17 April 2018
Merchant Taylor's 156 for 1 off 20 overs
Kirkham 54 all out off 19.5 overs
Merchant Taylor's won by 102 runs
In many ways this result didn't match the performance of the boys on the opening day of the season. After much rain in the preceding days it was somewhat of a miracle that the fixture took place, and a somewhat muddy outfield made the going tough. After losing the toss, the boys battled hard to contain an excellent Merchant side whose openers looked settled from the start. Nevertheless, like many runners of the Grand National running a few minutes away, the boys toiled hard over the whole innings and managed to last the course. Full marks for effort, and special mention to Harry Snape who was the pick of the bowlers on his debut. In reply Kirkham batted sensibly and the team were determined to bat throughout the innings and make the opposition work hard for their wickets. Opener Theo Mihell played with real determination and batted most of the innings, finishing top scorer with a patient 18. Unfortunately the opposition were too strong, and unlike the Grand National, a photo finish wasn't needed! The 'Tiger' opposition deserved their victory and were clearly on a 'roll' although they had to wait until the penultimate ball of the innings to bowl out the boys.