First loss of season for Atherton

ATHERTON’S unblemished record in the Cricket Far North competition came to an end on Saturday with the side going down to Norths at Griffiths Park on Saturday by 3 wickets. 

Electing to bat first, Atherton got away to a shaky start against some quality bowling from Norths spinner Chris Stanger who accounted for the top order to have Atherton on the back foot 4-68. 

The return of Brendan Nasser and Pete Sceresini to the side bolstered the middle order and their 98 run partnership restored some respectability to the scoreline with Atherton closing their innings all-out for 188. Pete Sceresini top-scored for Atherton hitting 61 runs off 66 balls. 

In response, Norths kept level with the run-rate throughout much of the match whilst holding the upper hand with wickets-in-hand. 

Michael Salerno was the best of the bowlers, snaring the wickets of both opening batsman and a valuable third wicket. 

Brendan Nasser sparked life into the field with a direct hit run-out and some close chances in the field kept pressure on the opposition. 

Paul Nasser 2-36 and Tom Boorman 0-24 supported well with the ball keeping the game in the balance to the final stages before Norths passed the target in the 39th over. 

Next local match is Atherton v Mulgrave at Loder Park this Saturday, November 21