Double Dominance for Hawk Green

With what was easily the Green’s most testing weekend this season, optimism was in the air as both teams looked to continue the good form they had found in the opening weeks.

The 1st XI had a very interesting tie against Hayfield on Saturday.

Having won the toss and electing to bat, Hawk Green were comfortable throughout as they amassed a huge 323-6. Craig Young top scored with 89, while Josh Hampson made 70, Josh Unsworth 50, Jason Downey 47* and Jordan Henderson 36. L Ward-Armstrong was the pick of the Hayfield bowlers, taking 3-96 off 12.

In reply, Russ Evans scored 52, L Ward-Armstrong backed up his fine first half display with 58 and G Wood made 30. However the bowling of J Downey (3-63), Josh Unsworth (3-7) and Mark Richards (2-30) restricted Hayfield to 193ao, the Green winning by a cool 130 runs.

The 2nd XI played hosts to Hayfield at Rhode Field and after being stuck in to bat, returning opener Graeme Hall (64) and captain Ben Littler (208*) took advantage of an excellent batting track to join the 1st XI in posting 300+, finishing their 45 overs on 357-8.

In reply, Hayfield saw S Farmer score a steady 40 with M Richardson adding 33. Hawk Green’s juniors then proved their credentials, with debutant Oliver Farrell taking 2-1, Josh Nield 3-12 and Harry Fenteman 2-34, to restrict Hayfield to 165ao. A very comprehensive win by 192 runs topped off a fine day for both teams.

Sunday saw both teams step onto the field in the respective cups.

The 1st XI played hosts to Buxworth CC and after their dominant performance the day before, set about booking their place in the next round in ruthless fashion, bowling Buxworth out for just 59. J Gemmell offered some resistance with his 36, but the bowling of Jordan Henderson (5-17) and Josh Unsworth (2-0) was far too good on the day.

In reply, Hawk Green lost opener Josh Hampson for 15, but Saturday’s top scorer, Craig Young, scored 35 to help the Green ease their way to 60-1 and a place in the quarter finals.

The 2nd XI made the short journey to Compstall and were hoping lightening struck twice when they were asked to bat. A stark contrast innings saw Hawk Green bowled out for 124, Tommy Thornton making a very important 41 and Brad Holme chipping in with 23.

After a short rain delay, the Green took to the field to set about defending their low total on a tricky Compy track. Opener C Bray held an end up in an attempt to anchor the innings, making 26. A fine display of bowling saw B Holme take 2-15, G Ridings 2-19 and J Nield again proving his talent, taking 2-8, Compstall finishing 110ao.

A fantastic weekend all round for both teams!