NPCL U21s defeat MCC at Kendal Captain Atkinson leads from the front McGann the pick of impressive bowling attack Alex Atkinson on his way to the game's top score of 48 Netherfield and Cumberland batsman Alex Atkinson skippered the Northern Premier Cricket League U21s side to a four wickets win over the MCC at Kendal Cricket Club on Friday. The 19-year-old led from the front, hitting the game's highest score of 48 as the League side just beat the incoming rain to record a notable victory with 29 balls to spare. An MCC side containing several current or former Northern League players made 169/7 declared in 55 overs with the League side reaching their target in the 42nd over for the loss of six wickets. The NPCL U21s Back Row - Clive Henderson (Team Manager) Chris Williams, Niall Burke, Jack White, John Huck, Will Moulton, Ben Willis Front Row - Kieran McGann, Jordan Clarke, Alex Atkinson (Capt), Jack Bentham, Nathan Armstrong Team Manager Clive Henderson was delighted with the day. "Kendal CC staged the event superbly and it was lovely to see so many Northern League cricket enthusiasts enjoy the day's cricket," he said. "Alex skippered the side expertly and I was extremely impressed with the way the players set about the task. It proved to me that we have so many talented players in the league and the future is in good hands. Kendal CC staged the prestigious fixture superbly "The players were all committed to playing in this prestigious game and their application and approach was very impressive. Each and every player contributed to what was a most satisfying day that reflected the League in a very good light. It is to be hoped that this fixture will become an annual event and a real highlight of the season." The MCC side, captained by former Chorley favourite Nigel Heaton recovered well to set a competitive target after being reduced to 46/5. Openers Charlie Wedgewood and James Reynard both fell early; Wedgewood to a slick slip catch by Will Moulton off Jack White; ex-Chorley opener Reynard to John Hick's smart catch off Morecambe's Chris Williams. The experienced Minor Counties cricketer Paul Davidge was then bowled by Williams, who has established himself in the Cumberland side this season. Harry Smallwood, the Baildon all-rounder was bowled by Niall Burke for 21 and Heaton caught by Kieran McGann off Ben Willis to leave MCC struggling. Netherfield professional Ben Laughlin, an Australian ODI, and ex-Kendal and Cumberland spinner Andy Wilson repaired the innings with a stand of 56. Laughlin hit 38 off 53 balls including two sixes before he was superbly caught at point by Burke just after lunch. McGann, the 17-year-old Fleetwood off-spinner bowled an impressive spell and went on to take 2/39 off 15 overs. Fleetwood's Kieran McGann was the pick of the NPCL bowlers Wilson was bowled by McGann for a valuable 27 off 74 balls and former Netherfield fast bowler Scott Clement struck some lusty blows to hasten the declaration. Clement, who now plays for Appleby made an unbeaten 34 off 58 balls and shared an unbroken eighth wicket stand of 44 with wicketkeeper Andy Lemmey. Netherfield leg-spinner Marc Hadwin and ex-Chorley pro Josh Marquet, now with Clitheroe did not bat. Williams took 2/26 off 12 overs, White 1/52, Willis 1/13 and Burke 1/35. The Darwen pair of wicketkeeper Jordan Clarke and Burke opened with a stand of 26 before Burke was caught behind by Lemmey off Marquet for 6. Clarke batted fluently for 25 until he was caught at slip off Smallwood in the last over before tea to leave the League side 47/2. After tea Atkinson and Netherfield colleague John Huck shared a productive stand that saw the League side past the century mark; this was broken when Huck was adjudged caught behind off Wilson for 21. Atkinson fell soon later on the verge of his half-century, bowled by Wilson for 48 off 54 balls with eight fours and one six. Chorley's Moulton perished in the outfield, caught by Marquet off Hadwin and St Annes' Nathan Armstrong was bowled by Laughlin after making 24 off 36 balls. With rain clouds threatening Chorley's Jack Bentham and Williams hurried the League side towards their target as light drizzle fell. Bentham was 15 not out when Williams struck the winning boundary off Marquet in the 15th of the final 20 overs. No sooner had the game finished shortly after 20 past six than the rain became heavier. Willis (St Annes), White (Kendal) and McGann did not bat. Wilson was MCC's best bowler on his return to his old club, taking 2/22 off eight overs. Marquet, Laughlin, Smallwood and Hadwin each took one wicket for the MCC. TO SEE MIKE LATHAM'S PICTURES OF THE DAY NPCL U21s v MCC Click Here SCORECARD Northern Premier Cricket League U21s v MCC at Kendal CC 15th July 2011 MCC won the toss and elected to bat. MCC Innings Batsman How Out Bowler Total James A Reynard Ct John Huck Chris Williams 7 Charles j Wedgewood Ct Will Moulton Jack White 3 Paul M Davidge Bowled Chris Williams 3 Harry Smallwood Bowled Niall Burke 21 Nigel Heaton (Cpt) Ct Kieran McGann Ben Willis 9 Ben Laughlin Ct Niall Burke Kieran McGann 38 Andy R Wilson Bowled Kieran McGann 27 Scott Clement Not Out 34 Andy B Lemmey (WK) Not Out 18 Extras 9 Total 169 - 7dec NPCL U21s Bowling Bowler Overs Mdns Runs Wkts Chris Williams 12 4 26 2 Jack White 12 0 52 1 Ben Willis 7 3 13 1 Niall Burke 9 1 35 1 Kieran McGann 15 3 39 2 NPCL U21s Innings Batsman How Out Bowler Total Jordan Clarke (WK) Ct Nigel Heaton Narry Smallwood 25 Niall Burke Ct Andy Lemmey Josh Marquet 6 Alex Atkinson (Cpt) Bowled Andy Wilson 48 John Huck Ct Andy Lemmey Andy Wilson 21 Nathan Armstrong Bowled Ben Laughlin 24 Will Moulton Ct Josh Marquet Marc Hadwin 4 Jack Bentham Not Out 15 Chris Williams Not Out 10 Extras 20 Total 173 - 6 MCC Bowling Bowler Overs Mdns Runs Wkts Josh Marquet 8.1 0 35 1 Scott Clement 6 1 12 0 Ben Laughlin 6 1 27 1 Harry Smallwood 4 1 22 1 Marc Hadwin 9 1 37 1 Andy Wilson 8 1 22 2 Umpires: J Whiteside and D Cooper. Scorers: C Robinson and Mrs D Cooper. Result: NPCL Under21s won by four wickets at 6.22pm.

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