Clifton 1st XI suffered a frustrating 13-run defeat away at Denton West on Saturday, coming close in their pursuit of 191 but ultimately falling short after a late collapse.
After being asked to field, Clifton produced a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss the hosts for 190 in 46.2 overs. Denton West made a steady start, but Gareth Cross provided the first breakthrough when he removed Luke Melling for 15. Oliver Sleight then accounted for Aaqib Uppal as Clifton kept the home side in check.
The stand out performance with the ball came from Ben Hamilton, who produced an excellent spell of 5-31 from 12 overs. Hamilton removed Michael Berry for 35 and then worked his way through the middle order,claiming the wickets of George Hill, Tyron Koen, Luke Marshall and Adam Anjum. Cross finished with an economical 2-48 from 15 overs, while Sleight picked up three wickets of his own as Clifton bowled Denton West out for 190.
In reply, Clifton's chase got off to a difficult start with Stephen McManus departing early, followed by Caleb Donaldson for nine. At 17-2,Gareth Cross began to rebuild the innings and was joined by professional Sam Dorsey. Dorsey made 14 before departing with the score on 54, but Cross continued to take the attack to the Denton West bowlers.
He struck seven fours and two sixes in an excellent 54 from 65 balls, taking Clifton to 98 before becoming the fourth wicket to fall. Joe Settle added 14, but with Clifton 111-5 the game appeared to be moving firmly in Denton West's direction.
Hamilton then followed his five-wicket haul with an excellent contribution with the bat. Alongside Praharsh Parikh, he put together the partnership that dragged Clifton right back into the contest. The pair added 56 for the sixth wicket, Hamilton striking seven boundaries in a rapid 37 from 38 balls, while Parikh battled hard for his 21.
At 167-5, Clifton needed just 24 more runs, and the game was very much there to be won. Unfortunately, the innings unravelled at exactly the wrong moment.
Hamilton's dismissal sparked a dramatic collapse, with Parikh, Flaxman and Stanley all following without another run being added. Clifton had gone from 167-5 to 167-9 and suddenly the hosts were firmly back in control. Oliver Sleight provided one final show of resistance, including a six in his unbeaten nine, but Clifton were eventually dismissed for 177 in 42 overs, leaving Denton West winners by 13 runs.
It was a disappointing result from a game Clifton will feel they had given themselves every opportunity to win. There were plenty of positives, however, particularly an outstanding all-round display from Hamilton, Cross's half-century and another strong bowling effort that restricted the opposition to a very achievable target.
The lads now move forward and turn their attention to the next challenge, when Brooksbottom visit Manchester Road. After a frustrating afternoon at Denton West, Clifton will be determined to turn their fortunes around on home soil.