Middleton Stoney 28 July 2021

Manager Greg Pearson

Won by 9 wickets

Middleton Stoney 100 for 7 (S. Skinner 2-8, E. Armstrong 1-18)

SOA 102 for 1 (T. Tanner 36*, D. Eaton 30*)

A new look SOA side was selected for the Middleton fixture, packed with youth, three debutants and three father & son pairings (technically two on the pitch but Tom Welch was a spectator).

Middleton batted first on a sticky pitch following a heavy burst earlier in the day. Leg spin from Skinner and then Welch proved difficult to play on that pitch as Middleton struggled to build partnerships. SOA fielding backed up the bowlers with superb one hand catches and diving stops from Tanner and Welch as well as a direct hit run out from Armstrong. Middleton got up to 100 of their 20 overs.

SOA top order were positive from the start with powerful hitting. Apart from the one run out, the target was reached with six overs to spare.

A lasting memory was the thunder storm that just seemed to miss the ground but provided beautiful and dramatic skies including a double rainbow. The famous Middleton BBQ returned this year as many new faces for this fixture enjoyed a post match pint and burger.