Roses lose in rain-affected game at Birmingham
Mersey Rose 87-2 (Chris Marshall 36*, James Leech 32*; Sam Long 1-5) Birmingham Unicorns 88-4 (Tahir Muzzammal 24, Chris Long 17*; Anna Page 2-9) Birmingham Unicorns won by six wickets Scorecard Mersey Rose's hardball team travelled to Lapworth last Sunday to play a match against Birmingham Unicorns, the UK's second LGBTQ+ club.
Depleted due to injuries, illness and holidays, Roses were however boosted by the presence of Chris Marshall and Alex Smith from No Boundaries Cricket Club and James Leech from Unicorns. The game was initially billed as a 40-over match but rain delayed the start time and the overs were reduced to 25 per side. Mersey Rose batted first with James Leech looking assured as the visitors sought to post a respectable target. Unfortunately Aaron McKenna was out early, bowled by Simon Best for 1; Billy Gartside, making his debut, looked solid until he was bowled by Sam Long. Having lost two wickets, Chris Marshall came to the crease and quickly took control as he sought to improve the run rate. Having made unbeaten contributions of 32 and 36 respectively, Leech and Marshall were retired shortly before the end to allow other players the chance to bat.
Mersey Rose ended the innings on 87 for 2, which never really felt sufficient. However, Rose struck early and reduced Unicorns to 16 for 2 with wickets from McKenna and Gartside. The hosts scored steadily and, while Anna Page picked up another two wickets courtesy of splendid catches from Dean Chilton-Davies, Unicorns reached their target with more than four overs to spare. Their outstanding batter was Tahir Muzzammal, who hit a quick and entertaining 24 that included two sixes.
After several games were cancelled due to adverse weather we were delighted to be playing cricket. Many thanks to Unicorns for hosting us and of course the inclusive spirit in which they always play.
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