Batterley blasts Leigh back to top

11:33am Wednesday 16th July 2008

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MATCH-DAY sponsors ATG Access were treated to a magnificent unbeaten hundred by Andy Batterley as Leigh CC beat Liverpool by 56 runs to go joint top of the division.

Heavy overnight and morning rain meant the players were greeted by a paddy field when they arrived at the ground but, after much mopping-up play started 90 minutes late at 2.30pm, with Dove losing the toss and Leigh being asked to bat first on a very wet wicket.

Batterley and Greenwood made an excellent start, putting on 78 for the first wicket before Greenwood was harshly adjudged caught behind for 22.

Batterley had already passed his 50 and was looking increasingly menacing as he forced the pace, looking for the early declaration that would allow Leigh’s bowlers to attack the visiting batsmen. Liverpool had no answer to Batterley as their bowling was smashed all round Beech Walk with consummate ease, as he passed the magical ton mark in just 107 balls and, crucially, only 117 minutes.

Tea was taken at the regulation time of 4.30pm with Leigh well positioned. Bailey and Batterley were instructed by Dove to look for the extra bonus point to be gained at 190 runs as quickly as possible before a declaration and they duly obliged.

Bailey finished 25 not out, but it was Batterley, 125 not out, who stole the show. Leigh declared, as planned, on 193 for 3 from 38 overs.

Now Leigh’s bowlers had the difficult task of attacking Liverpool whose line up included the league’s leading batsman, SS Dass, who has played 23 Tests for India with an impressive Test batting average of just under 35.

Barry Greenwood showed no respect for Dass’ reputation as he steamed in and had him in trouble early on. Drawing on all his experience, Dass survived but others could not cope with Greenwood’s pace as he ripped into Liverpool’s top order, taking four wickets in just six overs and, with support from Nazir at the other end, the visitors wondering what had hit them on 28 for 5.

Vallance and Roussak joined the attack and, for a brief spell, the game changed. Vallance in particular was treated to some punishment by Dass and his tail-end colleagues as the score rocketed to 93 before Liverpool’s captain Rogers was run out for a quick-fire 28.

Shortly afterwards Vallance trapped Dass (46) and Robson both lbw in consecutive balls to leave Liverpool on 102 for 8.

Nazir, was now on at the Town end and was causing major problems for the visitors who just could not cope with the prodigious swing and seam movement he was extracting.

After a brave effort by Liverpool’s last batting pair, the end finally came when Adam Roussak claimed the final wicket caught by Batterley. Liverpool were 137 all out from 32 overs.

Pick of the bowlers was Greenwood with 4 for 20 from 8 overs, with support from Nazir (2 for 27 from 11), Vallance (2 for 53 from 7), Alex Roussak (0 for 32 from 5) and Adam Roussak (1 for 0 from 4 balls).

Another fine all round performance by Leigh means they are now well placed in the league for the second half of the season. This weekend the short trip to Wavertree beckons as Leigh will be eyeing up another victory in their quest for promotion.