1st XI - Forster Saves the Day for Morpeth

Morpeth were back to winning ways on Saturday at home to Consett, but the game was in the balance right to the end. Having lost the toss, Morpeth’s bowlers began at their usual high standard. Despite another good spell Horner was wicketless, as was David Gower look-a-like Jimmy Craigs. Skipper Reagan soon entered the attack though and a quicker ball had Huntsman trapped LBW for 9. Jack Palmer’s nippy in-swing did for number three Cummings, as a return catch was ballooned back to the enigmatic all-rounder.

Consett then tried to set a platform for a competitive total despite the tight bowling with oversees player Khare and left-handed opener Waters looking assured, only for the latter to spoon a Reagan off-spinner to Jimmy Craigs at Long-off on 41. Khare was then run out after good work from Jonny Craigs in the deep on 56 to leave an opportunity to the home side to strike.

Thin spin wizard Paul Elliott then had Wins caught by Leason at mid-on immediately but Chapman and Hopps dug in to keep the game competitive. Chapman fell for 23 in identical fashion to Waters, Reagan bowling and Craigs catching. Hopps was then bowled for 35 by Elliott, and then two quick run outs and a wicket with Jonny Craigs’ finger spin saw the visitors all out for 187.

Morpeth started in bullish mood, but Jonny Craigs followed a pair of authoritative cover drives by playing on for 9, from the experienced left-arm seam of Remmer. Leason was looking typically solid and next in Reagan started with some graceful straight drive only for a ball to keep low from Remmer, bowling the hard-hitting skipper for 17. Maxted also fell to Remmer for 4, but Nick Forster and Leason set about mounting a successful run chase. Leason began to grow more expansive, driving the ball over the off-side regularly, with Forster punching the ball to all parts, even allowing for the odd pull shot.

Looking assured, Leason attempted another slog-sweep, only to be bowled by Khare’s skiddy leg-spin on 57. Wailes was then given LBW without scoring and Palmer caught behind for 1, both to Remmer to hand him another five-for. Suddenly Morpeth looked in trouble.

But Mikey Craigs joined Forster and the pair batted with confidence, maturity and urgency to take Morpeth home. With quick and intelligent running, Forster began to break loose, with two clean blows straight amongst a flurry of flicks and cuts to the boundary. Craigs looked strong through the leg-side and it was a shame was the talented all-rounder got a leading edged to returning opener Hobbs on 24. Forster though caressed a square drive to the boundary with 2 overs to spare to lead Morpeth back to the top of the league with 3 wickets in hand.
 

Man of the Match: Nick Forster

Next Saturday Morpeth head to promotion rivals Percy Main, with a crunch cup match at home on Sunday against Ashington.

Jonny Wailes
 

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