Poynton 67, Oxton 73-1. Oxton won by nine wickets.
This was an extremely disappointing end to a disappointing Poynton season. For the third year in succession they missed out on promotion back to the Premiership, and on this occasion they were as many as 75 points adrift.
Here things began to go wrong for Poynton when a wicket fell from the third ball, and their fortunes never improved. Derwin Thompson's 20 was the top score as they were routed by Andy Birley with a remarkable seven wickets for eight runs in 14.1 overs.
Poynton were put in on a wicket displaying excessive lateral movement and variable bounce, but undoubtedly Oxton were by far the superior side. Despite the slow scoring rate in reply, Poynton took only one wicket as Simon Stokes guided already promoted Oxton home with an unbeaten 43.
After a season of puzzling inconsistencies – this Poynton side could play superbly one week and be heavily beaten the next – certain individuals deserve special mention.
Simon Turner took 52 wickets, including at least one in all but this game, and bagged five matchwinning five wicket hauls. Jamie Maltman weighed in with 36 victims and Derwin Thompson 28. Undoubted batting star was the veteran Brian Kingham, who with 708 runs and two centuries, showed he is still a fine player. Unfortunately none of his colleagues could pass 400 runs this year.
