When a team steps onto the field with a point to prove, you can often tell from the very first ball. And on Saturday, there was no mistaking the intent: ruthless, disciplined, and unrelenting. Christleton, newly promoted and full of ambition, were given a stark reminder of the levels required — and by the end, it was a statement victory for a side hungry to make 2025 their year.

Littler and Sandlands: New Ball, New Standards
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Christleton’s optimism evaporated almost immediately. Jonny Littler (9-2-26-2) needed no second invitation, finding Alex Livingstone’s outside edge to hand Danny Leech a simple catch.

The pressure only intensified. Jamie Sandlands (7-3-19-3) tore through the top order, removing Ben Stoddart and the overseas signing Darcy Graham in quick succession. At 42/4 after just 10 overs, Christleton were reeling, with little hope of a meaningful recovery.

Tom Wells (45) and Ali Begg (19) showed some resistance, putting together the visitors’ highest partnership, but the spin of Andy Dufty (10-6-11-2) proved too much — Begg trapped LBW, and momentum shifted decisively back to the hosts.

The middle overs were expertly marshalled by James Bell (10-0-29-1), whose consistency earned the wicket of Ben Ainsworth — another familiar face at Pinfold Lane. When Frazer Heginbotham (3-0-5-2) claimed Wells and another tailender in quick succession, Christleton’s innings limped towards its conclusion.

There was even room for a moment of brilliance: a sharp edge, a full-stretch dive from George Moss, and Danny Leech swooping in to complete a stunning catch — a snapshot of a side thriving in the field.

Christleton’s final total of 131 from 45 overs was well below par, but as cricket so often reminds us, no match is won at the halfway stage.

Measured, Then Merciless

If there were any nerves about the chase, Danny Leech (16) and Andy Dufty (25) quickly settled them. The pair pierced the field with authority in the opening PowerPlay, putting early runs on the board before Dufty was bowled by Stoddart.

There followed a minor stumble — Leech and Ed Roberts both departing in quick succession — leaving the match delicately poised at 59/3.

Enter Nick Ball (35). Calm and assured, Ball rotated the strike beautifully alongside Jonny Littler (31), building the innings’ key partnership of 52 runs. Their calculated approach snuffed out any hopes Christleton had of an unlikely comeback.

A brief hiccup saw both set batters dismissed, but with just 20 needed, George Moss (14) and Jake Forth (6*) eased the side over the line, sealing victory on the first ball of the 33rd over.

A Team Performance to Build On

From the first ball to the last, this was a performance to be proud of. Littler and Sandlands laid the foundations with the new ball, Ball and Littler showed maturity with the bat, and the fielding effort — sharp, energetic, and committed — underlined the team’s intent.

On this evidence, the season ahead holds exciting promise. A statement made. A bar set. And something special, perhaps, beginning to stir.