'Colliery Crack'

[Spinbowler]

WARREN Swan was denied his third ton of the season as Blackhall gained a winning draw at home to Bishop Auckland.
South African Swan, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Friday, was at his belligerent best on a drying surface at Welfare Park.
Losing the toss proved crucial, as Hall were asked to have first use of a pitch which was flooded by heavy rain on Thursday night.
But Swan and fellow opener John Darby rode the storm and put together a superb opening partnership.
With the ball jagging around, Swan was dropped on 0 and he made the visitors pay once he had seen off the new ball.
Darby had to be supremely patient and he was just starting to accelerate when he went for a patient 39 in the last over before drinks, with the total on 74.
Tony Booth came in and batted like a millionaire, as did Darren Hickey, and the pair made batting look easy.
When they went, for 25 and 35 respectively, Swan decided to take command and he smashed successive sixes off Martin Atkinson.
But time was running out for his hundred and with five needed from four balls, Swan was bowled by the impressive Dan Conway as Hall compiled an excellent 234 for 7.
In reply, Bishop lost John Barker early doors but Gary Pratt, the former Durham player, and Scott Oldfield set about building a useful partnership.
The crucial moment in the game came when Pratt, who had batted beautifully, was caught on the midwicket boundary off Swan for 77.
Masood Mirza then bowled the dangerous Ben Usher and the game was effectively up for the visitors.
But that wasn’t the end of the excitement as David Brown produced a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Guy Wilkes off Swan – an unbelievable piece of athleticism.
Mirza was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3-39 from 20 overs as the game ended in a draw, with Bishop failing to get any draw points from the game.
BLACKHALL: WC Swan b Conway 95, JI Darby b C Barker b Sawyer 39, A Booth b Usher 25, DJ Hickey b Atkinson 35, M Mirza lbw Conway 0, O Gwyn lbw Conway 0, DG Brown not out 3, N Whitworth b Conway 0, J Ward not out 0. Extras 37, Total 234 for 7.
Bowling: M Atkinson 1-43, D Conway 4-50, C Sawyer 1-44, C Barker 0-10, G Pratt 0-27, BC Usher 1-35.
BISHOP AUCKLAND: G Pratt c Mirza b Swan 77, J Barker lbw Cushlow 4, S Oldfield lbw Mirza 33, BC Usher b Mirza 9, D Conway lbw Swan 2, G Wilkes c Brown b Swan 7, C Barker not out 13, C Sawyer c Whitworth b Mirza 7, D Hardaker not out 2. Extras 17, Total 171 for 7.
Bowling: L Cushlow 1-27, J Ward 0-29, M Mirza 3-39, WC Swan 3-62.
Blackhall (16 points) drew with Bishop Auckland (six).
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"Just a moment - will you shut the f*** up, I'm on the phone - sorry about that."

[captain sam]

first time i had seen warren bat yesterday and he was first class. he's exactly the type of player the club needs both on and off the pitch. i think the commitee should be starting to think about next season as i reckon other clubs will be aware of the performances warren has put in already.
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i didnt say that

[JASE]

He sets out to bat the innings in the same manner a certain dougie watson used to. Yesterday he had about 8 runs from his first 60 balls faced but he stuck in and was unlucky not to get a ton. He also spends a lot of time up the club, gets on well with everyone and helps out with the kids and stuff. Aye your right zam, hes just the type of lad we need at Blackhall.
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http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/blackhalloldboys/

[Tiredness]

yh i think your right aswell zammo! i think we should be trying to get a deal sorted for his return next season!!!

[daveftm]

your rite there zammo, i was impressed with him on saturday, its the first i seen of him and he looks top draw

[Spinbowler]

Swan for England!
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"Just a moment - will you shut the f*** up, I'm on the phone - sorry about that."

[Sacko]

He could qualify if he married Browny also could then be non pro as well

If not Browny Im sure Lamby would take him