Alberts last stand

Posted by Brian Sanderson.

On Sunday there was a chance to go to Netherfield which in Kendal.Cumberland C.C.C. were playing Cheshire C.C.C. in the M.C.C.A Trophy (Group Match) which is 50 overs per side starting at 11.00A.M.It takes about two hours from Leeds so I picked Brian Senior up at 9.00. Early start for a Sunday.

You can park the car on the second layer looking down at the match about 30 yards below.Cumberland were batting and I watched the match with Geoff from Stockport.I last saw him at Nottingham.Two early wickets fell and Paul Johnson from Middlesborough came into bat. He reached his first minor county century.
The wicket was flat and the bowling reasonable however the fielding was poor.They reached 324 in their 50 overs. A excellent score however the day before Australian called Kruger scored over 200 himself.

At lunch time Brian went into have lunch with the Cumberland committee.I went out of the ground to speak to Ian from Lancaster who was parked in a car park over looking the pitch. We discussed with him the Dales League which he wishes to visit.

Cheshire had to win the match to go to the final of the group.They also lost quick wickets . Then Louis Bentley came into bat and with Duffy established a good partnership.The sun was getting very hot so I sat in the shade with Ken from Blackpool who is a Cheshire supporter among other teams.I saw Bentley play at Cleethorpes on Thursday for Lancashire Seconds.He proceeded to score 102 but got out leaving about 80 to win.

Andrew Hall , Cheshire captain, needing a captains innings.He proceeded to produce the innings with Cheshire winning the match with three balls to go.

A excellent match with over 640 runs scored in the day. Minor County cricket soon be better supported.