25/05/2026
WHITAKER’S SIX-FOR KEEPS HEYSHAM 3s TOP 🔥🏏
Sunday saw Heysham 3s welcome Kendal 3s to a sun-soaked Carr Lane — and it turned into another strong all-round performance.
Losing the toss, skipper David Whitaker (sponsored by Little Sloggers) saw Heysham put into bat.
Tom Chapman (sponsored by Dave, Cate and Tom Barker) and Will Barnes opened up and gave us a solid start. Chappers looked in great touch, playing some lovely shots before being dismissed for 18. Another quick wicket followed, bringing Charlotte Whitaker (sponsored by Clear Business Finance) to the crease.
Charlotte immediately put Kendal under pressure, taking the attack to the bowlers and scoring a brilliant 35, including three fours and two sixes — one of them disappearing towards Berwick Way!
After her dismissal, David Whitaker joined Barnes and got busy, picking up quick singles (and even being called a “whippet” — which he seemed quietly pleased about 😄).
Barnes, who had anchored the innings well, was eventually out for 18. Danniel Stokes (sponsored by Brian Calverley) came in, but a mix-up saw Whitaker run out for 20 just as things were building.
Thomas Marsden (sponsored by 3-1-5 Health Club) brought his usual creativity to the crease batting briefly with Danniel before Stokes was dismissed. Dan Cronin (sponsored by Heart Church) came in and, alongside Marsden, kept things moving with good running between the wickets.
Cronin added 5 before Will Stokes (sponsored by Bespoke Interiors by CRW) came in. Marsden and Stokes then built a really important partnership, combining smart running with some well-timed boundaries from Marsden.
Heysham closed on 145/9 from their 40 overs — a competitive total on a good surface.
Credit to Kendal’s opening spin bowlers, who both bowled excellently and look very promising.
As always, Ally Chapman produced a top-class tea (complete with HCC cake toppers!) — much appreciated by everyone 👏
Heading out to field, Heysham knew they’d need to be sharp.
CJ Green (sponsored by Heysham Jubilee Institute) and Will Stokes opened the bowling and kept things tight early on. Green struck twice, finishing with 5 overs, 2 wickets for 20, while Stokes was unlucky not to pick one up, ending with 5 overs, 1 maiden for just 16 runs.
A change brought on Charlotte Whitaker, who bowled with great persistence. Her efforts were rewarded via a brilliant bit of fielding — Thomas Marsden firing in from the boundary and Charlotte completing a sharp run out.
At the other end, David Whitaker was getting into his work — and once he started, there was no stopping him.
Dan Cronin came on for his first spell of the season, picking up a wicket and finishing with tidy figures of 5 overs, 1 maiden, 17 for 1 (nets might still be calling though 😅).
But the story of the innings was Whitaker. Mixing it up, keeping batsmen guessing, and taking wickets at regular intervals. Kendal simply had no answer.
Whitaker finished with outstanding figures of 9.3 overs, 1 maiden, 25 runs and 6 wickets — a match-winning spell.
Kendal were bowled out, and Heysham secured another win to stay top of Division 5 ✅
Special mention to the fielding — Charlie Barnes (sponsored by Charley Anderson-Wyse) was outstanding, and Tom Chapman as reliable as ever.
Another strong team performance, backed by great support around the ground — thank you to everyone who came down 👏
Match Sponsor: AMRAP Fitness Meals LTD
Player of the Match: David Whitaker
After the game, the team enjoyed the sunshine with a BBQ — big thanks to David & Michelle Whitaker for organising, and Gav Winder (Claire) for an elite-level salad 🥗🔥
Next up: back at home against Barrow 3s as we look to stay top.
