Speech House v Poulton
(Sat - League)

Poulton embarked on their mini tour of Wales with such high spirits that they probably produced their best performance of the year against mid-table Speech House.
  Having won the toss, skipper James had no hesitation in bowling first. South African Williams and Willard both made good use of the new ball picking up early wickets.
  Williams bowled with pace and Willard a good line to put the pressure on their opponents. Cartwright and Notley then started to score easily with Poulton's attacking field allowing runs to be scored in front of the bat.
  A change saw James replace Williams and he soon removed Cartwright for 21 before Steve Willard forced Notley to play on to his own stumps. Dave Dunn then replaced Willard who had bowled his 12 overs for just 28 runs with the reward of three wickets.
  Dunn produced a devastating spell of bowling by ripping out four of House's batsmen. Williams returned to remove the last man and the two bonus points were Poulton's.
  A mention of Ian Musty who kept wicket excellently, standing up to Willard showing his nerve and his talent with the gloves.
  In reply, Poulton openers Higginson and Leadbeater knuckled down well and lloked in no trouble at all playing shots to all parts of the ground.
  With the House's heads dropping, they both carried their bats with Higginson finishing the day with an excellent straight four down the ground.
  Both batsmen were superb, showing 100% concentration and effort for their side's victory. Although Dunn completely ripped the tail out of Speech House's innings, the man of the match award went to Mark Higginson who looks to have now found excellent form with the bat.
  As just reward, Poulton picked up a maximum total of 22 points for the first time this season to keep them well on track for the league title.

Brynmawr v Poulton
(Sun - Friendly)

Poulton travelled to bleak and windy Brynmawr suffering from the night before with only survival on their minds.
  Skipper Leadbeater lost the toss and had to bowl first. Paceman Greener and the swing of Leadbeater opened up against the Brynmawr batsmen. Greener found no luck whilst Leadbeater picked up George for 14.
  With Greener and Leadbeater tiring quickly, Musty and Coleman replaced them. Brynmawr were now scoring well with the Knapp brothers seemingly in no trouble at all.
  Higginson then removed G Knapp for 76 and A Knapp was caught in close off the bowling of Moss. In between, Harris bowled well with no luck along with Musty and Coleman.
  Brynmawr's total of 213 looked a good one for, in reply, Poulton were soon in trouble after losing the dangerous Willard for 0.
  Sollis then joined James and the pair put on a 140-run partnership. James was now playing some delightful shots, particularly through the off side and strong through mid-wicket.
  Sollis took his usual aerial route and was unlucky to be caught at cover for 48. With 60 runs required James was then bowled off his inside edge for a smashing 91.
  Coleman and Musty came and went before Neil Moss and Mark Greener saw Poulton home with one and a half overs remaining.