After weather concerns, a considerable number of unavailable players and a postponed match for the three's. A fairly unfamiliar looking 4th team took to the pitch away at Alder CC with every hope of getting a W on the Match Result Form. With varying weather forecasts being delivered for the day ahead, Formby elected to bat having won the toss.

With the solid looking pairing of Jake Eastwood and Andy McMorran heading the order, it was hoped that a good start would be in the offing. However, McMorran failed to trouble the scorers flashing one behind. Ed Lowe stepped in and played an assured looking 21 as Eastwood began to tick along until Lowe himself was caught behind.

Enter the metronome! Jackson "Clockwork" Cockbain, took to the crease after a fantastic knock last week and immediately steadied the ship. In a fantastic partnership which tallied to 54, it also brought up Eastwood's 50 and the team 100 before a good ball forced a solitary mistimed shot from Eastwood and he left the track with a well worked and thoroughly deserved 53.

Debutant Jim Hathaway served up a delightful cameo before he, Owens and Cockbain all fell in fairly quick succession. And up stepped Josh Burt and George Hatton, looking liked seasoned veterans compared to the many young faces that are appearing in the 3's and 4's development sides at Formby CC. Having played along steadily to 127, Hatton and Burt expedited proceedings with a sharply acquired 42 and 23 respectively. Upon Hatton being removed, there was time for Arthur Cook to play a hasty four back past the bowler before he too fell and Morton felt it best to declare before he embarrassed himself.

So 199-8 was a good solid total and with the pitch continuing to dry out and the chances of rain retreating, it looked like an inviting score for Alder to attack. After a cracking set of teas (thoroughly recommend the soup on a blustery May Sunday) Formby took to the field to attack. Unfortunately, it just seemed like one of those days where wickets would come, just not fast enough.

With Cook and Burt opening the bowling and out to cause mischief with an interesting track and fairly windy conditions, everything looked well in order. The bowling was tight and the opposition were unable to really establish themselves at the crease but as the required rate climbed and having lost their top four for just 37 runs in 16 overs, the wall was built, the bus was parked, they shut up shop. Anything an inch outside off was left, everything else was blocked and even with some serious questions asked by some fantastic deliveries, it was always going to be tough to dismiss such a talented and determined bunch.

Josh Burt was exceptional throughout his spell ending with figures on 12-6-15-2 (overs/maidens/runs/wickets) whilst Cook took 14-3-32-3. It was however great to see more solid performances from the juniors with Matty Baines in particular doing well, getting another wicket after first slip, Jordan Owens covered round to the leg side to take a cheeky catch, as well as Baines only conceding 9 runs from his four overs.

Eastwood, Cockbain and Lowe also bowled similarly tight spells, even with Lowe being asked to deliberately throw some up and tempt the batsmen.

Alder finally saw out the overs with a score of 92-6 that never really threatened Formby. It was just unfortunate for a talented young side that there wasn't much to be had from the pitch which didn't help see a result achieved. It was however a great atmosphere and the young lads are showing plenty of ability and ever growing maturity. It was also great to get a few of the senior guys playing together again and shows that there is going to be some strength in depth this season for the pool of Sunday players (More are always welcome though!).

So onto next week and the 4's are at home to Birkenhead St. Mary's. Here's hoping to another good performance and this time a win to reward the effort being shown.