Seam sensations see Kirk in the quarters

Jul 2 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

TWO superb bowling performances from seamers Nicky Caunce and Mark Jenkins saw Ormskirk record league and cup wins last weekend.

The defeat of Kearsley on Sunday at Brook Lane sends Adam Waterhouse’s men through to the quarter-final stage of the National Knockout while Saturday’s win at Southport sends them up to fourth place in the league.

On both days, Ormskirk’s opposition failed to reach 100 runs as new ball pair Caunce and Jenkins claimed 15 wickets between them.

“Mark bowled brilliantly on Saturday and used the conditions to his advantage,” said skipper Waterhouse, who was instrumental in bringing Jenkins to Brook Lane from St Helens Recs in the winter.

“He got the ball to swing both ways and had the Southport batsman in all kinds of trouble. Nicky backed him up well bowling very quick spells, especially on Sunday.

“It’s fantastic for the club to get to this stage of the National Knockout for the first time since 2005,” he added.

On Saturday, Matt Glayzer and Phil Armstrong had to endure a decent opening spell by Josh Hine and James Dixon before a rain break halted proceedings for an hour. Armstrong (10) had just nicked one behind off Dixon before the rain came and Glayzer (10) followed soon after the resumption the play, caught at short leg off Hine.

But a 50 partnership between Simon Kerrigan (42) and John Armstrong (39) put Ormskirk back in control. After Kerrigan departed after being caught at slip off the bowling of Dale Cranston, Matt Morgan joined Armstrong at the crease.

The right handed Australian took his side past the 150 mark and reached a well crafted half-century soon after. After Morgan had departed for 56, Jonny Glayzer (26*) took the away side to 196 as Waterhouse decided that would be enough and declared.

In reply, Southport’s top order were blown away by the combination of Jenkin’s swing and Caunce’s pace as the home side struggled to 22 for 6. Only Chris Firth (18) and James Dixon (45) offered any resistance as Southport were bowled out for 98, Jenkins finished with 6 for 22 and Caunce 3 for 37.

On Sunday, Kearsley were the visitors to Brook Lane bringing with them a party of passionate supporters for the area final of the ECB National Knockout. Unfortunately for the travelling fans, Caunce and Jenkins repeated Saturday’s new ball performance and demolished the top order, with the score 18 for 6 after the first 10 overs.