MORTON SHORT IN THE RUN STAKES

MORTON COLLIERY C C  V DENBY C C
MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE @ BACK LANE
14 MAY 2017 --- 1.30PM

MORTON COLLIERY CRICKET CLUB

After the first site of cricket this season before yesterdays NSL League cup final at Dunkirk today presented an opportunity to re visit the delightful Morton Colliery Cricket Club far a 'Sunday' xl fixture versus fellow Derbyshire side Denby.
The game is often not the only benefit in the cricket stakes with the social occasion and sportsmanship show by many clubs a real plus in todays sporting environments.  Having started off trying to cover the penultimate Sunday league fixture in the local Sunday League only for it to become a broken fixture a quick look at the scheduled cricket matches came up with a few but there was only going to be one choice today a chance to start the season at Morton.

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT BACK LANE

First thing of note on arrival at this lovely appointed ground, see last seasons blogs for a descriptor, was an extended boundary edge which now has smart new fencing and conveyor belt edging nicely whitewashed.  The smell of bacon cobs was calling and although I resisted there were of course copious chocolate and fizzy stuff consumed.  As mentioned before its a friendly club and today proved no different with a  warm welcome offered by all old friends and new.  The outfield now extended still undulates every which way and offers a similar feel to Underbank Rangers rugby league ground at Holmfirth.  But it is a labour of love for all concerned including long standing grounds man Charlie Wright who has prepared every blade of grass on the outfield with tender care.  This lovely setting offers The Sitwell Arms behind long off to the road side, the former pit tip through the covers and opposite the clubhouse and tower of the Parish Church.

DRINKS BREAK AND TIME FOR A REST FOR THE UMPIRES

So with the sun out the scene was set and with Denby losing 2 early wickets things were looking good for Morton however the visitors got away a little in the middle of their innings and although they were tied down a little in there late overs they finished on 186 for 6 in their allotted 40 overs.

MORTON CCC APPLAUD GROUNDS MAN CHARLIE WRIGHT ON AT THE TEA INTERVAL

After the team interval which saw the aforementioned Mr Wright pop out to the middle to resolutely do his work on the square we were soon back and after an encouraging start and the continuation by Kieran Marsh with a brisk 43 including one massive 6 which amazingly landed full on the top of his car way back over long on, of all the cars in all the world to miss quote!

ASHLEY CAUNT OPENING FOR MORTON

There was a small cameo from Sam Evans but the innings fell away after Marsh departed and Morton were dismissed in the 28th over for 136.

A CAMEO FROM SAM EVANS

A disappointing loss for the home side but overall its about the game and today both sides showed some excellent sportsmanship applauding all batsman off the pitch and roundly thanking one another for the game afterwards, long may this continue.

THE POP SIDE

An enjoyable afternoon and good to catch up with the club hopefully more visits to follow this summer.