Following his 72 last week, Indy was again very effective finishing 52 not out at the end. The innings closed on 256-7 with Salford being left to rue the lost of those six overs.