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Matlock return to winning ways
Saturday, 22 August, 2009

Stainsby Hall C.C 1st XI 106 All Out (5 points)
Matlock C.C 1st XI 159 All Out (27 points)

Matlock's visit to Stainsby Hall was not only an important league game in their push for a promotion spot, but it was a vital test of their character to see if they could bounce back following the lack-lustre performance against bottom team Tutbury last week.

Skipper Steve Pell must have wondered if his decision to bat first was the correct one, as after only 5 overs the score read 19 for 4 with Derek Randall, Christoff Visser, George Moulds and Eddie Lowe, through a combination of poor running between the wickets, poor umpiring decision and the inability to deal with the Stainsby bowling, all back in the pavilion.

At this point Matlock needed something big and it came in the form of the smallest player on the pitch Caleb Mierkalns who was joined by Pell in a 5th wicket stand of 66 before Pell was adjudged LBW having made 18. Mierkalns no longer displayed the 'Wham Bam' tactics of previous games as he played a controlled innings containing many excellent cricket strokes in an innings of 79 to rescue his side and together with the rapidly improving Adam Burton (28 not out), they helped Matlock to an all out total of 159 after just 40 overs.

For Stainsby D. Smythe (4 for 59) and D. Wood (3 for 18) accounted for the majority of wickets, with A. Worth weighing in with 1 for 24.

The home side made a watchful start against the strong Matlock attack and at 41 for 1 after 10 overs, were well placed, but the 11th over proved to be the turning point for Matlock as star of the show Visser bowling with great pace and hostility took three wickets to leave Stainsby reeling, he then went on to destroy them as he finished with 6 for 64 from his 15 overs. He was once again very well supported by Moulds (2 for 12), Adam Burton (1 for 15) and Gareth Johnson (1 for 4) as they bowled a shell-shocked home side out for just 106 in only 31 overs. Only D. Wood (24), R. Pietersen (16) and a spirited 28 from number 10 batsman C. Morris offered any sort of resistance to Visser in this form as he took his tally of wickets for the season well into the 50Õs.

This was a much better performance by Matlock and although there are concerns over the inconsistent batting, the bowling once again rescued them and there was greater determination and team spirit on the field, something that had deserted them last week. Not only was the bowling good but the fielding was more focussed and the catch by Adam Burton to dismiss A. Worth must rank as a contender for catch of the season.

This win keeps Matlock well in contention in third place and only 21 points behind leaders Elvaston, as they eagerly anticipate the visit of Clifton to Causeway Lane next Saturday.

Any queries relating to senior teams we will endeavour to answer your queries quickly via e-mail seniorplayers@matlockcricketclub.com