ELLESMERE Port’s game may have been hit by rain on Saturday, but skipper Gareth Boys found a real gem in the wet grass.
Coming up from the seconds, bowler Dwayne Bernard finally got his chance in the first team and really turned on the class.
Clean-bowling three of Trinity’s batsmen, he took an incredible debut 5-35 to give Port the impetus they needed against their hosts.
And although the Cheshire Alliance Division Two fixture was eventually rained off, Port gained batting points while Bernard staked a claim for a regular first-team slot.
Boys said: “I’d not seen him before but I’d heard good things. I thought it would be too much of a jump but he bowled 12 overs with four maidens. His enthusiasm was out of this world and fired us up.
“I’ve been trying to get it out of the lads all season but this display was above and beyond.”
Boys added about Bernard: “It was just pure raw talent.”
Trinity made 206ao with Hammad taking 3-27.
At the close of play Hammad was also starring with the bat at 60no, partnered by Nick Brimble on 9no to reach the magic 75 runs required for batting points.
Port are away to Norbury on Saturday.
In Division Three of the Cheshire Alliance, Port 2nds drew at home to Appleton 2nds. The visitors hit 153-6 (Daniels 3-42) before Port replied with 117-4.
At Capenhurst, visitors Audlem, who posted 229-3, won by 135 runs after bowling out Cape for 92.
In the Meller Braggins League, Castrol were also frustrated by the weather.
They were 30-0 chasing hosts Bunbury’s 188ao when rain stopped play for good.
The Oilmen host Old Parkonians on Saturday.
