Team Ashley – 337 for 5
Team Connor – 323 for 5
Team Ashley win by 14 runs
Once again, the McKinley Trophy served up another Southside run-fest which saw a scintillating 168 not out from Connor McKinley that was not quite enough to get his side over the line, as brother Ashley’s team claimed a 14-run victory in an entertaining encounter.
In the 45th year of the McKinley Trophy, an impeccable minute’s silence was observed before the game, not only in remembrance of Nigel, Shaun and Geoff McKinley, but also for club legend Derek Spruce and Michael “Dingo” Hall, after his sad passing the previous month.
The club was saddened to hear the news of the passing of a long-time friend of the club. Dingo had a strong connection to the McKinley Trophy and had sponsored the match ball for the event on numerous occasions. The club would like to send their condolences to his family and friends at such a sad time.
Batting first, the stronger of the two line-ups (thanks to late withdrawals for Connor’s side), Team Ashley opened up with Ben Butler (29) and captain Ash, getting their side off to a flier, adding 58 in eight overs before Archie Ratcliffe (1-46) picked up the breakthrough. However, the runs continued to flow in what would be a high-scoring game.
Ash, in no mood to hang around, scored a breathtaking 72 from just 39 deliveries, hitting nine fours and five sixes before youngster Mikey Ineson (1-68) clean bowled the destructive batsman with a peach of a delivery.
Connor chopped and changed his bowlers, with no fewer than ten bowlers turning their arm over, Jack Todd (2-28) proving to be the pick of the bowlers, with a wicket apiece for Danny Collinson (1-36) and Connor McKinley (1-33). Todd was the only bowler who stemmed the flow of runs as Glenn Ratcliffe (46) and Daniel Fincham (72) progressed the scoring. Fincham batted superbly in his 54-ball knock, hitting nine fours and four sixes. Brian Butler (52* from 31) kept up the momentum, and along with James Hare (25*), the pair took the score to 337 for five at the end of their 40 overs.
It was a tough day for the bowlers, but special praise goes to youngsters Mikey Ineson and Archie Ratcliffe, who both impressed with the ball. The latter, in particular, gave a good account of himself, producing some excellent deliveries that on another day would have reaped more reward. Tom Ward led the way in the field for Team Connor, taking a good catch to remove the dangerous Duffill. The youngster flung himself about and was also unlucky not to take a wicket with his little away swingers.
At halfway, and after a splendid tea, it was felt that Team Connor needed something extra special if they were to even get anywhere near Team Ashley’s score, and their only hopes essentially lay upon captain Connor. He opened the innings alongside Bob Eldon-Smith, and he looked instantly assured at the crease as they got off to a strong start.
However, a rush of blood to the head for Eldon-Smith (14) saw him clean bowled by Josh Ratcliffe (2-40), and Josh wasn’t done there. On the next ball, he claimed the Ratcliffe bragging rights as he clean bowled Archie first ball.
Danny Collinson, given a rare outing at number four, survived the hat-trick ball before he and
Connor began to accumulate the runs and keep the scoreboard ticking. McKinley passed his half-century and kicked on as he and Collinson (72) added 165 for the third wicket from just shy of 20 overs, with McKinley notching a century in the process. They still required 112 from the final 12 overs.
A wicket apiece for Daniel Fincham (1-33) and Ashley McKinley (1-31) stemmed the tide, but Connor carried on his merry way, passing 150. Joined by Mikey Ineson (21*), the pair tried in vain to reach the victory target but would end slightly short as Team Connor closed on 323 for five, with Connor finishing with an unbeaten 168 from 132 deliveries, hitting 23 fours and two maximums in a fine knock, scoring the highest individual score in a McKinley Trophy final, earning him the player of the match award.
But it was brother Ashley who lifted the winner’s trophy in what was another excellent day. Special thanks go to all those involved – Karen and Jason for the teas, Phil for scoring, Jason and Malcolm for the umpiring, and all those who helped on the day.
