Match Report

The Clifton faithful turned out in their numbers to see Elliot Hogben’s 3rd XI clinch the Sunday Premier League & Cup double; getting over the line in this rearranged Cup Final following a roller coaster of a game against Whalley Range. 

In last year’s Final at Glodwick, there was never a moments worry as Clifton were just far too good for them, but Whalley Range arrived with a much better side than in previous visits and pushed this unbeaten Clifton side all the way in a game that changed direction all afternoon. 

Following hours of groundwork by Drew and his band of helpers, the rain finally relented enough to get the game underway on time, where Dan Jones and Ethan Kite opened up after Elliot chose to have a bat and apply scoreboard pressure in a Final. 

Dan (8) was the first to fall, caught at point on a ball that got big on him, with Ethan (7) and Owen (8) both snicking off after cagey starts to leave Clifton in a spot of bother at 35/3 with 11 overs gone. Whalley Range bowled well and used the pitch that was nipping around early on to remove the 3 main run scorers in this 3rd XI side. 

Chris Thorpe joined his son Oscar in the middle to steady the ship, but only they managed to put on 20 before Chris (6) had to depart, bringing Lewis Keogh to the middle with Oscar. 

Lewis Keogh (14) and Luke Jones (2) fell, bringing Charlie Seddon to the crease at 111/6 with 6 overs to go, where anything between 180 and 120 all out was still possible. 

Both Charlie and Oscar then kicked on, with a vital 19 from 13 from Charlie a big help in supporting a magnificent knock of 76 from Oscar Thorpe, setting a target of 170 for the visitors to chase. 

Oscar once again showed composure and patience with the bat, holding together the innings in the no.4 slot he’s made his own in this side over this season, to post another big score in an innings where nobody else got more than 20. 

The defence then got off to the best possible start with Tom Worthington trapping the opener dead in front first ball, where the whole ground seemed to go up in appeal with the lads on the pitch. 

Tom then picked up another in his next over (caught Kite mid on) to leave Whalley Range in huge bother at 1/2. Tom was backed up by a tight spell down the hill from Dan Jones, who opened up with 3 maidens to really apply pressure, before eventually being expensive in his 4th over which went for 2. 

At 16/2 after 10 overs, 170 looked a long way away. A run out a few overs later didn’t help the cause, after a sharp throw from Charlie Seddon into the gloves of Chris Thorpe removed the man who looked to be their biggest danger for 24, who launched his bat in disgust at the call from his mate at the other end. 

Elliot, Oli Dunn and Oscar came into the attack but couldn’t make the next breakthrough, as Whalley Range rebuilt impressively to be 102/3 with 15 overs to go and looking huge favourites to chase this down. 

The introduction of Lewis Keogh up the hill opened the door, with a superb diving catch from Owen Hogben to remove the anchor at no.3 to give the hosts a lifeline. 

However, it was the introduction of leg spinner Owen Hogben that turned the game on its head in a matter of overs, shinning up the dangerous no.5, who has bravely batted on after being hit on the top of his unprotected head by a run out attempt from Luke Jones early in his innings, before another lbw in his next over to leave them 110/6 and the game back in the balance. 

When needing only 40 to win from 7 overs and 4 wickets in hand, Owen made the breakthrough again with a catch from Dunny at deep midwicket to swing it back in Clifton’s favour again. 

Dan Jones was brought back into the attack after Elliot kept overs up his sleeve for the opener to return, and got due reward with a wicket (caught L Keogh) to leave Whalley Range 148/8 and needing 22 to win off the last 3 overs. 

Only one more over was needed though, as Owen wrapped up his 5 fer with catches from Keogh and Dunn to seal an 18 run victory and set of scenes of celebration all around the ground. 

The side named for this Final included 8 current junior players, with the senior players having all played their junior cricket at Clifton - so a fully homegrown side dominating Sunday cricket in the GMCL. 

It’s so good to see the development of the older juniors like Dan, Owen, Ethan and Lewis (and Tom of course - although not technically a junior anymore) from playing 3rd team cricket over the last 3-4 years to now be at the level they dominate against full senior sides. 

There is then the next wave in Oscar, Charlie and Luke who will do what that older generation have done - and are already starting to do so - as Oscar proved in this Final, who are themselves then followed by the likes of Fred, Harrison and a wave of u12s and u13s that will break into the side next year and start their development in senior cricket. 

The future is bright, but it’s also ok to enjoy the present. Well done Captain Elliot Hogben on leading this group to a well deserved League and Cup double. 

You’ll never win anything with kids…..