Season 2010
Portland Wine CC vs. Mawdesley II 17/04/10 at the Rookery
A warm and sunny start to the season saw Portland Wine play host to Mawdesley II at the rookery. Portland won the toss and elected to field, and opening bowlers Van Der Merwe (4 for 32) and Francis (2 for 23) wasted no time, with Van Der Merwe removing the Mawdesley opener with his first delivery of the season. Francis then enjoyed success with Thompson taking a stunner in gully. The well matured Cragg (2 for 14) , Thompson (2 for 22) and Baker used their experience to keep the runs down and the wickets kept falling, with Cowey holding onto a great slip catch, and with Morris‘s fielding prowess at square leg preventing many a run chance, along with Hooton, as sharp as ever with his two touches, the visitors finished on 105 all out. The chase was comfortable as the sun dipped slowly behind the houses with Baker (47n.o.) and Cowey (14n.o.) seeing the hosts home for the loss of Howe for 36, reaching their target with consummate ease at 107 for 1 to take their first 20 points of the season.
Moorgate vs. Portland Wine 24/04/10 at Abbey Lane
Portland Wine made the trip to a sunny Burscough this week to play Moorgate at Abbey Lane. Portland wine lost the toss and were asked to bat on a hard but uneven surface. After a slow start, openers Howe and Baker began to score more freely, but then in true ‘Winos’ fashion, a mini collapse saw Baker(24), Howe(15) and Cowey(2) sent back as Portland were reduced to 51 -3, after some iffy running with Francis(33) and the vocal Van de Merwe(18) they began to take control with some big hitting taking the scoreboard into the 90's winos then lost 2 wickets in two balls with Van de Merwe and James falling victim to the impressive Berry (6 for 57). Enter athletic ex-skipper Hooton to up the run rate and when Francis went, Hooton(33 no) continued to take the fight to Moorgate with some ‘quick’ running and clever strokes. He and Marshall (4 no) took the score to 167-7 declared off 43 over’s.
In reply Moorgate were never at the races with Francis and the rampaging Van de Merwe (2 for 20)bowling with pace and aggression, they reduced Moorgate to 4-3, at one stage, had the umpire not had a Stevie Wonder moment, it could have been even worse when Berry clearly gloved a ball to the safe hands of Marshall, this seemed to fire up Francis even more who with finished with 2-14 off 7 overs
Then a double bowling change saw Hooton and Cragg enter the fray with the rejuvenated Hooton taking a wicket with his first ball (crap gets wickets). He and Cragg(2 for 3) wasted no time in mopping the tail with Hooton(3 for 17) taking the final wicket of the happy go lucky Parrott, Moorgate finishing with 61ao, Portland taking the game by 106 runs. Well done to young Dan Howe who had a good day in the field. Players are being asked for a donation to get Steve Van der Merwe some proper footwear!
Portland Wine Vs. New Victoria 1/05/10 at the Rookery
Portland Wine hosted old foe New Victoria at the rookery on Saturday and after winning the toss Baker asked New Vic to bat who, with the help of some wayward bowling quickly amassed the runs until the unlucky Sawbridge fell victim to an early contender for catch of the season. A short ball from Van Der Merwe was swatted away only for Gaz Cragg to take a diving backwards catch. Wickets then fell more freely with Cragg turning in a vintage spell of bowling, and at 86-4 New Vic were struggling enter Shaun Cragg who started the scoreboard moving again even slapping his Dad back over his head for six then a sad sight for the Winos, Steve Van Der Merwe suffering ankle ligament damage on his bowling follow through, and had to leave the field and on to A&E. After a half hour delay New Vic restarted their innings eventually finishing 173 all out Cragg Snr the pick of the winos bowlers finishing with 5-50 off 18 over’s including the wicket of his lad Shaun. A big thanks New Vic’s skipper Johnson who agreed to add the 30 minutes lost on to the game. In reply the Winos wasted no time with Howe racing to 29 before falling victim to Robson with the score on 51, Hooton joined Baker (69) at the crease, Hooton (45) continued his good form playing some great cuts, including some very late ones, he and baker piled on the runs only the introduction of old campaigner Sawbridge briefly delayed the inevitable after Baker reached his half century he and Hooton(45) both fell victim to Hames, leaving Francis (11 no) and James (6 no) to finish off. A big well done to all the lads on a difficult afternoon, they stuck at it and got a deserved victory. Overall a good game played in the right spirit. Bowling figures Van Der Merwe 11.2-30-2. Francis 7-28-0. Cragg 18-50-5. Baker 11.4-50-3.
Everyone at the Club wishes Steve a speedy recovery, and he’ll be sadly missed, get well soon mate.
In form Hooton talks bails before a match.
Portland Wine Vs. Tarleton II (Pochin Cup 1st rnd.) 2/05/10 at the Rookery
Tarleton won the toss and batted in this cup thriller on Sunday. ‘Wine’s weakened attack allowed Tarleton to score too easily on a good pitch with Thompson (1 for 22) and Hooton (2 for 30) the pick of the Portland bowlers, assisted by two good catches from Jones, Francis (2 for 47), Howe (1 for 48), and Morris also bowled a very good spell as Tarleton rattled up a massive 226 from their 40 overs. Not put off by the huge target, Portland started aggressively with Howe (42) and Thompson (21) going at 6 an over, then James (38) and Hooton (33) kept up the momentum and with time running out ‘Wine needed 57 from the last 4 overs. Enter Phil Jones (52 not out) who took Portland to the brink of victory, needing six to win off the final delivery. The ball was struck by Jones and it seemed to stay airborne for a long time before landing just a yard short of the boundary to give him 4 runs and a superb half century from just 18 balls and tied the scores at 226 apiece. Unfortunately for the ‘Wino’s, Tarleton had lost 6 wickets to their 7 and so lost the game. A fantastic advert for amateur cricket, but a harsh way to lose such a game. A massive 800 runs in two days on a pitch some think not good enough...
Southport College Vs. Portland Wine 8/05/10 at Ferryside Lane
Portland were put into bat against College and reached 154 all out with Sudwella the stand out bowler/fielder and catch taker for College. Southport College then went after the total in style, with Sudwella scoring 104 not out to take the 20 points by 10 wickets.
Portland Wine Vs. Tarleton II 15/05/10 at the Rookery
Saturdays match brought Tarleton back to the rookery. After their narrow cup defeat the Winos were after revenge. Baker won the toss and asked Tarleton to bat and after a flurry of runs 3 wickets fell in quick succession with the always impressive Cragg (3 for 97 from 25 overs!) and the pumped up Francis (1 for 22) sharing the wickets, after this, seasoned campaigners Mcdermott and Ashton set about rebuilding the innings, 'Winos heads seemed to drop, allowing the batsmen to share a century partnership. Baker (3 for 47) then removed Mcdermott and Ashton, but Tarleton carried on scoring at a quick rate with some good shots and some straight out of Farmers Weekly! Tarleton eventually declared on 210 -7 with one over left. A fantastic effort from Gaz Cragg who bowled 25overs straight through and Phil jones and Dan howe who were excellent in the field.
Winos reply got off to a cautious start when Howe was bowled round his legs (again) and the score on 18, the flashing blade, Richard Cowey entered the fray with his typical swashbuckling style the scoreboard was soon rattling along, Cowey eventually falling for 47. Baker (38) quickly followed after playing a poor stroke into the covers. Francis (50 not out) and James then played portland into a winning position, and when James fell for 21 Phil jones hit a quickfire 15 leaving portland on the brink of victory when jones fell Bosnich then went for a golden duck, before Tom Pottage connected to send one to the boundary and with 3 needed off the last over Francis calmly slapped the ball over long on for 6 to win the match and to reach his 50 another great knock from Scotty who seems to thrive in these situations. Revenge is sweet!
(Champagne moment: Jonesy knocking Wim off his chair wih a huge 6!)
Norley Hall II Vs. Portland Wine 22/05/10 at Norley Hall
Portland Wine batted first in the hot sunshine and in main thanks to Peter Hooton (78) and Scott Francis (57) they racked up a decent 210 for 8 and declared. It was a lot to ask from Norley and with Gary Cragg (5 for 52) in hot form. Hall fell at 115 all out to give the Winos a well deserved 20 points.
Darwen III Vs. Portland Wine 29/05/10 at Darwen
Dalton Vs. Portland Wine 5/06/10 at Dalton
Portland Wine Vs. Churchtown 12/06/10 at the Rookery
Churchtown batted first on a decent pitch but lost wickets early with some great bowling from Cragg (4 for 54) and Francis ( 2 for 25) and they were well supported by Morris (0 for 11) and Pottage (2 for 24) as Churchtown stumbled to 123 all out.
Portland replied well with Thompson (30) and Howe (53 no) putting on 53 for the first wicketand after losing Cowey cheaply Francis (38 no) came in to steer 'Wine home for a very comfortable 20 points, with Cowey claiming the champagne moment for a stunning slip catch off Francis.
Week 1 - Away at Ashworth
A new season for Portland Wine, again sponsored by the Fisherman's Rest, saw them travel to Ashworth for the first game on a glorious sunny day.
New skipper Steve Howe duly lost the all important toss and was asked to bat first on a very green wicket,knowing runs would be difficult to get. However openers Howe and Bushell chipped in with 23 and 29 respectively,followed by an excellent 57 not out from James helping Portland finish on a respectable 140-6.
Asworth's reply was negative and obvious,a draw was all they were after which makes you feel sorry for their players who do try. It'll be a long season for them. On a dead wicket they managed 71-7, Steve van der Merwe superb in claiming 5 for 17 off 17 overs.
Next week sees the Winos hosting Hindley at the Rookery hoping, not only for 20 points, but also for a more competetive match.
Week 2 - Home to Hindley St. Peters III
After a disappointing 1st week, Portland Wine got their season back on track with a hard fought victory over an improved Hindley team at the Rookery.
After losing the toss again, Portland were asked to bowl 1st on a good batting track, and though Hindley should be commended for this, they struggled early on against Van der Merwe and Cragg's peerless pace perfection. The South African continued his early season form with another 5 wicket performance, with Baker and Rimmer chipping in with 2 wickets each, finally reducing the away team to 139-5.
140 is normally a gettable target at the Rookery but early wickets meant the match was going to go to the wire. This it did, with 1 ball remaining, the winning runs coming from an overthrow, though mention should go to Cowey, Morris and Baker for making runs.
Next week sees the start of a 7 match away from home run, with a visit to probable title contenders Bretherton.
Week 3 - Away to Bretherton
Portland Wines slow start to the season continued on Saturday with a drawn match away at Bretherton.
After winning the toss,skipper Howe decided to field first knowing that chasing runs on Bretherton's small pitch would be the better option,especially with a strong batting line-up. However, being short of bowlers didn't help, with Baker and Merwe bowling 25 overs each,steady for the first 35 overs, but then some big hitting and good fortune saw Bretherton amass 183-4.
Still a gettable target and with Portland's never say die attitude, they gave it their best shot with Cowey, James and Merwe in the runs. Portland were still in the game up until 10 overs to go when wickets and sensible running started to dry up. When a win was out the question, Baker and Marshall shut up shop and prevented Bretherton from the win.
Next week sees an away trip to Darwen and hopefully a return to winning ways.
Week 4 - Away to Darwen
Another match drawn for Portland Wine on Saturday in a rain affected game at Darwen.
Having lost the toss again,Portland were asked to bat 1st and soon got about scoring quick runs on a day that forecast heavy showers. A total of 177-3 off 35 overs being enough to ensure Darwen couldn't win, with the in form Baker scoring 77 not out.
This left the Wino's nearly 2 hours to bowl Darwen out, but being short of a few 1st team bowlers and Darwen's sheer doggedness prevented Portland getting 20 points, with Darwen finishing on 133-7. Man of the match Baker getting 4 wickets and an excellent spell from young Tom Pottage showing promise for the future.
Next week sees a double header, with a Saturday league match away at newly promoted Bedford Park, and on Sunday Portland again play Darwen but this time at the Rookery in the cup
Week 5 - (Sat) Away to Bedford Park / (Sun) Home to Darwen
It was a frustrating weekend for Fishermans Rest sponsored Portland Wine as both the league match away at Bedford Park and the cup match at home against Darwen IV were called off without a ball played.
Although the square was perfectly playable and Portlands players were keen to get going on Saturday, Bedford Parks intentions were obvious and 6 points for them was probably a good result.
On Sunday, the decision was left to the umpires and due to water lying at the crease they decided to postpone the match for a fortnight.
Next Saturday sees Portland away yet again at Halsall West End.
Week 6 - Away to Halsall West End
Portland Wine got back to winning ways, after two weeks of frustration, with a convincing win against Halsall West End at the Memorial Ground.
Winning the toss, Howe put Halsall into bat on a wet ground,knowing the sun was going to shine later in the day and the pitch would start drying out. This proved to be the case with Halsall struggling against all Portlands bowlers. Cragg, Merwe, Thompson and Baker all returning fine figures and eventually bowling West End out for 102.
In return, Portland made the chase look easy with skipper Howe finally making a few runs, finishing with 63 not out, and the team winning the match at a loss of only two wickets.
Mention must go to Halsall though for making the effort of getting the game on and sets a good example of a team that looks forward to playing cricket in any situation.
Next week sees a Saturday league match away at Churchtown and a re-arranged cup match at home to Darwen on the Sunday.
Week 7 - Away to Churchtown Sunday - Home to Darwen IV (Cup)
It was a very disappointing weekend for Portland Wine, losing a league fixture for the 1st time against Churchtown, and at home to Darwen in the cup.
Saturdays match was thrown away, after some excellent bowling on a sweltering day, saw Churchtown bowled out for 121 with Baker outstanding again with a six wicket haul. The batsmen couldn't get going though, and apart from Francis, were all out in reply for 112.
Sunday was again very hot and a depleted squad meant the majority of the team were under 18. However, the future looks very bright with none of the kids disgracing themselves. Batting 1st Portland put an impressive 172 on the board off their 40 overs with Howe and Tom Rigby hitting half centuries. In reply Darwen, obviously using an opening bat brought in specifically for this match, had no problems reaching the total with only the loss of 2 wickets.
This Saturday sees a return to Ferryside Line against Southport College.
Week 20 - Home to Bedford Park
Park won the toss and elected to bat. As a result of some poor bowling, some even worse feilding and some very agricultural but effective batting Park had made a very quick 60 from 15 overs. Portland eventualy bowled Park out for 146 in the last over. Openers Steve Howe and Phil Jones got off to a a slow start scoring only 16 from the first 15 overs. Francis 58 no. and Baker 50 no. steering Portland to what proved to be a vital 20 point victory.
Week 21 - Home to Darwen
The morning was very wet but thankfully the covers stayed in place and did the job keeping the wicket dry so that a prompt start was possible against a very young Darwen squad.
The toss was won (for once) by Portland skipper Howe and Darwen were asked to bat. The first wicket fell in the first over and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with Cragg taking 6 in a very impresive display of bowling. Darwen finally all out for 76.
Portland opener Cowey carried his bat steering the Wino's home for the loss of 4 wickets. This result keeps Portland at the top of the league with one match to play.
19/04/08 Southport College Home Division 2
Portland Wine got off to the best possible start to the new season with a comfortable win over nine man Southport College, on a bitterly cold day at the Rookery. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Portlands opening batsmen soon set about the College bowlers with young Hugh Summerfield producing shots that players twice his age would be proud of, eventually being bowled to one that kept low, six short of his half century. Fellow opener Steve Howe continued the onslaught, eventually reaching 103 not out before captain Baker declared on 198 - 2, giving his bowlers extra time to go about their business. Frustration was the order of the day with Colleges batsmen staying around, not long enough to score runs but long enough to put the result in doubt. As the wind got colder, catches were put down and it took three men of mature years to wrap things up. South African Steve Van Der Merwe continued his form of last season with 5 - 48, Pete Baker came on late in the day to get 2 wickets, and the evergreen Gary Cragg coming back from overseas to show the youngsters how to bowl consistently steady. Hopefully the standard has been set for the new season and The Winos can achieve some sort of consistency, starting next Saturday, away against Leyland 3rds
26/04/08 Leyland III Away Division 2
Portland Wine came down to earth with a bang on Saturday, against last years division champs Leyland 3rds. After losing the toss for a second week running and being asked to bat first, the Winos could only manage a pitiful 69 all out, the only batsmen reaching double figures being Ed James, Steve van der Merwe and Tom Pottage. It would be easy to blame the wicket for the lack of runs if it wasn't for the shot selections that caused the majority of dismissals. Leyland eventually got the runs required losing five wickets, with the three main bowlers each chipping in, the evergreen Gary Cragg outstanding again. If Portand are to fulfill their potential and get promotion this year, this result is there as a reminder that having the divisions best players is no guarentee to success.
03/05/08 Darwen IV Home Division 2
Portland Wine got back to winning ways on Saturday with a comfortable win against Darwen IV at the Rookery. After skipper Hooton lost the toss again for a record 15th time on the trot, Darwen decided to bat first on a good batting wicket. However they mustn't have realised what a potent force the Winos have in the bowling department, each bowler producing the goods with the Peter Pan of Portland Wine, Gary Cragg, outstanding again. After reducing Darwen to 101 for 9, Portland made light work reaching the target, the winning runs coming with a good hour to spare. with mention going to Portlands in form Hugh Summerfield who made an effortless 34, showing some of his elders a thing or two about keeping a straight bat and timing a ball. This Saturday sees Bretherton come to the Rookery, and with both teams showing some early season form, it promises to be a cracker.
10/05/08 Bretherton Home Division 2
Despite the match ending a draw, Portland Wine, sponsored by the Fishermans Rest, came out on top against Bretheton at the Rookery on Saturday.
After proving again what a useless tosser he is, skipper Hooton was asked to bat 1st, which on a good batting strip and a team that can bat down to 11 if necessary, shouldn't have been a problem. And it wasn't as openers Howe and the in form Summerfield put on a rapid 94 before the latter was out for 37. Steve Howe eventually went for 53 which left the returning Si Bushell to add to the total like the mathematician he is, eventually falling 1 short of his 50. Pete Hooton added an unbeaten 25 before declaring his team on an impressive 219 - 5.
However, having a big total and winning the match don't go hand in hand in this league and as much as Portland bowled well, Bretherton frustrated in equal amounts, eventually finishing on 114 - 7, with the meritorious Gary Cragg taking 3 wickets and Bushell taking 2.
Next Saturday sees the Winos away at Ferryside Lane for a local derby against Churchtown, hoping to get back to winning ways and continuing their push for promotion.
17/05/08 Churchtown Away Division 2
Portland Wine came out on top against a disappointing but well spirited Churchtown at Ferryside Lane on Saturday. Having won the toss for the first time in his career skipper Hooton opted to bowl first on a green wicket that would favour his attack, and was proved right, as each of his bowlers returned good figures and kept Churchtowns run rate down. With Van der Merwe, Bushell and Baker each taking 3 wickets and the spry Gaz Cragg proving that age is no barrier to talent, Churchtown were bowled out for 91. Mention must also go to the fielders, the majority of whom got their considerable girth behind everything that came their way.
On a wicket that still had plenty to offer for the bowlers, Portland lost a couple of early wickets before Steve Howe and Alan "Boz" Morris steered the Winos home with Howe finishing on 50 not out.
Next Saturday sees newly promoted Ashworth at the Rookery.
24/05/08 Ashworth Home Division 2
Portland Wine made light work of Ashworth with a comfortable win at the Rookery on Saturday. The newly promoted team will be heading straight back to where they came from if they don't improve rapidly, this being a ridiculously one-sided affair that offered less than a training session on a Wednesday. And as a rule, no-one turns up to them!
Having won the toss for a second week running, Hooton picked himself up off the floor and put Ashworth into bat, hoping his opening bowlers would get an early breakthrough. Which they did, and never really stopped. Both Steve van der Merwe and Gary Cragg are in their twilight years but both could easily play at a higher level, the South African as slick as his hairstyle and Cragg playing like a old master, using the wicket as if it were his canvas. Both chipped in with wickets, as did the returning Thompson, eventually bowling Ashworth out for 50.
Portland had little difficulty reaching the target with Bushell and Thompson helping themselves to runs, finishing the game with plenty of time spare.
This Saturday sees Winstanley Park at the Rookery.
31/05/08 Winstanley Park Home Division 2
Honours were even in Portland Wines weekend match against Winstanley Park at the Rookery, the match ending in an draw that could have gone either way. The contest got off to a delayed start due to the oppositions inability to get to Southport from Wigan without stopping at a pie shop, so when skipper Hooton got back into his routine of losing the toss and being asked to bat, Portland had to make enough runs to give his bowlers the chance to throw caution to the wind and attack Parks batsmen, as previous meetings had shown that both teams were capable of putting together a big total. On a great batting track, Winos batsmen had little trouble finding runs, with van der Merwe hitting a maiden half century for the club, eventually reaching a good total of 223 - 9 declared. Knowing Winstanley would still go for the runs, Portland had to bowl tightly and take early wickets to stand any chance of getting a result, which they did with each bowler getting wickets, unfortunately running out of time with Winstanley on 164 - 7. This Saturday sees an away match at Aughton where the Winos should get back to winning ways.
07/06/08 Aughton Away Division 2
An easy 20 points for Portland Wine this week as Aughton II's couldn't raise a team, which at this level is ridiculous. Nevermind, it meant skipper Hooton couldn't lose the toss and it gave the team a break before this weekends double header, Saturday away at Moorgate in the league and Sunday, in a cup match, at home to league leaders Leyland. The latter should be a cracker with the Winos long due a win over their bogey team. All Ultras past and present are welcome.
14/06/08 Moorgate Home Division 2
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Portland Wine, as the league promotion push continued, the cup run ended at the first hurdle.
On Saturday, at home to Moorgate in the league, Portland made light work of the opposition, asking them to bat first and reducing them to 88 all out, with van der Merwe, Baker, Bushell and Morris all bowling well. Openers Howe and Bushell made sure of the points without any loss of wicket.
15/06/08 Leyland Home Pochin Cup
On Sunday, again at the Rookery, Wine entertained league leaders Leyland in the Pochin Cup. Knowing this would be a tough match, Hooton lost the all important toss and was asked to bat 1st, the batsmen struggled for any rhythm, apart from Bushell who scored his 2nd half century of the weekend. Nevertheless, a total of 172 was posted,which gave Portlands bowlers something to work with. Leylands opening batsmen, obviously drafted in from one of their other teams, threw caution to the wind and set about attacking from the off, mixing good shots with luck and eventually reaching their target for the loss of 5 wickets.
This Saturday sees a rare away trip to Hindley.
22/06/08 Hindley Away Division 2
No play possible due to wet conditions last Saturday, away at Hindley St. Peters, so 6 points to both teams. This week brings Halsall West End to the Rookery in the last match before the return fixtures and the 2nd half of the season. If Portland Wine, sponsored this year by The Fishermans Rest, are to be promoted they need to carry on the good form of the 1st half of the season and hope that, as the holiday season kicks in, there is not too much disruption to Hootons team selections.
29/06/08 Halsall West End Home Division 2
Portland Wine had no problems securing 20 points at the Rookery on Saturday, against Halsall West End. Losing the toss again, Hooton was asked to bat 1st on a wet wicket that in theory didn't offer much to the batsmen but thanks to some erratic bowling and a fine partnership from Howe (79) and van der Merwe (77 not out) saw Portland declare on 198-3.
Halsalls batsmen didn't offer much resistance to Wines bowlers with all getting in on the wickets, Thompson and Cragg standing out due to their precision and guile. Mention must also go the fielders who gave 100%, especially Eddie James, Tom Pottage, Danny Howe and Richy Cowey, who was outstanding again behind the stumps. Halsall were eventually bowled out for 73 with the best part of an hour left to play.
Next Saturday the team travels to Bank End for the return match against Southport College hoping for a 1st double of the season.
05/07/08 Southport College Away Division 2
An exciting finish resulted in Portland Wine securing 20 points against Southport College at Ferryside Lane on Saturday. Right up to the penultimate over, the result could have gone three ways.
Starting the match late cause College only had four players at 2.0 p.m, skipper Hooton duly lost the toss and was asked to bat 1st on a green wicket that had low score written all over it. In form opener Ste Howe decided to attack from the off eventually being out having scored 51 from a total of 56, while his opening partner Baker held the fort excellently while others got out cheaply, his 41 runs proving invaluable in a final total of 133-9.
On a wicket that still had lots to offer the bowlers, but against a much improved College from earlier in the season, it was imperative to get early wickets, which Wine did, Van der Merwe excellent as he reduced the College score to 22-4. However, quick runs were added and at one stage College were coasting until Scott Francis joined the attack and bowled 7 overs for a return of 4-24. Merwe finished with 6-47, removing the last batsmen at the death.
Once again, great team spirit and top fielding added towards a crucial victory in the push towards promotion, next week brings league leaders Leyland to the Rookery.
12/07/08 Leyland Home Division 2
Honours were even in Saturdays top of the table clash between Portland Wine and Leyland. For the 1st time between the two clubs, and possibly the 1st time as skipper, Hooton won the toss and elected to bowl 1st, hoping to buck the trend and chase a gettable target. This would have been possible were it not for two Leyland batsmen, one scoring a century and the other 40 in a total of 206. Of the bowlers, Thompson and the mercurial Cragg stood out. One got the impression Leyland were happy with a draw from the off as it seemed to take an eternity to get through the overs, with their batsmen, bowlers and fielders all taking too much time.
Not having much time, Portlands top order batsmen never-the-less went after the target, both Howe and van der Merwe in the runs again, Howe getting his third 50 in successive matches. James and Thompson also got in on the runs but eventually time, runs and wickets were running out so a draw was an inevitable outcome.
With the next two matches being against lowly opposition, 40 points is essential if promotion is to be taken seriously
19/07/08 Aughton Home Division 2
The Wino’s returned to winning ways with a comfortable 20 point win against Aughton at the Rookery on Saturday.
After getting over the shock of losing the toss and being put in to bat openers Baker (34) and Cowey (15) made steady progress scoring comfortably until Cowey fell. Van der Merwe came to the crease and scored quickly but didn’t last long this brought Francis to the middle who set about the bowling with in his usual irreverent fashion finally being caught out but top scoring with 37. The remaining batsmen all contributed to the final total of 159-8.
The Aughton Batsmen struggled with the zealous bowling of Van der Merwe and Cragg from the start, Merwe finishing with figures of 4-13 from 9.5 overs and Cragg with 2-22 from his 6 overs.
Skipper Hooton decided to ring the changes with the bowling using 7 of the team and giving Gregory a chance on his debut only conceding 1 run from his 4 overs. Baker and Francis both got in on the action with 1 and 3 wickets each. Baker should have had more wickets but was unlucky enough for the batsmen to hit the ball directly at Boz “Stevie Wonder” Morris leaving him with figures of 1-8 from his 5 overs.
With only 7 points separating the top 3 in the table winning ways must be maintained if we are to move up to Div 1 next season and only 20 points will be acceptable next week when we travel to Ashworth.
26/07/08 Ashworth Away Division 2
On what seemed to be the hottest day of the season so far Portland Skipper Hooton achieved an outstanding result……He won the toss!!.
Electing to field the Skipper tossed the ball to his opening bowlers, Merwe 2-19 from 14 and Cragg 1-19 from 12, and they duly performed with a frugal opening session. The first 8 overs resulting in only 1 run being scored and the opener being dismissed for a duck in the 3rd over, caught behind by the multi faceted Baker standing in for the stand-in keeper and taking 5 catches in a faultless display of wicket keeping. Bushell bowled well with his figures being reduced to 2-23 from 13 spoiled only by 17 runs being taken from his last 2 overs. Francis, Gregory and Morris also bowled with both Francis and Gregory taking wickets Morris’s figures escape me.
The fielding was superb despite the extreme heat, which must have affected certain player’s normally calm nature, with Potts excelling and getting a spanking run out managing a direct hit from behind the Keeper.
Ashworth struggled to 106-7 from their 50 overs.
Portland got of to a shaky start with the bat loosing Baker for 2 in the 3rd over and Bushell going for a duck in the next over. This brought Merwe and Hooton snr together at the crease who set about the total in a controlled and purposeful manner with Hooton snr hitting the winning runs “down the entry” and seeing the job done, putting 20 points safely in the bag, with 15 overs to spare. Merwe 69 no and Hooton snr 29 no.
Next week brings Churchtown to the Rookery and a solid performance will be required to achieve the essential 20 points.
02/08/08 Churchtown Home Division 2
Portland Wine continued their excellent run of form with a comfortable win over a whinging Churchtown at the Rookery on Saturday. Winning the toss and bowling first, Fishermans Rest sponsored Wine had no trouble in finding wickets and keeping runs down, Churchtown eventually all out for 124. Both van der Merwe and Gaz Cragg were outstanding, picking up wickets with consumate ease.
In reply, Portland had little problems chasing down the total, reaching the target for a loss of 4 wickets, with Baker and Van der Merwe both in the runs. South African Steve Van der Merwe is in excellent form at the moment and could quite possibly be the best player in this division. Hopefully he and the rest of the squad can maintain their form, not only achieving promotion but going up as division champions.
Next Saturday will be a much harder match as The Winos travel out of town to play fellow promotion hopefuls Bretherton.
09/08/08 Bretherton Away Division 2
Match Abandoned - Rain. 6 points each.
16/08/08 Darwen Away Division 2
An excellent all round team performance saw Portland Wine secure 20 points away at Darwen on Saturday. The threat of rain meant getting a result as early as possible was necessary so losing the toss and being asked to bat first wasn't the ideal start but fortunately, the Darwen bowlers weren't firing on all cylinders so the minimum target of 175 runs, and maximum batting points, was achieved fairly easily with Howe (79) and James (44 not out) the main run makers. Skipper Baker declared when Wine reached 178-4.
With the bowling line-up that Portland had at their disposal, the match was only going one way but the weather was closing in and when Wines two main strike bowlers succumbed to muscular injuries, it was left to Bushell and Baker to finish off Darwens batsmen, Bushell ending up with 5 wickets.
Mention must also be made of some excellent fielding, especially keeper Richey Cowey, Daniel Howe and, playing his obligatory one match of the season, Matty Harrison.
Next Saturday sees Portland away to Winstanley Park
23/08/08 Winstanley Park Away Division 2
Portland Wine threw away 20 points away at Winstanley Park on Saturday. After looking in control for 90% of the match, Wines batsmen, cruising at 130-4 and needing 3 an over off the last 10 overs, decided on some kamikaze running between the wickets and ended up falling short of Parks 173 by 10 clear runs. Hopefully, the result wont affect Portlands promotion push, but 2nd place is probably the only feasible option remaining.
After losing the toss and being asked to field 1st, Wines bowlers started excellently with Cragg and Van der Merwe keeping the run rate down at less than 3 an over until the 30th over. Then a combination of big hitting and some very shoddy fielding, despite Hooton chipping in with 4 wickets, let Park amass a total that should realistically have been 30 runs less, but a target that Portland felt was achievable.
After a couple of early wickets, partnerships began between Thompson, Cowey, van der Merwe and James, all looking comfortable at the crease before the Keystone Cops impressions began and the result swang in Winstanleys favour.
Next week sees an away visit to Moorgate where 20 points is the only option for the Winos.
30/08/08 Moorgate Away Division 2
A return to winning ways and a good example of why Portland Wine need to go up a league was a result of this ridiculously one-sided affair, away at Moorgate on Saturday. Winning the toss and electing to bowl 1st, skipper Hooton had to rely on a 2nd string bowling line-up but still had no problems reducing Moorgate to an embarrasing 25 all out. Baker (5 wickets) and Bushell (4 wickets) did most of the damage, with some excellent catching, and wicket keeper Cowey superb again in difficult circumstances.
Skipper Hooton was given a rare opportunity to blood one of the youngsters and let Dan Howe open the batting, his 1st knock for club, and given his attitude and commitment towards the team this year, it wont be his last. Portland eventually reached their target with the loss of 1 wicket.
With two games to go, Wine's destiny is in their own hands, the 40 points available would guarantee them 2nd place. Next Saturday sees the last home match against Hindley.
06/09/08 Hindley Home Division 2
Portland Wine beat Hindley, and the weather, at the Rookery last Saturday. After the rain that had fallen in the days leading up to the match, it was a miracle and a testamant to the Roe Lane pitch that any cricket could be played, let alone a full game uninterrupted. It also couldn't have happened at a more crucial stage of the season, the win guarenteeing at least 2nd place in the league with 1 match to go.
After skipper Hooton had duly lost the toss again, Portland were asked to bat 1st, and after a quiet start due to some tight bowling, openers Howe and Bushell took control and runs came easily. After a fall of 2 wickets, The Winos declared on 153 with Howe unbeaten on 86. This declaration gave Wines bowlers an extra 10 overs to bowl their opponents out, which they did without much trouble, Hindley eventually all out for 99. All the bowlers used had some success, with van der Merwe adding another 5 wickets to his seasons tally and Baker, Thompson and Bushell sharing the rest.
Next Saturday sees Portland travelling to Halsall for the last match of an excellent season, and in the knowledge that a repeat of this weeks series of results, they will go up as champions.
13/09/08 Halsall Away Division 2
Portland Wine didn't seem to turn up at Halsall on Saturday, with a performance that resembled a team that had been relegated and not one that had finished 2nd in the league. After winning the toss, skipper Hooton decided to bat 1st, and also change his batting order to accomodate the batsmen who hadn't had much of a knock this year. Apart from Baker, who scored an impressive 50, no other batsmen looked comfortable against a decent Halsall attack, obviously confident in the less than fluent batting performance. Portland were eventually bowled out for 124, which in theory may have been enough to win the match given the Winos bowling attack, but the combinaton of lacklustre bowling and big hitting from Halsalls top order batsmen meant that the total was reached with 10 overs to spare.
If they play anything like this next year, they will be returning straight back to the 2nd division, and a day after losing it became apparent that league leaders Leyland hadn't played, therefore Wine could have gone up as champions had they won. They can only blame themselves if the league decides to promote one team only.