Dukinfield 3XI v Denton West 3XI
LCL 3XI Cup Final
 
A clear and hot day on Sunday saw the Inaugural JW Lees LCL 3rd Eleven Cup Final between Dukinfield and Denton West at Dukinfield's King Street ground. Both teams arrived to a wicket that thanks to the recent inclement weather left both captains uncertain of what to do at the toss. Anton Morrisey of Duki and Chris Parry of West had the honour of the toss which was won by Chris who decided West would bat first.

The teams took to the field and an eventful first two overs saw the back of the West openers with the score 0 for 2. This sent shock waves through the West ranks, especially the skipper who was questioning his decision to bat first.

West rallied and a 3rd wicket partnership of 70 including a quick fire 45 from John Remmes, supported by Ben Lowndes (16) restored some order for West. Both fell in quick succession to get Duki back in the hunt but another partnership this time worth 80 runs pushed West along for the 5th wicket. An enterprising knock of 45 from Antony (Podge) Rogers and a patient 26 from Aaron Sutherland set up a base for a final onslaught. This duly came when Steve Melling and Stuart Rose came to the crease with 3 overs remaining and the score on 170.

First to get into the runs was Melling who complied a sprightly 16 from 10 balls, which included some well worked boundaries. Then in the final over Rose came to the party and produced a towering maximum of the third ball of the over and ended with 11 runs from 5 balls which helped West to 208-7 at the close of the innings.

After a good 40 minutes rest and a fantastic tea supplied by Dukinfield's tea ladies the teams hit the pitch again. Denton West opening pairing of Parry and Rose looked to get off to a good start and did with the first 4 overs going for only 9 runs. It was the 5th over that saw the major turning point of the game.

The pressure of the first 4 overs saw Duki lose 3 wickets in the same over to the bowling of Vice Captain Stuart Rose (3-18). These wickets include some excellent catches from Ben Lowndes, Aaron Sutherland and wicket keeper Danny Wood. This set the tone for the rest of the innings and wickets started to fall at regular intervals. The hosts were final bowled out for 78 which saw Denton West win by 130 runs and crown the 2008 3rd Eleven Cup Winners. The final wickets were shared between Chris Parry, Chris McAllister with one each and Ben Lowndes and Tony Auld with 2 a piece.

The day was rounded off with a speech from the losing Chairman Peter Taylor, who thanked West's players and supporters and also the Dukinfield team and supports for making it such a wonderful occasion. The trophy was presented to the West captain Chris Parry who accepted the cup before being mugged by his dubulante team mates.

All in all it was a great day for West and a large thanks must go to Dukinfield Cricket Club for hosting such a fantastic cup final day. I am sure the West lads were celebrating late into Monday morning, well they were still going when I went home at 12!!

Stuart Rose
Denton West Cricket Club