Salford came up against second in the league Foresters at St Pauls on Sunday in their penultimate match of the season and again showed their battling qualities.
Their growing list of injuries and absences became longer when strike bowler, Daniel Paul (0-40), strained his back in the sixth over.
As Foresters’ openers built a 50-run partnership, Salford found themselves on the wrong end of some close umpiring decisions, with LBW and caught behind appeals turned down.
Josh Dansky then bowled Qadir and Khan, and when Jonny Wineberg trapped Eccles LBW, Salford looked as though they may be able to press home their advantage. However, despite excellent, hustling fielding, three dropped catches added to Salford’s woes. Opener Natha (70 not out) and Latif (59) built the innings until Wineberg bowled the latter.
A sharp throw from square leg by Jeremy Korn, and good hands from wicketkeeper Shimon Harris for the run out, exemplified Salford’s determination and the visitors eventually ended on 223-8. Jonny Wineberg (3-44) and Josh Dansky (2-51) were supported by the on-loan Akiva Lieberman (2-63). However, Lieberman pulled up with a hamstring strain in the last over of the innings, which would hamper his batting.
Foresters' bowling strength came to the fore as they restricted the Salford run rate. A couple of tight LBW decisions and an unnecessary run out did not help Salford’s cause as they batted out their overs to end on 120 for 7. Lieberman, batting with a runner, top scored with 34.
The 103-run loss was one of Salford’s heaviest in a difficult season, but they can take heart from another gutsy showing. With several players returning for next week’s final match of the season against Offerton, they will be looking for a better outcome.
Anyone wishing to join the side for next season should contact Elliot Koffman at elliot@koffman.co.uk, 07977 074472.
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