In difficult conditions Phagura showed impressive technique and was well supported by Vinnay Thakkur (36), Abdul Rahim (25) and Onias Bascombe (24). Manor were equally impressive with the ball bowling Bronze out for 98, with young Jack Hobbis (7-0-20-5) providing a master-class in left arm spin bowling leaving our overseas spinner to look on in awe!

Yet another win for Super-Skipper Chris Wooding to set the Sunday season rolling

Aston Manor 4ths 235 for 9 off 45 overs
West Walsall 132 for 9 off 45 overs
Aston Manor gained a winning draw and 18pts.

For a second week running Aston Manor were put into bat. 32 was put on for the first wicket in a steady start before Amritpat Singh (the Beast) joined Qas Haider in a 98 run partnership spanning 20 overs to lay down a solid platform. Qas made 51 riding his luck, while the Beast hit 79 (5, 4s and 3, 6s) showing some excellent command of the bowling attack. Deep boundaries and a slow outfield required solid effort and sure shot selection. Contributions through the middle order Talat Rashid (11), Adnan Akhtar (12) and another Reece Murray cameo 28 (16 balls, 1, 6 and 2, 4s) allowed the tail to throw the bat to reach 235 at close.

As the sun shone, the outfield quickened, tight bowling was required. Talat Rashid opened with some lively attacking bowling that took out the West Walsall top order in the first 10 overs finishing with figures of 10-3-29-3. Talat was supported by an impressive Kieran Carroll, once again bowling tight lines, moving the ball and asking questions. Kieran returned 9-5-14-2, growing into the role of an opening bowler. With West Walsall on the back foot they were forced to shut up shop.
Qas Haider could not tempt them out of their shells (9-3-16-1) and our under 15s spin duo of Adnan Akhtar and Reece Murray took to trying to winkle out the remaining batsman. Adnan (8-2-18-2) and Reece (5-0-19-1) almost got us there, unfortunately a superb rearguard action from R. Thompson (35 n. o) managed to hold us at bay. Qas took a wicket with the first ball of the final over, but the veteran Carlos Mechaldo in at 11 held firm as the home team ended on 132 for 9.

Today we saw two more impressive debuts for Aston Manor senior squads. Talat was one, the second was a youngster U13s Joe Griffiths. Although a nervy first few overs, Joe grew into the role as wicket keeper, supported by Alex Rose at slip. He was tested by the pace and movement of Talat, Kieran and Qas, examined by the spin and bounce of Adnan and Reece, taunted or maybe haunted by Mini Heaney. The figures show 11 byes against him, without him it might have been double or triple that.

He was deservedly clapped from the field. Welcome to Aston Manor seniors Joe. Well done to all on Saturday a mature display, sorry we couldnt get that last wicket.

Bowling first on a greenish track Manor started brightly with an excellent spell from new boy Onias Bascombe (2-30) and Rikki Bassi (1-46). Beating the bat on numerous occasions with top accuracy. This was continued with seam bowling changes for Scott Bryson and Shozi Haider – who didnt take wickets but bowled tightly supported by some excellent fielding, highlight of which was a superb run out by 15 year old wicket keeper Adam Nevitt. Diving full length (all 1.2m of him) to hit the one wicket showing – superb agility.

The spin of Jack Hobbis (1-52) and Austen Imber (2-36) then initially slowed down a run rate which had started to accelerate, with Austen ending a very good knock by Lichfields Heanen (46). As Lichfield tried to move forward again it was the old heads of Austen and Dave Woakes (2-7) settling things down – again highlighting a number of superb diving and full length stops in the field from Rikki Bassi and Jack Hobbis.

With Onias and Rikki coming back on to close out the innings with some excellent death bowling it meant a chase of 206 to win for Manor (possibly 20 over what Lichfield should have reached)

However, batting got off to a poor start with two quick wickets falling to Lichfields excellent opening bowling (R Stevens 2-42 particularly troubling everyone). But with Abdul Rahim (31) and Scott Bryson (19) settling things down runs started to come, although mainly in singles. With Onias then also falling cheaply to further good bowling (B.Astley 2-38) there was increased pressure on Shozir Haider to bat steadily and get us close to the finish line.

The first few runs where steady before Shozi hit his first few big blows, with Rimmer then falling to again slow Manor down and build the pressure. At this point 105 – 5 big striding and hitting Austen Imber came to the fore. Shozis comment to him of just go do your thing proving vital as the two of them put on a show the IPL would have been proud of, with 4s and mainly 6s (8 of them in total between them), knocking the stuffing out of Lichfield in 8 fantastic overs – a stand of 70. Austens fine hit of (37) end caught in the deep meaning that there was still 30 required. Rikki Bassi (18 no) joining Shozi to take us through to the end with real composure and a few big shots of his own. Top knock by Shozi Haider though finishing on 69 not out in one of his best innings for Manor.

Manor maintained their positive start to the season with an impressive and crushing ten wicket victory away at Lichfield.

The hosts decided to bat first on a wicket that was always likely to offer the bowlers assistance and so it proved as Manors excellent and experienced opening attack of Aurell Kirnon (2-24) and Arfan Khan (2-24) made early inroads into a Lichfield batting line up low on confidence. However what came next was quite astonishing as young 16 year old Warwickshire starlet Brinder Phaghura (6-3-7-6) produced a superb spell of controlled seam and swing bowling to leave the hosts demoralised and dismissed for only 70. Manors performance in the field was much improved, and if this level can be maintained to support what would appear to be a top class and well balanced bowling attack, then the Perry Barr based side are going to be a threat to any batting line up.

If batting conditions were difficult then someone forgot to tell Amardeep Sonkar! With Darren Baker (11no) giving the bowling attack watchful respect Sonkar showed his undoubted class by smashing 62 from only 42 balls to see the visitors to a ten wicket victory within 11 overs. Some of his shots were quite awesome and as he now adapts to English conditions Manors batting line up also looks very impressive with a genuine depth in quality.

This has definitely been an encouraging start to the season, and if the improved standard of fielding can be maintained together with the quality and depth available in batting and bowling Manor could be genuine promotion candidates.

Click here to see the photos taken by Nigel Parker of format94.

A match that was off and on more times than our landing light eventually took place at our new home, St Francis of Assisi Technology College in Aldridge.

On a freezing Bank Holiday Saturday, Manor lost the toss and were put into bat. Due to injury and last minute replacements, the skipper made way for Trent Turner to take the captains mantle and a sickly Scott Bryson to bolster the batting line-up. Losing an early wicket bought Scott and Trent together and slowly but surely they took command of the Streetly attack. With a partnership of 93, Scotts run a ball 70 (3×4s, 3×6s) set Manor on its way. The middle overs required some stalwart response, a young 15 year old, Reece Murray, came to join the foray and made 35 (3×4s, 3×6s) in short order to tip the balance of match towards Manor, in an 80 partnership with Trent.

Manor accelerated through the last 15 overs at nearly 9 runs an over to post a 254 total. In the last over a huge straight six over mid-on saw Trent Turner to a well deserved 100 (108 n.o 11×4s, 6×6s). This was his maiden century, a determined, defiant start to an innings that developed and accelerated with a maturity gained from the youth culture down at Aston Manor. Congratulations Trent, well done.

Due to technical problems, tea had to be taken in the open air, in near freezing conditions, Streetly took it in their stride, and I can only thank them for their acceptance and understanding.

In the same way Streetly took to chasing down the Manor total. A steady start against our opening attack of Liam Rake (1-36) and Kieran Carroll saw parity 10 overs in. On the back of a miserly Kieran (9 overs, 5 maidens, 2 for 6) the Manor bowlers managed to tighten the screw. A great innings from A Reed junior (60) and A Thomas (72) had us worried in the middle, but a total of 254 meant risks had to be taken, and the spin pairing of Trent (3-37) and Reece (1-39) put paid to the Streetly response. Bowling all round was difficult in worsening conditions but all stuck to the task, contributions from M Heaney (1-32), S Bryson (0-17) and a debut 6,1-1-23-1 and the final wicket to Michael Milky Bryne saw us home.

A great show boys, a big fat 24 pts to start the season.

Manor recovered from last weeks reverse with a tense one wicket victory away against a strong Penn outfit.

The visitors opening attack of Arfan Khan (16-5-37-3) and Aurell Kirnon (17-4-30-2) made the most of the conditions with a superb display of controlled seam bowling which always kept the hosts under pressure. Amardeep Sonkar (16-4-43-2) also impressed with his left arm spin, but yet again the bowlers were let down in the field as Manor spilled several catches allowing Penn to rally and rebuild their innings around a fine 66no from Daniel Bassett to close on a competitive 135-7.

Manor decided to adopt a belligerent approach in their reply and it seemed to pay dividends as Irfan Saroop smashed a quick-fire 27 from only 15 deliveries to get the visitors off to a positive start. However after the early onslaught Manor were soon pegged back by some fine aggressive bowling from Dale Quiney (2-30) and brother Adam (5-55) as they slumped to 57-5 to leave the hosts seemingly in charge. The impressive Oronde Bascombe was joined by Jason Smith (20) in a crucial partnership which clawed the visitors back into contention. Bascombes shot selection was excellent and he appeared to have steered Manor to victory before he was out for 60 with two runs still required and one wicket remaining. With the tension running high ice cool Mickey Bromhall saw Manor home to a very important morale boosting victory.

Last week dropped catches cost Manor dearly, and this week they got away with their errors, just!

With most Birmingham League grounds unplayable it is great credit to Manor grounds man Phil Shaw that a full game was able to take place on the opening day of the season at the Colin Smith Memorial Ground in Church Road.

Unfortunately the damp and cold weather seemed to affect the Manor lads in the field as several dropped catches meant they missed a great opportunity to make an early statement of intent in their push for promotion.

After being asked to bat in difficult conditions the hosts recovered from the loss of two early wickets with an excellent partnership between Irfan Saroop (66) and debutant Oronde Bascombe (46). Both players showed admirable timing on such a slow wicket but after they were dismissed other batsman found life much more difficult and Manor were reliant on a fine last wicket partnership between skipper Jason Furnell (31) and Mickey Bromhall to finish on a very competitive total of 208 from only 40.2 overs.

The key to this match though was going to be that Stourbridge had Manors unused overs giving them 69 overs to bat.Manors experienced opening attack of Arfan Khan (2-59) and Aurell Kirnon (1-19) bowled with great accuracy and after the first twenty overs the visitors had limped to 16-1. However, their patience was to pay off through a splendid innings of 115no from Josh Banks although he was assisted by Manor dropping him on no fewer than five occasions. Fielding conditions were extremely difficult but it is an area of the game in which Manor are going have to improve if they are to be serious promotion candidates.

Young Brinda Phaghura (2-48) and overseas spinner Armadeep Sonkar (2-53) were the other wicket takers as Stourbridge finally reached their target after a marathon 65.1 overs.

Despite defeat there were a lot of positives to take out of this performance, but the batsman must be more patient and use up more overs and the fielders must hold their catches.

Ages: 14-15
Start date: Thursday 12th April
Time: 6.30pm-8pm
Cost: £3 per session plus Junior Membership of £10
Venue: Aston Manor Cricket Club, Church Road, Perry Barr, B42 2LA

Click here to download the registration form.