1st XI lose at Compstall, whist Ingam is in the runs as 2nds win SCG Thriller
On Saturday the First XI made the journey to Ernocroft Road to face Compstall in Round 10 of the DCCL.
On a very hot and sunny day, Compstall won the toss and not surprisingly elected to bat first. Tinsle got off to a great start with Skipper Ricky Harris taking a scorching low catch at first slip. However, David Bailey and Pete Richards steadied the ship with Richards going on to score an impressive 82. At one stage Compstall looked on track to post a total around 280, but Tinsle bowlers Jimmy Blackwell and Martin Harris bowled good tight lines to contain the home side. Harris eventually finishing with figures of 5-75. During the midst of the innings Tinsle lost Andy Littler to a dislocated shoulder whilst attempting a catch at gully. Litts gratefully welcomed the Gas & Air administered by the paramedics in the shade of the pavilion. The shoulder was put back in as the Ambulance went over a speed bump whilst on it's way to hospital and whilst there is no conclusive evidence, rumours are strong the Paramedics were asked to drop in at KFC for Litts compulsory 'Chicken Wing' Feast!
Compstall finished on 218-9 after the full compliment of 45 overs, probably some way short of their expected total.
Losing Litts to Hospital (and already in the absence of Matt Robinson) Tinsle re-jigged the batting order and Si Barrow opened up with Ricky Harris. In reply, Tintwistle got off to a dismal start losing some early wickets. Both openers went and were followed by Atkinson, Pool & Smith. Damian Weatherhead and Martin Harris showed strong resistance to the solid bowling of the Richards brothers. Weatherhead finished on 38, whilst Harris made 37. Litts made it back towards the end of the Tinsle innings and edged Tinsle closer to the total along with some highly impressive stroke making by Jimmy Blackwell. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 176 with Mark Richards the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5-67.
Tinsle collected 9 bonus points and slipped to 3rd in the table following wins by Hawk Green and Hazel Grove. Next week, Tinsle have the opportunity to bounce right back with games against Dinting (Saturday) and Hollingworth in the Bissenden Cup on Sunday.
At Speedwell, Tinsle 2nd XI welcomed Compstall in the 3rd Division mid table clash. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first on a decent track. Superb knocks came from Run Machine Kez Davies (41) and Martin Ingham was back in the runs with a superb knock of 44. Tinsle finished the innings on 197-7.
In reply, a great knock of 102 from Steve Higginbottom meant Compstall were always in with a shout of chasing down the home side's total. The match turned into a great contest with the home side taking vital wickets and the visitors keeping up with the run rate. The tussle went down to the final over with Compstall needing 7 runs to win. The Craft Cockney Stuart Dodd has responsibility to deliver the final six balls for the home side. Things looked a bit pear shaped for Tinsle when Compstall scored a four off the second ball of the over. However, Doddy held his nerve and bowled enough dot balls to ensure Tinsle ran out winners. Compstall eventually finished one run short being bowled out for 193.
Tinsle collected 20 superb match winning points and yet again showed they can hold their nerve in the tight games. Tinsle are 5th in the Division and look in good shape. Next week the 2nds are on the road visiting Dinting in the League on Saturday before going to Hadfields patch on Sunday in the Hawke Cup.