Consecutive wins lift Adwalton seconds

It was a strange sensation to see Adwalton second team turning up to an away ground as favourites, but with Netherton A only bagging 4 points this season, and an impressive record of 15 losses from 16, even Adwalton could be forgiven for being a little complacent.

But after losing a toss on what was a dodgy looking wicket, the game was poised for an interesting start. With Graham Johnson given lbw in only the third over there was a chance of a trademark Adwalton collapse as had been seen all too often this year. But after Matthew Lyles began to steady the ship, it was left to captain Mark Palfreeman to once again step up to the plate as he and Chris Smith began a partnership of over a hundred runs. Palfreeman raced to fifty, profiting from some short leg side bowling from Dale Shaw, and with the odd slice of luck continued his way towards three figures. Smith was unlucky to be just four shy of his half century before he was caught off the bowling of Shaw, but with the team score in a much healthier position. With 15 overs remaining James Emmott and Ben Allinson were given the job of pinch hitting, but with the safeguard of former stalwart Ian Lindley to offer lower order support. Palfreeman eventually finished with 102, hitting his first century of the season before being caught, in what was the third opportunity, attempting to hit a six over the long on boundary. Craig Wright and Reece Farnhill admirably completed the innings propelling to score over 250 as the side completed on 253 for 9.

As had been the case in the home fixture, the Netherton innings was filled with neither enthusiasm nor craft as they untidily edged their way out of the gate. James Emmott finally received the support of his field as he had opener Jamie Brearley caught behind and Matthew Lyles continued his run of wickets in an impressive spell of 3 for 16. With the top order dismissed, Chris Smith bowled tidily, fully earning his 2-5 in a spell of bowling that certainly deserved more wickets. At the other end Sam Harrison had a rare opportunity to bowl, and was already having a good day in the field that had included a fine catch at fly slip. As the rain threatened it was up to Lyles to return to hopeful put an end to what was a painfully inept batting display. It took him just one ball as a mis-cued legside shot was excellently taken by a one handed diving catch from Ben Allinson in the covers.

With two wins on the bounce already Adwalton had surpassed their points total from the previous season. However there would be a sterner test waiting next week in the form of Oulton, but Adwalton enter the game on excellent form.