A weekend of mixed fortunes for Heywood CC, with disappointment on Saturday followed by two magnificent cup victories on Sunday! 💚
Saturday
The 1st XI fell to a heartbreaking 1-wicket defeat against Greenfield. After reaching 83-2, Heywood succumbed to the spin attack and were bowled out for 131. However, they showed tremendous character with the ball, pushing Greenfield all the way. Greg Butterworth (3 wickets) and Ed Dickinson (4 wickets) did the damage, but the visitors' last pair found the 12 runs required to sneak home.
The 2nd XI also suffered a frustrating defeat, losing by 18 runs to Bradshaw. After bowling the visitors out for just 116, thanks largely to Ollie Rawlinson (4 wickets) and Will Taylor (3 wickets), Heywood looked favourites but were dismissed for 98.
Sunday
The mood changed dramatically as both teams booked their places in the quarter-finals of their respective cups! 🔥
The 2nd XI produced a superb upset against Whalley Range, a side three divisions above them. Caleb Grant starred with an incredible all-round performance, taking 4-5 before scoring an unbeaten 37. Alongside Matt Fern (28), he shared a match-winning partnership of 63. Special mention must also go to Charles Stanford-Campbell, who claimed five dismissals behind the stumps.
The 1st XI completed the perfect Sunday with a brilliant 6-wicket victory over Denton St Lawrence. After restricting the visitors to 207 thanks to a disciplined bowling display led by Greg Butterworth (4 wickets), Josh Woolfe (3 wickets) and Richard Slatem (2 wickets), Heywood found themselves in trouble at 45-4.
Captain Will Purser and Greg Butterworth then produced a masterclass in chasing. Rotating the strike brilliantly before accelerating when required, the pair shared an unbeaten partnership of 163 to guide Heywood home with six overs to spare. Butterworth finished unbeaten on 74, while Purser made 67.
🏆 Both teams are now in the hat for the quarter-finals!
