A stubborn knock from 16-year-old Rafi Dines was not enough to prevent Salford slipping to a 22-run defeat to Wilmslow last Sunday at St Pauls in Lower Broughton.
Earlier, Daniel Paul and Adam Schogger had stifled Wilmslow’s batting, Paul beating the outside edge repeatedly without any success, whilst Schogger’s 2-14 owed much to stunning catches by Michael Pine and Elliot Koffman.
When Salford Captain Robert Marks (4-28) bowled the first of his four victims, Wilmslow were 35-3 in the 12th over and Salford were well on top.
Salford kept up the pressure, taking wickets at regular intervals. Wicketkeeper Shimon Harris took a sharp stumping to dismiss top-scorer Jake Woodhouse (38) off the bowling of Jonny Wineberg (2-27) and Jamie Benjamin had success taking 2-32.
Elliot Koffman was outstanding in the field with three catches as Wilmslow were bowled out for 133 in the 31st over.
Salford set about chasing their target in steady fashion as the skies darkened and batting conditions became more difficult. Wilmslow’s bowlers were finding swing and turn and only Michael Pine of the top-order found some timing with two good fours before he was caught behind for 15.
Three quick wickets had Salford in trouble at 35-5 in the 13th over as Jonny Wineberg joined Dines at the crease. They steadied the innings, adding 30 for the sixth wicket and kept them up with the run rate, but still left a lot for the tail to do.
Despite dogged resistance, Dines eventually ran out of partners and Salford’s innings came to an end on 111 in the 34th over. For Wilmslow, Imran took 4-17 and spinner Mike Harding 3-26.
Salford will look for revenge next week when they visit Wilmslow in the first round of the 20/Twenty Cup.