Under 17's MATCH REPORTS
Sunday 9th
September 2007
Mottram 102 for 10 Hayfield 190
for 7
League Cup Final
Close, but no Cigar
for Mottram under 17’s
The 2007 season was a successful year for all junior teams but especially
for the Under 15’s, winning the League and the Under 17’s who reached the
semi-final of the cup and the final of the league. This domination really
does show the depth and strength of the junior section at Mottram. The
under 17’s have had a cracking season finishing top of our half of the
league, shrugging off competition from strong teams such as Romiley and
Dinting. Winning all but 2 games in the league, one loss against Dinting
and one drawn against neighbours Broadbottom, spirits were high coming
into the final against a team that have become rivals for certain members
of the team, me included, I now really do detest them, and why not?
Hayfield had won their half of the League and after a certain cup game;
competition would be strong during the match.
The day came and after a photo opportunity and a few pep talks from
captain, coach and individual players the lads took the field. The crowd
was large with a real final atmosphere. The usual opening bowling
partnership of Scott and Danaher got us off to an awesome start and made
us realise that Hayfield were going to have to work as hard as us. Second
ball of the innings and Scott struck, a lovely out-swinging ball, back of
length enticed the batter to play, edging it straight to the keeper, Irons
did the formalities and Hayfield were 1 wicket down. What a start, but
things got better, second over and Danaher made it 2 down. Another lovely
out-swinging ball forced the drive edging to the diving captain at 1st
slip. More pressure from the openers and Hayfield were on a meagre 22-2
off 12. Next came the spinning attack in the form of the 2 Ryan’s, Fitton
bowling consistently well but with little reward, finishing with an
unchanged spell of 8 overs going for 24 runs, and R. Nixon bowling 2
beautiful spells. But wickets dried up and a partnership developed between
captain Higginbottom and number 4 Davis. The indifferent bowling of A.
Metcalf saw the ball disappear 3 times in one over and resulted in A.
Birch to come in to the attack, bowling well, but again with little
reward. The pressure of the first 12 overs was lost, and heads fell as
Hayfield progressed into a demanding position. Finally, the breakthrough
came, in the shape of Higginbottom, being clean bowled by a gem from R.
Nixon, followed by a well deserved wicket from Birch. Heads rose and the
last 10 overs produced some good bowling and fielding. Danaher and Scott
returned to the attack and finished with 2 and 3 wickets respectably,
after some good death bowling.
Tea was a mixed bag, with some of the team claiming it could rival a Lyn
Flint Tea, but in my mind, nothing can, NOT even a Michelin Star
Restaurant. But it gave a well earned rest for the boys who had shown good
abilities with the ball and in the field.
Spirits were high going into bat, with Andy Metcalfe and Alex Birch
striding out to the crease, intending to compete with the good Hayfield
score of 190. But, it wasn’t to be, wickets tumbled quickly, Metcalfe
being caught behind quickly followed by Birch, who was unlucky to see the
ball trickle on to the stumps after a defence shot. Scott suffering from
vertigo about batting at 3 was cleaned bowled by the very chap he got
second ball. Friendly banter followed before I turned and walked off after
muttering ‘At least I wasn’t second ball’. Anyway, back to the game.
Captain Stef Fielding joined Ryan Fitton as both played some nice shots
and got us back on our feet, before Fitton was caught and bowled. Matt
Nixon, Cal Danaher, Chris Windsor and Jordan Irons didn’t stay long at the
crease as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Fielding
continued but was finally out for a well played 30. All was lost, but at
least Ryan Nixon entertained the crowd with a MASSIVE 6 into the houses
along the pitch at Whaley Bridge, before losing his wicket, leaving a
helpless Mitch Wood at the non-strikers end. But, all credit to Hayfield
who bowled and fielded excellently, sharing the wickets between all the
bowlers.
A
good season was over for the under 17’s as were the junior careers of S.
Fielding, M. Scott, A. Metcalfe, C. Danaher, M. Nixon, C. Windsor and M.
Wood. The game showed a good effort in the field, but an unusually poor
effort with the bat. Well played Hayfield, fair enough to say they
deserved to win on the day.
Notes from the Coach
Overall a good effort from all the lads, with cameos from Ryan Fitton
finishing on 31 with the bat and a return to bowling form for Mike Scott
who finished with figures of 8-1-25-3.
Michael Scott
Monday 5th
August 2007
Mottram 000 For 0 Hayfield 000
For 0
Result,
Mottram Get A Bye To The Final
Mottram Through
This is
more or a news report than a match report to be honest as no fixture was
actually played.
Apparently Hayfield were going ‘to knock Mottram all over the park’
apparently. Hayfield are top of the other division or thereabouts, and
this re-scheduled game that was supposed to be played 5 weeks previously,
was apparently to be a walk in the park for Hayfield.
Whether ‘top dogs’ Hayfield, couldn’t raise a squad, or couldn’t raise a
good enough squad we don’t know. But one thing we do know, is
Mottram won by default, and are through to the Final of the Compstall Cup.
Come on the Motties!
Matt Nixon
Monday 17th July 2007
Mottram 132 For 3 Tintwistle 82 all out
Christmas Comes Early
As Mottram Destroy Tinsel
The
mathematics was simple, Mottram win and they win the Under 17’s title, no
pressure there then! But an under strength Mottram side, missing Stefan
Fielding, Cal Danaher, Jordan Irons and Ryan Fitton, were not about to
have their party gate crashed.
However things didn’t look too bright early doors losing Andy Metcalfe (3)
restricting Mottram to 4-1 off the opening 3 overs. However some patient
play from Alex Birch and Matthew Nixon saw Mottram to 38-1 at the half way
stage a few runs short of what they wanted to be. However some clever
thinking and improvisation from both batsmen saw runs flowing after a
spell or particularly bad bowling.
Birch reached the 50 mark after 16 overs and the partnership was broken in
17th, Nixon bowled trying to add more runs to the total, 112-2,
a 2nd wicket stand of 108, of which Matt Nixon contributed a
workmanlike 45 including a six (2 for the season now…impressed) No doubt
‘I saw Matt Nixon score runs t-shirts’ are on the increase. Next man in;
Mike Scott who added 10 quickfire runs to the total, including a six of
his own. A classy innings from Alex Birch came to an end in the final
over, with him ending up on personal best of 59 which included two sixes.
The Mottram innings closed on 132-3 with Chris Windsor the only other
required batsmen who finished on 0* without facing a ball.
Mottram bowled well and contained Tintwistle early on, Mike Scott
fruitless and continues to endure a dry patch that could make the Sahara
jealous. With the hosts equal to Mottram’s halfway score, it was apparent
they didn’t have the strength in batting to a-mass the set total, with
Andy Metcalfe (2-14) and Ryan Nixon 4-6) the pick of the bowlers. Andrew
Metcalfe then continued to take one of the best catches I have ever seen,
diving behind him, one handed and quite simply pulling a catch from
his….nowhere.
Jacob Hall and Steven Scott bowled at the death, both showing promise as
many of the current Mottram youngsters.
Mottram are champions.
Matthew Nixon
Monday 10th July 2007
Mottram 50 For 0 Woodley 49ao
‘MOVING ON UP AND NO
ONE CAN STOP US’
….as the song goes (That’s M People – Moving On Up, if you are wondering.)
Mottram made very light work as they demolished bottom side Woodley, on a
damp evening. It was amazing that a game was even played, the wicket was
like an normal outfield, and the outfield like a normal rugby pitch, but
credit to both teams, the match was played.
Woodley batted first and again Callum Danaher and Mike Scott were the
tormentors, with the former carrying a heel injury, Cal was the first to
strike with the batsmen edging to Andrew Metcalfe at gully, and Woodley were
quickly restricted to 15-3. The spinners; Ryan Fitton and Ryan Nixon were
brought on to speed up the over rate, as an irate storm cloud brewed above.
Both bowled well with figures of 3-13 and 4-9 off 3.3 overs respectively.
Catches were taken by M.Scott and R.Fitton (easy as you like) and dropped by
M.Wood (again, easy as you like!). However the highlight of the innings came
from captain Stefan Fielding, who threw the stumps down with some quick
thinking at cover to run out the non striker, with only 1 stump to aim at.
Also, Mitch Wood’s fall down the banking was a close second for highlight of
the day.
Rain delayed the start of play for the Mottram innings by 15 minutes, and
openers Stefan Fielding and Andy Metcalfe went about their business swiftly
with Stefan leading the attack with ‘cultured slogging’ gaining 10 runs off
the first two balls in the form off a pull over mid wicket for 6 (which lost
the ball) and a baseball shot for four. Metcalfe supported and Mottram
cruised to victory off just 5 overs (At a scoring rate of 10.00 rpo – I am
informed by Mike Scott our resident analyst). Stefan smashed 30* at probably
150.00 strike rate! and Metcalfe finished on 14*.
The
league win is looking good with sources confirming Romiley were called off
at Charlesworth and Hadfield beat Newton meaning a win away at Tintwistle
for the ‘Motties’ would seal the league, however Mottram are without opening
batter and skipper Stefan Fielding, opening bowler Cal Danaher and spin king
Ryan Fitton and we are left in the capable hands of Andrew Metcalfe, stand
in skipper. Hopefully this time next week I can be reporting on the first
league championship for some time at Mottram?
Matthew Nixon
Monday 19th
June 2007
Mottram 127 For 2 Old Glossop 54
All Out
Opening partnerships
put the game beyond Old Glossop
Mottram 17’s travelled to Old Glossop in full confidence, not worried about
the ‘strong side’ that Old Glossop had put out that included about 6 under
13’s! Anyway, away from that, the old opening batting partnership of S.
Fielding and A. Metcalfe was back, and in top form. Both made 41 before
being bowled. Metcalfe was dropped on 1, but made Old Glossop pay! Metcalfe
played a sensible innings holding it together as Fielding officially gave
himself the role of BIG HITTING from ball 1. This worked as Fielding sent
the ball to all areas of the pitch including 2 massive 6’s, one of them
being the trade mark tennis shot!, com’on the fielding! Metcalfe regained
his form playing some quality shots, the best of which was an
uncharacteristic pull shot for 6, only the 3rd of his career, yes
metty! R. Fitton and A. Birch played well at the end of the innings with the
quick singles and big hitting especially from A. Birch who hit an impressive
flat 6 over square leg. Mottram finished on 127, a good effort on a VERY
slow outfield.
The
boys took the field opening up with M. Scott and C. Danaher. Old Glossop
were looking to score almost every ball before C. Danaher bowled a bouncer
that got played on to dismiss Redmond. The Danaher continued to bowl quick
and short, testing the batters ability. M. Scott bowled characteristically
in those zones and was rewarded with the possibly important wicket of Parker
bowled middle stump out the ground. Another wicket each for the opens saw
Old Glossop restricted to 29-4 off 10 overs. Fitton also bowled well; aided
by the quality keeping of Cheshire player J. Irons (iron man or man of
steel) who got 2 stumping’s off Fitton and ended up with 4 victims, another
good performance from the iron man. M. Nixon bowled his truly unique right
arm round to pick up 1 wicket which was followed up with a cracking effort
for a caught and bowled chance, Desire all the way Colly (M. Nixon). Tight
bowling from C. Windsor, R. Nixon and crowd pleaser M. Wood saw the innings
come to an end as J. Irons took a caught behind chance off Sharky (M. Wood).
Sharky who has now taken quite a few wickets is starting to worry the
opening bowlers of Danaher and Scott, surely these quality efforts from the
Shark are worthy of opening the bowling, or maybe not! Sorry about that
Mitch.
Overall, a dominating performance from the team, who continue to demolish
all opposition. If the lads continue this form, there is a real possibility
of a league and cup double. Com’on Mottram!
Michael Scott
Monday 11th June 2007
Mottram 120 For 6 Newton 64 all
out
Mottram Dominate as
Scotty hits his infamous zones!
A
sunny day brought yet another Mottram win! Mottram travelled all the way to
Newton and opened the batting with the new combination of S. Fielding and
Lancashire Junior Player R. Fitton. This saw a brisk start, but Fitton soon
fell for 12. A. Birch walked to the crease to get a steady 15. S. Fielding
played well for his 35 showing his importance to this awesome team. The
middle order wasn’t particularly strong with M. Nixon & C. Windsor failing
to bat to their ability, M. Scott can be added to this list after being
given out in the strangest manner (!) Phil waited about 2 minutes to give
him out after he was CLEARLY well out of his ground, but Newton hadn’t asked
the question. Mottram finished on 120-6, possibly not enough, I hear you
cry.
However those Scott zones were being hit! M. Scott ripped through Newton’s
Top order making it hard to come back, he opened up with a wicket in the
first over of the match after being denied a wicket earlier in the over as
Cal Danaher dropped a sitter at gully! (only joking pal, cracking effort!)
C. Danaher also bowled well again supporting Scott as Scotty took 3 wickets
in 1 over and finishing with 5 wickets off 5 overs going for 13 runs. R.
Fitton also bowled well taking 1 wicket bowling in tandem with A. Birch who
took 2 wickets. However yet again, the crowd were in for a treat, that’s
right, Sharky (M. Wood) stepped up to take 2 wickets bowling in those famous
‘Scott Zones’.
Overall, another great performance from the lads showing our all round
strength. It is no underestimation that the lads could win the league as
long as these top performances carry on. Com’on the lads!
Also, Phil Mellor’s tightness should be noted as fifer boy WASN’T allowed to
keep the ball, a petition is being set up as I write this report. To join
contact Michael Scott, all support is appreciated.
Michael Scott
Thursday 7th
June 2007
Mottram 130 For 7 Dinting 89 For
8
Compstall Cup
Extras top score as
Mottram romp to victory yet again
After the loss to Dinting in the league on 31/05/07 Mottram we’re shuck up,
not aided by the draw against Broadbottom. However the class and depth of
our cracking 17’s team shone through to bully Dinting to Victory
Mottram Batted first getting off to a relatively quick start, opening up
with A. Metcalf (metty) and skipper, S. Fielding. However some bad shot
selection saw Fielding, Metcalf, Fitton and Scott fall to some very average
bowling. But, the depth was there, shown by quality stands of 29 from M.
Nixon (nickers), 17 from C. Windsor and 14 from C. Danaher (longest).
Mottram Finished on 130 for 7 and took the field.
The
quality opening bowling partnership of M. Scott and C. Danaher put the game
beyond Dinting with 3 wickets from M. Scott (including the first ball of the
innings and some interesting celebrating) and EXTREMELY tight bowling from
the Danaher finishing with figures of 3-2-1-0, leaving Dinting 12-3 off 7
overs. However resilience was there in the shape of S. Elliot getting 49
before being cleaned bowled by A. Birch who finished with 3 wickets. Quality
bowling in the shape of our spinners who both got a wicket and kept the game
beyond Dinting, R. Fitton bowling nicely and A. Metcalf turning the ball at
right angles (not bad for a part timer!) It was so good that the ‘Scott
Zones’ were being hit regularly. All this meant the crowd were in for a
treat, that’s right, SHARKY (M. Wood) stepped up to bowl an amazing last
over only going for 8 and bowling to field worthy of a test match player,
only the 4 slips, with a number close fielders.
Overall a quality performance from the team, we showed our bouncebackability
after the 2 previous poor performances. This could easily be the year for
the 17’s with a good start in the league and even better start in the cup.
We are now in the 3rd round of the cup to be played on Thursday
21st June and will play Newton away in the league on Monday 11th
June.
All
support is appreciated by the team, the more the merrier!
Michael Scott
Monday 14th May 2007
Mottram 147 For 5 Romiley 139
For 5
Romiley Rue Missed
Chances
Mottram went to Romiley with a 100% record at the start of the season and
with a view to upset Romiley, who many would fancy to take the league this
season. Batting first Mottram got off to a brisk start against a pair of
good and sharp opening bowlers. Stefan Fielding exploited the gaps in the
field after the Romiley captain strangely left standard fielding positions
absent and opted for 3 slips and a gully. The Derbyshire and Cheshire League
Test Match? No one told me!
Fielding marched on at pace whilst his opening partner Andy Metcalfe
struggled to get hold of the ball and added just 11 to the score in the
opening 10 overs. This brought Matt Nixon to the crease who supported
Fielding in a 67 partnership in which, admittedly Fielding added the
majority of the runs. Fielding and Nixon did not let the bowlers settle into
a rhythm and Fielding hit numerous boundaries and Matt Nixon one (well it
was a straight six lads). Nixon was the first to falter in the partnership
bowled trying to hit out again on 14. He should have been out much earlier,
but some hasty keeping saw him survive two stumping chances early on.
Fielding fell 9 short of his century (91) and had surely had one of the
greatest innings in the juniors in a long time. However Romiley paid the
price, dropping him on 0! Chris Windsor (9), Cal Danaher (10), Mike Scott
(5*) and Ryan Nixon (5) saw Mottram through to 147-5.
A
good start to the innings with some brisk and bouncy bowling from Cal
Danaher and Mike Scott occupying the infamous ‘Scott Zones’ like a tracer
bullet. Cal Danaher also managed to run a batsmen out by deflecting the ball
onto his stumps with his face, now that’s commitment.
Mottram weren’t great in the field, well at least not when the ball was in
the air. With Jordan Thomas the highlight of the innings taking a stunning
catch at deep mid on.
It
was touch and go for a long while, but Romiley could not get the required
run rate and ended up 139-5. Mottram for the league anyone?
Matt Nixon
Thursday 10th May 2007
Compstall Cup
Mottram 114 For 5 Hadfield 113
For 4
Those Who Dared Won
After a complete demolition of Hadfield St. Andrews in last season Under
17’s league game, Mottram were confident of a first round Compstall Cup
victory, but probably too confident…perhaps complacent?
As
openers Carlo Cooke and Mikey Hosozowskji fired Hadfield into a very
commanding position, with neither really looking like getting out early on,
Mike Scott and Cal Danaher found it difficult to find the breakthrough and
Mottram were very lax in the field and allowed Hadfield a comfortable 56-0
off the first 10 overs.
Cooke was the first to go on 23 off the bowling of Alex Birch, who bowled
consistent and deserved his 3 wickets. Hosozowskji followed not long after
on 29, with the danger men gone, Hadfield still managed to pile on the
pressure and got a good total of 113.
Mottram’s innings started slowly 38-0 off the first 10 overs, largely down
to some good bowling from both the Hadfield openers, which bogged down
Stefan Fielding and Andy Metcalfe. Mottram looked down and out with the run
rate well below what was required. However Stefan took matters into his own
hands adding a few more quick runs to the total including one of the shots
of the day, his trademark baseball stroke over cow corner and over the
boundary for six more.
Risks were being taken at regular intervals, with Stefan’s wicket quickly
followed by Chris Windsor (9), who was promoted up the order to score runs
quickly. Andy continued to play classy shots off his legs, and if the
outfield was a little quicker, would have had more runs than he ended up
with (32). Mike Scott, showed what an improved player he has become as some
cultured, brief yet vital hitting including a straight six, and four,
accelerated the run rate.
However the match was saved by some excellent stroke play from Cal Danaher,
who’s rapid 19 not out was a one man survival mission. A poor final over
from Hadfield skipper Cooke, saw Matthew Nixon (3*) hit the winning runs
over cow corner and he could not prevent Mottram from progressing into the
next round.
Matt Nixon.
Mottram Cricket Club
