Match report: Brilliant Bashley (Rydal) CC (197-3) dominate Alton CC (193) to maintain Southern Premier Cricket League (SPCL) Premier Division pole position

A dominant Bashley (Rydal) stormed to a massive seven-wicket win over Alton on Saturday, keeping themselves on top of the league table.

An exceptional bowling display from the visitors, especially from Jacob Gordon, who took four wickets, left Bashley chasing 193, which they had no trouble chasing down after Will Tripcony delivered 94 runs.

Bashley captain Dan Goodey won the toss and decided to stick the opposition into bat first, and wickets fell steadily throughout the innings.

“We won the toss and bowled as it looked pretty green and soft on one end. However, it ended up playing flat when we batted,” said Bashley (Rydal) ’s Jacob Gordon.

“Alton were strong up top and batted nicely until the drinks break, but spin from both ends and some boring fields allowed us to dry up runs quickly, making them play rash shots and throwing their wickets away on what seemed a 270-run plus pitch.”

James Trodd (2-26) made the early inroads, clean bowling both openers – first Daniel Harris (19) at 38-1 and then Fred Egleston (17) at 66-2.

Ben Rolfs (45) fired off seven fours to help his side, but besides a 23-run contribution from wicketkeeper Mark Heffernan, only Myers (16) broke double figures.

In the field, Gordon was inspired, taking a catch to dismiss Alton’s star man on the day, Rolfs, after Louis Prichard’s (1-34) delivery, securing a run-out on Jude Wright (9) and taking four wickets for just 21 runs. He took four of the final five wickets, with Tripcony’s run-out on Dan Sumner (7) the penultimate dismissal.

Bashley’s other wicket came from Ethan Baker (1-31)

“Baker and [Alex] Turner got us off to a decent start, and then [Jack] Stearman, typical as ever, got close to 50, which seems to be every game at the moment,” added Gordon.

“Tripcony came in and did what he does when he gets going – he literally took their bowlers to all parts! He batted very fluidly and just had plenty of time.

“We’re looking forward to the next match, where we’ll hopefully be back to full strength with Michael Porter potentially back.”

Table-topping Bashley (Rydal) hosts Bournemouth, who are in shocking form after losing four of their last five, on Saturday in the first of this season’s timed games at 11pm.