Teen ace Alderson beats boundaries

Jul 2 2009 Crosby Herald

HIGHTOWN first team’s match against Northern was postponed due to the Crosby club's marquee event, giving the second team the chance to shine in their league match at Prescot and Odyssey.

The match started under heavy cloud, with the combined side choosing to bowl first in swing-friendly conditions. In-form Andy Hughes was an early victim, caught at slip in the second over of the day, which brought 14 year old Josh Alderson to the crease.

On the back of an unbeaten half century for the under 18s, the youngster proceeded to hit his highest score for the club at this level, making an eye-catching 32, which included five boundaries.

After Jeff Salleh was dismissed for a patient 19, there was a bit of a middle order wobble, although skipper Nick Gordon and Jason Salleh added 74 for the sixth wicket to put the visitors in a strong position. The captain was eventually dismissed for a season's best 65, while Salleh finished on 23 not out as Hightown declared at 197 for 6.

After the break, Simon Tenwick struck three times to leave Prescot struggling at 40 for 3, although at the other end Jonny Walsh could only bowl two overs after sustaining a foot injury. Andy Hughes (1 for 26) took over, but he was overshadowed by another hugely promising junior performance when 15 year old Matthew Fisher (2 for 19) removed two top six batsmen in a composed spell of bowling. Sensing victory, spin bowlers Paul Schofield (3 for 28) and John Lovett (1 for 15) cleared up the tail to leave Hightown comfortable winners by 34 runs.

On Sunday the third XI faced Ormskirk at Ocean Park and allowed the visitors to rack up 235-5.

In reply, both Mike Lowe (21) and Jon Bell (18) made starts, but the home team were struggling at 86-6 before heavy rain prevented any further play.

This weekend the first team return to action with a home game against league leaders Bootle. The seconds travel to Alder, the third team face Sefton Park.