Stingers Left Eating Curry and Chips as the Big Mac Elludes Them

The Mackworth survived a middle order scare and a committed all-round performance from the Stingers to win the bragging rights between the two Gadlys pubs. A total innings of 121 off 20 over’s for the Mackworth, proved to be just out just out of the Stinger's reach.

Mackworth had won the toss and decided to bat first. They got off to a good start when L. Garethwaite and C. Sewell quickly piled on the runs in the early overs. The Stingers responded well, and a brilliantly caught catch by Darryl Rees, followed by two superb catches by Sam George and Richard Roberts slowed down the run rate. Gavin Morgan opened his bowling with his victim Matthew Flynn walking back to the pavilion with a golden duck. Richard Evans (19) and Castaldi (17) eventually settled the wobble for the Mackworth. Amid the magnificent catching of the Stingers outfield, Stingers bowler Anthony Davies bowled 4 stupendous overs taking 3 wickets for only 13 runs. A mention has to be given also to the dazzling football skills of Leighton Wilson. His skills were used to great effect late on as a certain boundary was averted by his quick feet. A cheeky chip to Morgan in the field was evident of the flashes of brilliance the Stingers are beginning to show on a frequent basis.

The Stingers' opening partnership of Lee Van-Baaren (12) and Darryl Rees (13) was short lived. A few quick boundaries from Rees and a 6 from Van (which can still be seen flying somewhere over Hirwaun right now) got the lads a little too excited. A couple of swings too wildly from both had them walking off following good bowling from Flynn and Castaldi.  Last week’s hero’s the George brothers entered the fray hoping to steady the ship but uncharacteristically didn’t quite find their current form. Ben George went for a golden duck (lbw) and Sam George (5) was caught behind after swinging erratically and edging an otherwise simple block.

Geoff Derrick settled any nerves with a solid 44 but the tough run rate chase had already began. A brave display from Anthony Davies (11), Gavin Morgan (6), Leighton Wilson (1) kept faint hopes alive. Even then 14 runs off the two remaining overs, sent down by Flynn and Wesley, kept the packed house interested. John Richards hit a few boundaries late on and a tactical single from Brian Thomas was unfortunately not enough. The result leaves the Stingers still in second place; 2 points ahead of the Mackworth - but the Mac have a game in hand.

‘We chased hard once again, and we can only learn from the mistakes that we’ve made. We’re improving week after week, and hopefully we can get back to winning ways in a fortnight’, said Captain Gavin Morgan.