Colwyn Bay Match report -3-6-17

In his programme notes Matt Glayzer, the Ormskirk skipper, taking into consideration Colwyn Bay’s place in the table and their very recent success against New Brighton in a cup tie, reasonably forecast a tough game to secure the points. In reality, what happened was miles away from his forecast in that his team executed one of the easiest wins of the season.

The visitors’ captain won the toss and elected to bat on a well prepared wicket which promised plenty

of runs. He hadn’t, however, reckoned on the quality of the opening pace attack led by Nicky Caunce, who was ably supported by Scott Lees.

With only 45 runs on the board they had lost 5 wickets. Nicky Caunce was in wonderful form taking the prize wicket of Buddhika (0), the Bay’s overseas player from Sri Lanka, without him troubling the scorer. He had previously dismissed opener Gidlow (4) with a delivery that left the player and the stumps in complete disarray.

At the other end Scott Lees was bowling accurately and at pace to have Johansen (3) caught behind

by George Lavelle. Back into the forefront came Nicky Caunce to bowl opener Leach (4) and then claim his fourth wicket when Jack Snowdon gratefully accepted a catch offered to him at mid on by Sion Morris (8), off Nicky’s bowling.

The fifth wicket of the opening assault was claimed by Scott Lees when he tempted Campion (14) to offer a catch to Matt Glayzer which was comfortably taken.

At the end of Nicky’s eighth over his place was taken by Josh Bohannon, who with his first ball, claimed the wicket of Higginson (17), having him caught by Nicky. These were bad times indeed for Colwyn Bay and only got worse when Holtby (16) skied one into the hands of the irrepressible ‘Cauncy’, off the bowling of Alex Mason, leaving them on a pitiful 82-8.

Colwyn Bay simply had no answer to the bowling attack and on reaching a score of 94 they were all

out. Josh Bohannon finished off the innings taking the last two wickets of Jenkin (2) and Goddison (9), to leave him with impressive figures of 3-8 off 4 overs.

After an early tea interval Andy Baybutt and Michael Jones opened the Ormskirk reply. They were untroubled by the Colwyn Bay bowlers and knocked off the required 95 runs with ease. Michael scored a very impressive 50* and Andy a chanceless 32*, in a supporting role, looked as secure as ever.

Nominating the Man of the Match was a relatively easy task for this game. Nicky Caunce, with his superb spell of bowling (4-37), two catches and infectious enthusiasm had a great game. Nobody was left in any doubt that he laid the foundation for the victory and fully deserved the nomination.

Ormskirk remain unbeaten in the League and sit at the top of the table by a margin of 22 points above closest rivals New Brighton.

They are a very good side and will be there or thereabouts when the final reckonings come about in September. On the evidence of the first seven games of the season they will take some stopping.