1st XI - Morpeth return to winning ways

A welcome win saw Morpeth rise towards safety, as Annfield Plain were well beaten at Longhirst. On a day that had spells of blistering sunshine, and patches of murky grey clouds, Morpeth won the toss and skipper Reagan chose to bat.
 
Openers Blake Reynolds and Mikey Craigs set there stall out for a lengthy stay at the crease, and looked solid against pace and spin bowling. Both players worked the ball into gaps, and Reynolds in particular punished anything full with some handsome extra cover drives. The pair we nearer a half century partnership when the impressive Khan got a deserved wicket as Reynolds flashed at an off-side half volley and Dixon at first slip flung to his right to take a magnificent one handed catch, sending the Australian back to the hutch for 29. Reagan was next to the middle, and the home side’s captain showed a resurgence to form. While the partnership looked defiant throughout, shots began to flow and Reagan was becoming increasingly dominant, cutting and driving any slightly wayward deliveries.

Having done a sterling job laying the foundations for Morpeth to launch their innings in the later stages, Craigs sent a leading edge to third man, and was caught for a well made 32. Reagan had notched a graceful half century when Harrison trapped him LBW for 54, as Morpeth continued to up the run rate. Maxted and Wailes picked up from were their leader had left off, with the former hitting lusty blows straight and over the legside. Morpeth’s danger man was beginning to look ominous when he skied a Harrison full toss and departed for 29. Wailes continued to be fluent with some powerful drives over the offside and a straight six, but partners came and went as Morpeth swung the willow in the closing overs. Palmer played on, and after some clean hits Horner was bowled. Stu Hills provided impetus late on with a slog sweep for six and some bold running between the wickets, but was run out on the penultimate ball, with Wailes finishing 41 not out. Morpeth closed on 230-7 on a wicket with a bit in it for batsmen and bowlers alike.
 
Palmer and Horner took the new ball, and Horner in particular looked a threat throughout. Movement away from the bat, and a probing length, led to Horner beating both openers with alarming regularity. The Yorkshire man did get his reward when the dashing Carr lobbed a catch to gully when approaching his half century. Fellow opener Dixon was joined by professional Rafique and the pair were steady, although excellent spells from Craigs and Reagan kept the pressure on as the run rate steadily climbed. Craigs then dismissed Dixon and Reagan had Maughan caught behind, with some sharp keeping from Reynolds.
 
As Morpeth looked to be heading for victory, Rafique and skipper Newstead put on a fluent stand and kept the visitors in with a sniff. Newstead was then dismissed by Craigs, and the wickets continued to tumble. Hills and Horner were brought on, and this partnership sealed the game for Morpeth. Hills claimed three wickets, and Horner a further three, most notably Rafique, caught by Craigs at deep square leg. Hills finished the game in the penultimate over, as star fieldsman Maxted took a catch, and finally Horner sealed the win, taking a comfortable catch at long leg, to add to his four-wicket haul.
 
Annfield Plain were all out for 193, and Morpeth look to repeat this performance at home to relegation favourites Percy Main on Saturday.
 
Jonny Wailes

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