Unbeaten Bamess century sets up Pemberton victory

Pemberton have taken down Northcliffe by six wickets in the first southern derby of the 2021-22 season.

With grey clouds and the chance of rain threatening, Northcliffe won the toss and elected to bat.

Phil Thomas (14) and Wayne Smeathers (37) got their team off to a solid start, putting on 38 for the first wicket.

Jason Treasure (53) came out and continued his form from last week, ticking the score over nicely with Smeathers.

By the time Steve Mills (2-28) dismissed Smeathers, the score was 113 from 27 overs and the base had been set for a charge in the second half of the innings.

Pemberton fought back with the ball brilliantly, taking the next six Northcliffe wickets for 34 runs.

Daniel Moynihan (3-23) and Mills did most of the damage, while Riley Liddelow (1-15) was the most economical.

Mason Abbott (17) and Leon Ewing (9 not out) did well at the death to get Northcliffe to 172, with sharp running between the wickets.

Pemberton’s start did not go according to plan, with Damien Hodge (0) bowled by young Bailey Maxwell (1-56).

Coming off a century last week, Gary Mills (22) and the evergreen Peter Bamess (110 not out) steadied the ship, putting on 57 runs together.

When Abbott (2-14) trapped Mills lbw and Liddelow (0) fell soon after in the same fashion to Treasure (1-37), Northcliffe were back in the hunt having Pemberton 3-67.

Enter John Starkie (26), who teamed up with Bamess to guide Pemberton to a close win, chasing down the target in the 42nd over.