Poppa's century lays foundation for Macc victory

Firsts welcomed Stockport Georgians to Victoria Road, looking to extend their winning run of three games.

- SIMON GRIFFITHS

Home captain Jack Massey won the toss and decided to bat, not an easy decision following overnight rain and an ‘iffy’ weather forecast.

However, it seemed to be a good decision as he, alongside Andrew Poppa put on 71 for the first wicket. Massey was first to fall in the 20th over, lbw for 34 off 58 balls. The bowler was Jordan Richards, who was the fifth bowler Georgians’ skipper James Locke had used to break the opening partnership. Six runs later Joe Moores was dismissed, for 1, also lbw, off the same bowler.

Other bowling changes worked well for Georgians as the run rate dropped, hovering at under four an over.

Brad Porter, after a cautious start, tried to give the innings some momentum but this was cut short when he was well caught on the boundary for 29 by Sam Bright, who parried the ball as it was about to go for six then smartly stepped in field to take the catch.

John Birchall joined Poppa, who had now passed his 50 and he gave the scoreboard a boost.

He quickly scored 34 off 31, including two massive sixes. He fell in the 41st over, caught on the deep long-on boundary.

Meanwhile Poppa was picking up the pace, making the most of being dropped twice in the 50s.