Tintwistle CC crowned Bissenden Cup Winners 2010
Where to begin this little tale !!!!
On Sunday 15th August 2010 Tintwistle played Hawk Green at Compstall in the Final of the Bissenden Cup. Given that Tintwistle had beat Green the day before in the League, confidence was high in the Tinsle camp. The pre-match instructions from Skipper Rick Harris were simple, 'Don't Change Anything'. So at around 10pm on the Saturday evening (the eve before the Big Game), players like Damian probably finished his second beer and got some sleep. Likewise, other players probably did similar things. However, one player who had no intention of changing his routine was Matt Robinson. Buzzer (as we like to call him) decided to get obliterated and turned up at the team breakfast on Sunday morning still searching for his eyeballs!
Anyway, enough ribbing of Buzzer. About 40 people (players, officials and supporters included) met in Marple at 11am on Sunday morning to enjoy a pre-match breakfast FULL ENGLISH style. It gave the players time to relax and have a giggle prior to the big game. Then news also came in that we'd received a 'Good Luck' Tweet from Sky Sports Cricket Commentator and General Legend David 'Bumble' Lloyd. Once breakfast was settled, the Tintwistle clan made there way over to Compstall in good time for the start of the game.
Tintwistle won the toss and elected to bat first. Rick Harris and Matt Robinson opened up and got off to a decent start both playing some excellent run scoring shots. Robinson lost his wicket in comical fashion by knocking off his own bails. The score was 37-1 and in went Andy Littler. Littler did not last long against his former club losing his wicket for 0 after 3 balls. Weatherhead followed and also struggled, he went for 0 and Tinsle were in ominous shape at 48-3. It was made worse when Rick Harris strained his groin and required a runner. Martin Harris and Josh Smith came and went quickly and Tintwistle were in Dire Straits at 89-5.
Simon Barrow strode to the crease with Tinsle in desperate need of a partnership. Barrow batted superbly well and supported Harris as he reached his half century. There were some fine shots from both players as they put on a stand of 91 for the 6th wicket. At one point it was looking unlikely that Tintwistle would make 160, but both players increased the run scoring and Tinsle moved into the 180's. Both players eventually lost their wickets with Harris going for a brilliant 76 and Barrow a much needed and well crafted 38. The innings was closed with Andy Dwyer (0) and Mike Barber (2) who both finished with Red Inkers.
Tintwistle finished with 183-8 and took full advantage of the last over of the game which went for 13. The pick of the Green bowlers was Jordan Henderson (2-25).
After the interval Tintwistle really hit the ground running with James Pool and Matthew Robinson bowling superbly. Green looked wobbly at 68-4. Tinsle could smell blood and Simon Barrow and Tom Atkinson did a fantastic job as first change bowlers. The bowlers were also supported by a dynamite display in the field. Green continued to lose wickets and were in as much need for a partnership as Tinsle were. Green put on 39 for the 7th wicket and were 150-7 with a handful of overs to go. However, Skipper Rick Harris had done his maths and ensured the final overs would be bowled by Pool and Atkinson. It was too much for Green who were eventually bowled out for 166. Martin Harris finished with 1-44, Simon Barrow 1-35, Matt Robinson 1-27 but the stars of the show were Tom Atkinson 3-37 and James Pool who clocked off with magical figures of 3-15.
TINTWISTLE WERE CROWNED BISSENDEN CUP WINNERS 2010.
Credit must go to Hawk Green for being excellent competitors who play the game hard but within the spirit of the game. Also, a word of thanks to Compstall. John Richards and his team did a fantastic job. The ground looked great, the food was great and all the supporters had a great day out.
The presentation of the Trophy was made by League Chairman Karl Williams to Tinsle's winning Skipper Rick Harris who also collected the Man of the Match Award. Karl noted in his speech that Tintwistle's name was not on the Cup. He was correct. Tinsle have never won the Bissenden. We've had four previous attempts but lost in the final on all four occasions. It really does mean so much for Tintwistle to finally win this prestigious Cup.
