The threat of rain stayed away and Glossop vets could pull on their whites to entertain the expectant crowds at their first away game. Glossop were happy to welcome back Rick Marsden and Alex Carroll to the team and it was great to see Sam Alder making his debut.

Glossop lost the toss and were put into bat, a position they were not use to but with a strong batting line up they were confident of posting a big score. After a few early wickets Steve Marsh and Rick Marsden settled the ship and both made vital scores of 19, with Marsden setting the tone with some big hitting and Steve Marsh pushing for quick runs. Colin Taylor came in at 6 and knocked a quick fire 25 not out to help settle things in the middle order, well supported by Alex Carroll who made 18. The wicket was slowing up but Lewis Calvert and Sam Alder added some vital runs in the last few overs and Glossop Vets ended up posting a combative score of 116. 

After a quick change around Rick Ingham and Lewis Calvert opened the bowling and although no wickets taken, bowling was tight and pressure was building. Steve Marsh came on and made the break through with a good length ball that was chipped up and taken by Colin Taylor at backward square leg, breaking a solid opening partnership. Mottram rallied and made good progress in the middle overs so Glossop were forced to bring on their number 1 strike bowler, and he didn't disappoint. Paul Edgar taking 2 wickets in his first over and slowing Mottram's progress. With the scores looking tight Jay Allen, Rick Marden, Alex Carrroll, Steve Kirkham and Sam Alder all bowled vital 2nd overs to keep Glossop in the game. Pressure built and Mottram were forced to take risky runs, the ball went loose and Glossop's wicket keeper, Andy Wilde snaffled the ball and aimed at the stumps, a direct hit ran out Mottram's danger man. Glossop were getting on top but Mottram only needed 13 runs off the last 2 overs for a big win. Taylor bowled the penultimate over and a wicket on the first ball, caught by Marsden at mid wicket helped increase the pressure on Mottram. Edgar bowled the last over and held his nerve only giving away 6 runs, leading the Vets to to a 6 run victory and helping them remain unbeaten in the season and leading to wild celebrations in the away team dressing room. 

Man of the Match: A proper all round team performance where everyone contributed but possibly just taken by Colin Taylor (*) with 25 not out and 2 overs 1 wicket for 3 runs and 1 catch. 

Glossop vets march on 🏏🍺

* Match report by Colin Taylor