12:14pm Friday 3rd July 2009
KIERAN Grundy was star of the show as Leigh swept to an impressive 52-run home victory against form side Maghull in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition First Division.
Batting first, on the best pitch seen at Leigh for 15 years, the home side were soon in trouble at 64 for 7, with only Keenan, 25, and Karl Brown, 25, having any impact. Grundy came to the crease for what was to be a brilliant match-winning innings. He played with a maturity beyond his years and, although usually known for a much more attacking style, he was very measured in his shot selection.
Grundy reached 50 from just 45 balls and, when he finally fell caught at cover, he had made 70 from a total 180 all out.
Crucially, his innings had enabled his to team to bat around him with Dempster, 27, and Adam Roussak, 17, also chipping in.
Leigh knew they would have to bowl well and they got off to a flying start with man-of the match Grundy taking the first wicket in his second over.
Brown struck at the other end and, after a run out, Maghull were in deep trouble at 7 for 3.
Maghull’s middle order rallied until deadly Dave Dempster entered the attack and made the breakthrough with a catch from his own bowling, followed by a good catch behind from Davies going down the leg-side.
Maghull were now 96 for 6 but still looking to push for victory with plenty of time in hand.
Vallance entered the attack and, after a loose first over conceding six runs, was quickly into his stride, bowling with predictable accuracy and regularly beating the bat.
Maghull’s Plumley soon edged to first slip where Brown took a good, low catch and when he bowled Swiers Leigh could taste victory.
In Vallance’s next over Baldwin took a skier to dismiss Gillespie, giving Vallance 3 for 9 from 7 overs, including four maidens.
Dempster returned figures of 2 for 16 and Brown 2 for 54 from 18 overs.
When Dove ran out Maghull’s last man with the total on 128, Leigh had a 52-run victory thanks to their team effort.
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