PUBLISHED 14 May 2021
Report by Mr Castellas
AKS Lytham 4/122 def Manchester Grammar School 2nd XI 4/99
MOM: Captain Ali M 34 (40) & 0/9 off his 4 overs in his last game of Senior Cricket at AKS.
AKS faced the formidable Manchester Grammar School 2nd XI at home on a pitch offering plenty for both bat and ball. Batting first, AKS batted positively, taking many quick singles and hitting gaps at will. The openers capitalised on a good start and set about increasing the run rate, which saw several boundaries and an excited crowd of AKS students and staff. When Ali M lost his wicket, AKS were 1/70 and looking to push the score to the highest level possible in the remaining overs. Whilst there were valuable contributions from Tristan L (10) and Daniel S (14no), it was Morgan D who steered the innings, only out on the last ball for a well compiled run-a-ball 56.
In the team chat before taking the field, AKS set high standards for themselves and would settle for nothing more than our best effort. This materialised, with Ali M and Yash P bowling their best games of the season, only allowing 8 runs off the first 4 overs and putting scoring pressure in the opposition from the beginning. Although the run rate was low, the wickets were not coming for AKS, and a last-minute onslaught was always a possibility - so the pressure was on the ‘keep the lid on’. Daniel S got the breakthrough, dismissing MGS’s dangerous opening batter TJ for a well-made 20. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with Fraser B picking up 2 and Max G grabbing 1. The immense pressure of the AKS fielding was a highlight, with players desperate to save even the slightest chance of a run and Jacob B taking a brilliant running outfield catch to dismiss the MSG captain at a critical point in the game.
The AKS boys were enthusiastic and energetic at all times, keen to play their part - in no small part because they had a shared goal of performing well for our Captain Ali playing his last match for AKS after debuting back in 2018. Ali bowled the final balls and it was lovely to see the team celebration and what it meant to Ali and also to his team mates to send him off in great fashion.
Ali has been a fine member and captain of AKS Cricket - we wish him well in his further pursuits and hope to welcome him back as a supporter in the future.