Back to back wins for Vale

9:57am Tuesday 15th July 2008

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Bowdon Vale 142-4 Barnton 141- 4

Vale won by six wickets

BOWDON Vale made it two wins on the bounce with a resounding win against Barnton.

Despite a week of heavy showers, Priory Street was in remarkably good, condition. Upon winning the toss skipper Halsall asked the visitors to take first knock.

In damp conditions N Hasan and Halsall made life difficult for the Barnton top order, as the run rate barely crept above one an over.

Hasan continued his fine start with the Vale to return 3-41, whilst skipper Halsall returned a marathon spell of 22 overs with 1-62.

The highlight of the Barnton innings was a superb low diving catch by Gareth Roberts at cover point as Barnton closed on 141.

In reply opener Mark Nicholas clearly had an early Saturday evening appointment to meet, as he got the Vale off to an explosive start.

Particularly being severe on the Barnton opening attack, Nicholas excelled in pulling several short deliveries through midwicket and made light of the damp conditions, finishing with a fine 66.

Ryan (16) along with Lancaster (18) took the Vale closer to their victory target as Bottomley (11 not out) and Roberts (22 not out) saw the Vale to a comfortable six-wicket win.

Another fine all-round team effort from the Vale, as the prospects of Second Division survival become more than a reality.

Results elsewhere saw the Vale leapfrog Wilmslow and close in on several teams just ahead of them. More of the same will surely see the Vale to the safety of midtable.

The second XI had a long trip down the A49 for their first ever visit to league newcomers Bunbury, and what a delight was in store.

Everything about the hosts set up from the ground to the tea was superb. On an excellent batting track the Vale were disappointingly bowled out for 101.

Although Faupal (16), Afzal (11) and Robinson (11) reached double figures none were able to go on and make significant contributions.

It was left to Ian Willson with 35 who gave the innings some impetus. In reply Willson was the pick of the Vale bowlers with 3-35 as Bunbury took 46 overs to reach their victory target for the loss of five wickets.