On Saturday, Clifton travelled to Blackley CC knowing that a win would all but secure them the championship provided Stretford didn’t pick up a bonus point.
The toss was won by the home side, who elected to bat. The usual pair, Rob and Tom, opened the bowling, and it was Tom who got the early breakthrough, leaving the hosts 19-1. Rob then joined the action, picking up the second wicket of the day. Liam made two changes to the bowling attack, bringing himself and Dan Jones on.
Dan made an immediate impact, taking a wicket with his very first ball caught by Tom. Liam then ripped through the middle order, picking up three wickets in quick succession and leaving the hosts struggling at 76-6. Shortly after, a nice piece of fielding between Lewis and Dan resulted in the seventh wicket with just 77 runs on the board. Liam returned to take his fourth, before Lewis replaced Dan and picked up a wicket in his second over. With nine wickets down, there was just one more to get and Liam delivered, claiming his second consecutive five-wicket haul. Clifton were set a target of 118 to win and be crowned league champions.
The usual opening pair, Steve (16) and Ethan, began the chase but couldn’t quite get going, both falling to leave Clifton 19-2. Jordy and Dan came to the crease, looking to build another strong partnership as they’ve done many times this season. They did exactly that, taking the score to 86-2 before Dan was dismissed for 30.
There was another twist in the tale as Clifton edged closer to the title. Jordy (43) and Sam fell in quick succession, leaving Steve Judge and Owen Hogben (4*) at the crease with just 15 runs needed. With confirmation that Stretford hadn’t picked up a bonus point, the Clifton players knew a win would clinch the league title and that’s exactly what they achieved, with Steve Judge hitting the winning runs!
An excellent season, rounded off by another outstanding team performance, saw Clifton crowned champions. Liam’s men will now move up a division next year.
With four league games still to play, there’s no doubt Clifton will want to keep the winning run going. A brilliant season, credit to everyone involved. Hopefully, there’s more of the same to come next year.