Return of the legends at Grappenhall Cricket Club

Grappenhall Over 40s v Timperley Over 40s

THERE was an expectant hush around South Warringtons’ very own Theatre of Dreams, Broad Lane, Grappenhall…as the players gathered for a crucial match in the Cheshire County Over 40s League.

There was to be a reunion of two greats of the game, no, not Nick Sharp and Mike Holden, it was Wasim Akram and Neil Fairbother…two players whose careers had overlapped in the past, as opponents in the 1992 World Cup Final, and as teammates for the county of the Red Rose, Lancashire…tonight they were joined by 9 unsung heroes , some would say rightly so, in the Grappenhall side.

Grappenhall Veterans, were in the midst of a successful season, going into the match undefeated, led by an inspirational captain, Steve Newell. The visitors, Timperley were also on a good run, having recorded large totals , including 189 in their last outing.

It was a bright evening, with a chilling breeze that saw many of the healthy crowd well wrapped up looking forward to a competitive match …they were not to be disappointed…

Grappenhall opted to bat first, with Newell and Fairbrother opening proceedings …it was a partnership that didn’t last long, as the clubs record scorer Newell, departed with only 4 to his name. Out strode Holden, who is having a fine season, to join Fairbother , who was soon into his stride, as sprightly as ever, working the ball to all parts…he soon reached the 30 mark, where batsmen have to retire, and Wasim entered the fray…he was soon going through his repertoire of expansive shots, with Holden equally as destructive at the other end..it was no surprise when Holden also reached 30, closely followed by Wasim, going for one more big shot, for an excellent 27 …at this point there were 118 runs on the board with 5 overs to go…the lower middle order all chipped in , Anderson, Mutton, Sharp & Hayes ..with Titchard adding boundaries off the last 2 balls to take the home team to 143 after their 20 overs…the general “par” score in a over 40s match is around 130.. a good score but certainly not beyond the visitors’ capabilities…

Grappenhalls’ attack was to be all left-hand pace …Wasim at one end with his 356 One Day International Wickets, and at the other end Holden, with his…well .with his left hand.

The wicket keeper, Anderson, was almost stood on the car park as Wasim thundered down from the top end and unleashed an opening over of great pace and swing..to their credit Timperleys’ openers Fisher and Porterhouse, acquitted themselves with great skill and outright bravery against this opening salvo…at the other end Holden was just as hostile, operating on his long run, until changing ends to allow Hayes into the attack…no early breakthrough came, as the visitors weathered the storm, adding 60 at a good rate , both openers retiring…Newell varied his bowlers, with King Of Spin, Wernham coming on, joined by Thompson, and lastly Fairbrother…not normally known for his bowling prowess, this was to change this evening, as at this point, Timperely were within range of the Grappenhall score…40 needed in 6 overs, with 7 wickets remaining…Fairbrother made the first breakthrough , closely followed by 2 more as Grappenhall slowed the run rate down, the returning Wasim , bowling even quicker, saw 2 further wickets fall…with Holden coming back to close off the match with an excellent last over…a fine win by 19 runs, in a very competitive sporting match ..Timperley were beaten but unbowed, and will be looking for revenge in 2016!